JIP issues a press release to unveil their intention with the Imaging Business

After Olympus also JIP is reacting to the negative press to try to calm the waters:

Regarding Olympus Imaging Business Transfer

Olympus Corporation (“Olympus”) and Japan Industrial Partners Inc. (“JIP”) signed a memorandum of understanding on June 24th regarding the carve-out of Olympus’ Imaging business to a new company (the “New Imaging Company”) and the subsequent transfer of its shares from Olympus to funds managed, operated and advised by JIP.

Founded in 2002, JIP, a leading private equity firm based in Tokyo, specializing in corporate carve-out investments, targets revitalization of traditional businesses in Japan and has provided capital and management support to businesses carved out from established companies.

JIP’s investment principle is to realize potential growth opportunities by making maximum use of existing business foundation and technologies that the investee companies and businesses have. JIP believes that by delivering value-added products and services to customers and by building an attractive company for employees, the business will be able to realize its full potential and seek growth opportunities.

The New Imaging Company would assume and build growth strategy around the renowned Zuiko, OM and other brands, featuring optical and lens technologies developed and cultivated by Olympus over decades. Assuming the R&D and manufacturing frameworks, the New Imaging Company would commit to deliver high quality and reliability products and services to the Olympus customers around the globe.

On July 2nd, Olympus made a global announcement regarding the latest M. Zuiko Digital Lens roadmap. The lens introduction plans presented in this roadmap will continue to be carried out even after the business transfer occurs.

New product development for each product category within the Imaging business will continue and we will keep you up to date as we make progress.

Olympus and JIP will make all necessary preparations for a smooth transfer of the Imaging business, and JIP is committed to make maximum efforts so that the new company will increase its presence within the global market as a vibrant and energetic venture.

If someone can give an example where a JIP  acquired company “increased its presence within the global market as a vibrant and energetic venture.” please comment on this post! Because I haven’t found anything positive about their track record yet…

Panasonic releases new firmware update: LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) for Mac and the development of LUMIX Webcam Software

Press text:

Panasonic announces new LUMIX firmware update and software programs

Including an update for LUMIX G Series cameras, ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ for Mac and the development of ‘LUMIX Webcam Software’

Panasonic has announced the release of a firmware update program for the LUMIX G Series mirrorless cameras, a new ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming’ beta software program for Mac, and the development of ‘LUMIX Webcam Software’ for Windows/Mac.

The latest firmware update for LUMIX G Series cameras improves compatibility with the new Tripod Grip (DMW-SHGR1) and operational stability with the LUMIX G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S (H-FS12032) lens.

The latest release of the ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming’ beta software program and development of ‘LUMIX Webcam Software’ increase flexibility for streaming and enhance home-working communications using LUMIX cameras.

Firmware update programs for GH5, GH5S, G9, G90, G80 and GX9

The firmware update program will be available from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/ on 21 July 2020.

LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) for Mac

Following the release of ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ for Windows, ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)” for Mac is now available. The beta program is derived from the conventional ‘LUMIX Tether’ (Ver.1.7) with an additional display option for the cases where this software is used for live streaming purposes. The new beta program includes a new display option designed for live-streaming, and makes it easy for the user to self-stream.

Originally, the ‘LUMIX Tether’ software program was designed for tethered shooting and therefore its GUIs, such as the focus area mark or control panels, are displayed with live view images on the PC monitor during USB tethering. However, in response to feedback from customers that these graphic items become a hindrance when the software is used to capture camera view for live streaming, LIVE VIEW mode has been added on ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’. This update enables the display of camera-view only, making it easy for the separate streaming software read. Users can now choose to show or hide these graphic items during USB tethering according to the usage purpose.

‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ is provided as a pre-release version that is currently still under development. Please note that this software is not eligible for operation warranty and customer support.

Compatible models: DC-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-GH5S, DC-GH5, DC-G9

LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta) is now available to download from: https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/lumixtether.html

How to live-stream with LUMIX camera and LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)

LUMIX Webcam Software

While ‘LUMIX Tether for Streaming (Beta)’ is software for tethered shooting that can also be used to capture camera views for live streaming, the upcoming ‘LUMIX Webcam Software’ makes it possible to use a LUMIX camera as a webcam over a USB connection not only for live streaming, but also for video conferencing, etc.

Compatible models: DC-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-GH5S, DC-GH5, DC-G9

Available from the end of September 2020 for Windows, and end of October 2020 for Mac.

‘LUMIX Webcam Software’ compatibility with the new DC-G100 is in development and the release date is to be confirmed.

Panasonic is committed to continuous improvement with its LUMIX product line, including the Full-Frame S Series and the Micro Four Thirds G Series, by providing customers with valuable products and services, a part of which are these firmware and software update programs.

 

･Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Olympus interview at Explora: “Again, Olympus views this transfer as an opportunity to enable its Imaging Division to continue providing value to both new and experienced photographers”

There is a new Q&A with Mr. Aki Murata posted on Explora:

With the support of JIP, we believe the consumer Imaging business will have the ability to build a foundation for improving profit structure and managing the business over the medium to long term as a new company, while accumulating innovative technologies and developing a solid brand position in the market.

Don’t know if those statements are just “damage control” or if they are seriously thinking to somehow continue to work on cameras in partnership with JIP.

Tokina just announced this 400mm f/8 Reflex lens (for MFT too)

Tokina announced this 400mm f/8 Reflex lens which you can use on any MFT camera with the Tokina Mount Adapter TA-015 for Micro 4/3.

Press text:

Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF lens worldwide sales date announcement

Jul 17, 2020

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the sales release of Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF lens.

Sales will commence on August 7, 2020.

Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF is a 400mm super tele lens that adopts catadioptric type optical design with a constant F8 aperture. The lens offers compact alternative to standard tele photo lenses as more and more photographers are looking for easy-to-carry gear. 400mm F8 Reflex MF is designed keeping in mind active travel photographers seeking for outdoor landscape, wild nature or birds by providing compact and lightweight lens to be rediscovered in the new era of also compact but high-tech mirrorless cameras.

Highlighted Features

  • Extremely compact and lightweight super tele lens
  • Macro shooting with 1:2.5 magnification
  • Specific donut-shaped and super smooth bokeh
  • Easy and precise focusing
  • Super compression effect
  • Versatile mount system for 5 camera mounts including 3 mirrorless mounts

Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF adopts 0.75mm pitch and 42mm thread mount standard, that allows this lens to be attached to any camera by using different mount adapters.

Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF can be required in Solo and Kit packages as below:

  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF (w/o mount adapter included)
  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF to fit Nikon F (with mount adapter included)
  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF to fit Canon EF (with mount adapter included)
  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF to fit Sony E (with mount adapter included)
  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF to fit Fujifilm X (with mount adapter included)
  • Tokina SZX SUPER TELE 400mm F8 Reflex MF to fit Micro 4/3 (with mount adapter included)

Mount adapters can be also purchased separately:

Olympus tells at Dpreview: “We think the transfer of the Imaging Division will have a positive effect on our imaging business. We will continue to develop the Micro Four Thirds system”


Image courtesy Dpreview

In an interview released at Dpreview Setsuya Kataoka, VP of Global Strategy, Olympus Imaging Division said this:

First, I would like to stress that the sale of the Imaging Division does not mean that we will withdraw from the imaging business. We will continue to offer unique and exciting products. Of course there will be some changes in management, and transformation of the organizational structure after the transfer, but these changes are to stabilize the business and strengthen the organization and our operations. We think the transfer of the Imaging Division will have a positive effect on our imaging business.

Maybe I am missing something but I can’t figure out the meaning of this statement. They sell the Imaging Division but this is not the end of their Imaging Business? Only rationale answer I can give myself is that Olympus will retain a considerable share in the new company they will make with JIP. Still I wonder why than future cameras cannot use the “Olympus” name

And here some more news:

  • Production of existing models will continue even after the sale to JIP
  • He also said: “I don’t expect that anything will happen that will not be good for our users. In all of our conversations about the transfer, ‘user first’ has been the bottom line.“
  • Future focus will be on High-end cameras and lenses and he stresses that “we will continue to develop the Micro Four Thirds system“

I don’t know, but I still have mixed feeling in this. It’s hard to trust Olympus manager after they told us many time this year they wouldn’t seel the Imaging Business…

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