The law of supply and demand in the case of film camera availability will be influenced you can be sure by how much demand continues for film cameras. I think if you follow the discussions now about what cameras people collect it is highly influenced by certain brands and models that have acquired a mystique over time. I don't see any mention of people collecting Kowa or Miranda cameras<S>.

The principles of light and optics have not been changed because of digital capture, and to become a skilled photographer still requires a thorough understanding and appreciation of light and lighting as well as optical properties and functions. How images are captured and reproduced using a computer involves both knowledge and skill that must be learned in depth to become a proficient and capable photographer. So I see no reason just because the wet darkroom is abandoned photography will not be taught in schools much as it has been in the past.

Even though the digital world has taken over I think only a few film cameras will hold the interest of collecters, but i feel the most value will be with ones that have been a personal part of ones life. Film will have a place for some time to come. After all where would digital be if film was not there to set the standard. Monte Johnson.

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Answers have been truncated for sake of economy of time and effort. It's irritating to put twenty minutes into an answer only to have it deleted for no known cause.

Do I think Canon will follow? Im surprised they weren't the leader!! Nikon tends to take a slower approach to these sorts of things.

Do I think people will start buying up film cameras? GOOD film cameras yes...im sure the F6 will be prized as the last of the best..but who cares about an N65 from a collector's standpoint.

basic knowlege of photography? wont be effected at all....the basics dont change. If you can take a great image with a film camera you can still do the same with a digital. Color darkroom NEVER caught on in the first place due to the huge expense and complexity. Black and white darkroom will continue on in its current state......a place for artists and purists to work. Digital darkroom will replace it for the rest. No harm no foul. The truth is MOST people will do what they have always done, take the pictures and leave the printing to somebody else.

its a sad footnote...to see Nikon drop the film cams. ....but its reality. Its not like I was really considering buying a new film camera anytime.

I received an email from Canon.They replied," as long as there is still a worldwide demand for film/analog units we will continue to make and sell them. Currently Analog cameras have enough market volume across the globe, and we intend to supply appropriate products."
Konica Minolta Holdings Inc. said on Thursday ( according Reuters) that it would withdraw from the camera and photo business and transfer a portion of its digital single lens reflex camera assets to Sony Corp. They plan to withdraw from the camera business as of March and cease film and color paper production by March 2007.

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Do I think people will start buying up film cameras? GOOD film cameras yes...im sure the F6 will be prized as the last of the best..but who cares about an N65 from a collector's standpoint.

The F6 is still in production as is the FM10 - those have not been discontinued. I'm disappointed the N80 was though; I have an F5, but the N80 was a great camera for those times when I'm travelling - I mostly shoot 4x5 when traveling.