Here is some additional info:From a Nikon news release...

As a result of the new strategy Nikon will discontinue production of
all lenses for large format cameras and enlarging lenses with sales of
these products ceasing as soon as they run out of stock. This also
applies to most of our film camera bodies, interchangeable manual
focus lenses and related accessories. Although Nikon anticipates that
the products will still be in retail distribution up to Summer 2006.

In recognition of Nikon's commitment to professional photographers we
will continue to manufacturer and sell the F6, our flagship film
model, as well as a number of manual interchangeable lenses. Sales of
the manual FM10 will also continue outside Europe.

The whole story at
http://www.nikon.co.uk/press_room/releases/show.aspx?rid=201

Can the end of film be far?

Dave,

There is still a large part of the world that will be using film for some years to come, and enough of a niche market among fine arts photographers to support a viable business. Radio did not disappear with TV becoming popular and dominant, now we have Sirius!

Hi David,
It was just a bit of "tongue in cheek". I am sure that
film will be with us for a very long time. I am just surprised to see Nikon announcing this so early in the
game.

I think because Nikon has a big reputation too many people do not realize it is a small company compared to many other photo brands that are actually large conglomerates.

Nikon has to employ an astute strategy just to maintain because it cannot rely on deep pockets from a diversified product line like Minolta.

Hi David,

Nikon used to be a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, but I guess they may have spun it off a while back. I bet they own a piece of it still.

It's an OTC stock here, but is listed on many European

exchanges--mainly the same ones as their old parent company.