BradleyGibson
New member
It is a nice thought, but I don't think it'll play out that way. Here's why:
Manufacturing contracts such as these typically have minimum volume commitments associated with them. (Leaf was signed on to the Hy6 project for this very reason-- Jenoptik needed more volume than they could commit to on their own, and Leaf needed a body they could call their own).
Relatively low sales combined with this contractual obligation = high inventories (also expensive for Sinar). If these circumstances came to be when Jenoptik had a manufacturer online and in full swing, it is hard to see why things would be any better with a new manufacturer.
Arguably a new manufacturer might be more expensive than F&H, which wouldn't help the Hy6 price point. And, of course, they'd want their own minimum volume guarantees... Who is going to sign up for these volumes? Phase/Mamiya/Leaf is standing pat, Hasselblad certainly isn't going to bail these guys out, and Sinar's already backlogged with inventory! That leaves... Hmmm...
To complicate matters, someone'd have to step up for the optics Manufacturing too (again, with new attendant volume committments)--my understanding is that F&H did the assembly and HFT optical coatings of Rollei lenses--decades of experience. All difficult (ie. expensive) to replace.
It's hard for me to see all that coming together for the Hy6, unfortunately.
Manufacturing contracts such as these typically have minimum volume commitments associated with them. (Leaf was signed on to the Hy6 project for this very reason-- Jenoptik needed more volume than they could commit to on their own, and Leaf needed a body they could call their own).
Relatively low sales combined with this contractual obligation = high inventories (also expensive for Sinar). If these circumstances came to be when Jenoptik had a manufacturer online and in full swing, it is hard to see why things would be any better with a new manufacturer.
Arguably a new manufacturer might be more expensive than F&H, which wouldn't help the Hy6 price point. And, of course, they'd want their own minimum volume guarantees... Who is going to sign up for these volumes? Phase/Mamiya/Leaf is standing pat, Hasselblad certainly isn't going to bail these guys out, and Sinar's already backlogged with inventory! That leaves... Hmmm...
To complicate matters, someone'd have to step up for the optics Manufacturing too (again, with new attendant volume committments)--my understanding is that F&H did the assembly and HFT optical coatings of Rollei lenses--decades of experience. All difficult (ie. expensive) to replace.
It's hard for me to see all that coming together for the Hy6, unfortunately.
Bradley,
if Sinar has stock full with Hy6 the question is if this wouldnt maybe be an rgument to try to ensure that the Hy6 will be continued. The announcement would make it much easier for SInar to sell the Hy6 they have in stock. Otherwise I would be happy if they keep some in stock so I know they have all spareparts available for my Hy6
Last edited: