Photoclubalpha

Today I met one more person who bought into the Canon architecture because she didn't know her Minolta film kit was compatible with the Sony line. She does weddings and maternity shoots with a 400D now, using rented lenses from a local shop. That shop had been burned by Sony's policy (at least in the states) of not selling through anybody that doesn't also sell major appliances...it is unlikely they told her anything about Sony or continuing with her original kit.

I'm having trouble understanding why Sony chose to risk alienating so many retailers and amateur photographers...or if they're even aware that they have done so.

It's not really true - just a coincidence. The financial requirements to become a Sony dealer are rigorous - it's next to impossible for any small store owner to make the grade. These stores instead have to buy through third party warehouse distributors (in the UK- Jessop, Swains, Photomart, Calumet) and that means they can not get the best possible prices or direct access to offers and fast ordering.

I know one store which has managed to spend three months negotiating with Sony to become a dealer and succeeded. Their accounting dept said they had never before come across a store run by only one person and selling only photographic goods. It's just not what they are used to.

David