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Why different names in different markets?
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 4:24 pm    Post subject: Why different names in different markets? Reply with quote

A question out of curiosity. I have noticed that it is not uncommon for a particular camera model to have a different name in different markets. Often it is called X in North America and Y in the rest of the world (although other variations exist of course).

Example: Minolta X500 / X570. Olympus OM-20 / OM-G (surely not for the acronym? I doubt that was even in use back then). OM-30 / OM-F. Nikomat / Nikkormat.

I am sure there are plenty of examples. But... WHY? What is the point of calling something by a different name somewhere? Especially when it is a combination of letters and numbers. Please enlighten me, because I don't get it.

Regards, C.


PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 6:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Possibly to make it easier to clamp down on the grey market and maintain differential pricing and marketing? - easier to spot by model name and/or number rather than having to check serial numbers.

Especially for the hapless buyer it would be easier to spot a grey market item offered for sale.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market


PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Accounting for tax and trade purposes.


PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 7:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aha. This makes sense, thank you.

Regards, C.


PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2024 8:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am only assuming. Smile And I'm picking one reasonable explanation from the many often complicated, even irrational, "real" reasons. Such happens whenever governments try to regulate.

For example, shortly after WWII, lenses and cameras could not labeled "Made In Japan". I've bought and sold some Takumars that have both "Takumar" and "Made In Japan" removed with a grinder, I assume by returning service men to fool US Customs. By the 1970s Asahi Pentax cameras and lenses could be sold iin USA only if branded Honeywell. Now all products from Japan must be labeled "Made In Japan".

The reasons get political very quickly...

EDIT:

Another example Canon EOS 300D, 20 years ago:

Quote:
The Canon EOS 300D, manufactured by Canon, was marketed in North America as the EOS Digital Rebel, in Japan as the EOS Kiss Digital, and was also sold as the DS6041.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_300D

To get a picture of the political-eonomic situation of the time https://www.infoplease.com/year/2003