Pentax Spain are teasing a gift-wrapped mystery product on their Facebook page. The opening of a Pentax coloured box is promised for this Friday, 1st June, on Pentax.es. We haven’t heard anything as yet from the UK or US Pentax divisions.

Olympus UK’s marketing department have obviously got a lot of spare time on their hands, as a mysterious scroll hints at a forthcoming portrait related product. Following last month’s nuts-inspired clue, we’ve received a sealed document declaring “A portrait! What could be more simple and more complex, more obvious and more profound. Charles Baudelaire, 1859. Olympus. Coming Soon”. Post your ideas about what the scroll is hinting at in our comments box…

This must be the strangest thing that’s ever landed in the Photography Blog office - Olympus have sent us a mysterious package that contains two walnuts in a plastic bag and a “Coming Soon” postcard. Quite what Olympus have up their metaphorical sleeve is beyond us - could it be another addition to their compact system camera lineup, a humble compact or something altogether more nutty? It’s definitely a hard one to crack, so stay tuned for more details as they break…

Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. is set to sell Popular Photography and American Photo, among other titles. Hachette is looking to sell a whole group of enthusiast magazines, and the two photography periodicals are part of this group, Advertising Age reports. Whether the titles are available for purchase individually or only as a group remains unclear at this point.

Website: Advertising Age

Sinar have issued a positive statement following the news that Franke & Heidecke, which manufactures the body for the Hy6 camera system, is insolvent. “We hereby firmly declare that we continue to stand by our renowned Service for all the products of our company. We are convinced to fulfill all our commitments.” states the press release. Apart from the Hy6, the demise of Franke & Heidecke has absolutely no effect on the core business of Sinar.

Canon USA have asked their customers not to cash rebate checks, following the bankruptcy of the company responsible for processing them. This affects mail-in rebate checks for Canon-brand printer and video products dated on or before November 14, 2008. Canon will be posting details on where to mail your rebate claim material and how to exchange your check for a new check that you will be able to cash.

What Digital Camera are holding an auction of photography equipment to raise money for Children in Need. Prizes up for grabs include the new Adobe CS4 (pictured), Canon EOS 30D DSLR and Samsung and Fujifilm compacts. You have until the close of Midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 19th November to submit your bid.

Website: Bid for a bargain in WDC auction for Children In Need

Kodak has filed complaints against Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics for infringement of Kodak digital camera patents. The patents in question cover technology related to image capture, compression and data storage and a method for previewing motion images. “We’ve held discussions with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue and have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. Consequently, we must take this legal action in order to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and existing licensees of Kodak digital camera patents.” said Laura G. Quatela, Chief Intellectual Property Officer, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. Kodak did not disclose the amount of damages it is pursuing.

Pentax have launched a new ad campaign dubbed “Be Interesting” in the USA. “Pentax users, and people who are naturally drawn to the brand, truly are independent spirits. They don’t follow. They decidedly beat their own drum. The campaign’s idea is to celebrate that independent spirit.” said Jim Real, Associate Creative Director/Copy at advertising agency RPA. The Be Interesting tagline will be deployed across all Pentax brochures, packaging and internal communications.

Photo Expo West is the largest photo show on the West coast of the USA. 13 of the world’s most famous photographers will lead 38 seminars over the two day show, which also brings 30,000 square feet of discounted photography gear. Held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Photo Expo West will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday 8th November and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday 9th November.

Panasonic are in talks with Sanyo to create Japan’s largest electronics retailer. Panasonic will approach Sanyo’s top three shareholders, with a sale of their shares possible from March 2009. Panasonic are particularly interested in Sanyo’s battery business, including the solar battery division.

Website: Panasonic to Start Talks to Acquire Sanyo

At this year’s PhotoPlus show in New York, Kodak will highlight the work of professional photographers on the Kodak Times Square Gallery. Throughout 2009, visitors to Times Square can experience the work of some of the world’s top photographers and learn more about their work. At the Kodak booth, Kodak will showcase its new Ektar 100 Film, the enhanced Network of Professional Photographers program and Kodak’s Pro Lab Locator, and new professional papers.

X-Rite will be showcasing its innovative line of color control solutions at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo show in New York. ““Our products reflect the digital imaging gamut – responding to our customer requests by offering high-performance solutions that include all the components necessary to meet their specific workflow and budget needs,”” comments Iris Mangelschots, X-Rite senior VP of global sales and marketing. The Coloratti speaker program features renowned photographers John Paul Caponigro and Andy Katz, offering advice on how to achieve excellent fine art print results.

The WPPI 2009 photography show takes place in Las Vegas from February 14th-19th. Aimed at wedding and portrait photographers, WPPI 2009 will be held in 600,000 sq ft of classroom and exhibition space at the MGM Grand Hotel & Conference Center. Centered around the theme “A World of Photo,” the WPPI `09 program features 350 leading manufacturers and exhibitors as well as photography training. “WPPI offers innovative ways to expand your business with the skills you need to compete in today’s challenging market along with skills to enhance your productivity. With almost 350 tradeshow exhibitors, and over 130 educational classes you can’t afford to miss WPPI ‘09,” states Rangefinder Publishing President, Skip Cohen.

During October Canon U.S.A. will contribute $150,000 to the American Cancer Society in recognition of breast cancer awareness month. Canon have teamed up with tennis superstar Maria Sharapova to create a special “bundle”, including a PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera and a SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer, both in pink melody, a pink ribbon charm and a mammogram reminder magnet. “Breast cancer is an important issue that affects too many women and it is critical to generate awareness, educate people about this disease and the importance of early detection and yearly mammograms,” said Maria Sharapova.  “I am proud to partner with Canon on this cause.”

Leica and Phase One have agreed to enter into a long-term strategic alliance in the technical development and marketing of professional photography products. Close cooperation has also been decided upon for the expansion of effective service and marketing structures. ‘Our two companies are an outstanding match for each other due to the similarity of their corporate cultures, their extraordinary innovative strengths and their dedication to absolute quality. Together with Phase One we will soon be able to begin offering professional customers a new range of products and services.’ commented CEO of Leica Camera AG, Dr Andreas Kaufmann.

Pentax’s Sales & Marketing Director of Imaging Systems, Mr. Toshiaki Iue, who recently joined the company in July, has stated that “Pentax’s relationship with Samsung is not perfect – there are some issues”, but went on to say that the two companies would continue their technology partnership for at least the near future. In a wide-ranging round-table interview held at Photokina, Mr Iue candidly answered questions on a wide range of topics, including Pentax’s future plans for their long-delayed digital 645 medium format camera, the potential impact of Micro Four Thirds, and their relationship with parent company Hoya.

SanDisk has rejected an unsolicited takeover attempt by Samsung. Bidding to acquire SanDisk for $26 per share in cash, Samsung’s approach values the company at $5.8bn. Eli Harari, Chairman of the Board of SanDisk and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We believe Samsung’s proposal does not provide appropriate value to our stockholders and is opportunistically timed at the trough of an industry-wide downturn. In our view, this proposal fails to recognize the value of our patent portfolio, in particular to Samsung, our significant investments in our strategic partnerships, and our technology leadership in 3 and 4 bits per cell flash memory, advanced controllers and three dimensional (3D) semiconductor memory.

Hoya, owner of Pentax, is to move production of its digital cameras from Japan to Vietnam and the Philippines. According to the Bloomberg report, output will be moved by March 31st 2009, with 250 workers in Japan being offered early retirement. The relocation will cost Hoya several million Yen. No distinction has been made between compacts and DSLRs, so we’re unsure if this affects both categories.

Website: Bloomberg - Hoya Will Move Digital-Camera Output to Philippines, Vietnam

Canon is the official imaging partner for The Tour of Britain cycle race for the fifth consecutive year. This year’s Tour of Britain is the longest yet, taking place over eight stages from 7th-14th September. Andy Vickers - Managing Director, Canon UK and Ireland said “Canon has been involved with supporting British and European sporting events for over 30 years and we are delighted to continue our support for The Tour of Britain as one of the top events in the cycling calendar.” The Canon Photography Competition gives spectators to the race the opportunity to win Canon digital imaging equipment, by taking the winning image of the 2008 race.