Nikon USA Press Release 12/04/04

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 12 /PRNewswire/—Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, announced today that it is an official sponsor of the New York Mets.  The partnership aims to support the Major League Baseball team with a variety of events throughout the year.

“Nikon is thrilled to support one of the most visible franchises in professional baseball,” says Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of Communications, Nikon Inc.  “Clearly, this is a unique way to combine our innovative products with a great American pastime.  As a Long Island-basedcompany, we are certainly excited to extend our corporate support to worthwhile organizations such as the Mets as well as the New York metropolitan community.”

While Nikon has long been involved with major league sports as the equipment of choice for professional sports photographers, this sponsorship marks the company’s first foray into a major sponsorship of a professional team.  As a result, Nikon is committed to making a significant contribution to this important relationship.

Nikon’s sponsorship of the Mets features promotional benefits that include 30-second announcements during select televised games, several in-stadium signs and banners, uniquely branded photographers’ wells and various sponsorship activities.  It also includes events with Mets professional photographers, including a private Opening Day breakfast showcasing spring
training photographs taken with the remarkable Nikon D2H by Official Mets Photographer Mark Levine and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Rick Rickman.

As part of the season’s activities, Nikon will sponsor Team Photo Day at Shea Stadium during the Sunday, September 12 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.  On that date, a Mets team photo will be distributed to the first 40,000 adults in attendance at the Stadium.  Additionally, at the Sunday, June 20 game against the Detroit Tigers, Nikon will honor Father’s Day with a Nikon children’s clinic on the field at Shea Stadium.

About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment.  Nikon Inc. distributes Nikon’s Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Coolpix(R)
compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events and workshops.  For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.