It seems everybody is completely sold out of the XF100, and have been for a bit. Does this have to do with the earthquake in Japan? Or is there a technical issue that's halted production of the cameras? I'm itching to get my hands on one, and can't find one anywhere. I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I've checked tons of (reputable) places online, too.

Any thoughts?

I've been wondering the same thing myself...the general UNavailability of the XF100/105 was from the get-go, preceding the quake so not sure what's up. This is very much out of character for Canon; usually, they announce and then the camera is in your hands a couple months later.

Does this have to do with the earthquake in Japan?
Yes.

AFAIK, right now each packed camera is unpacked and checked if it is ok after the earthquake before it leaves the factory. The electricity has been down as well, so nothing could be done at all.

Was just reading on a "rumour" site (for Sony Alpha) that the companies are not really letting on how much damage the earhtquakes (and subsequent aftershocks and electrical disruption from the lost nuke plants) really is causing in the supply chain.

Included in that "rumour" was that Sony is pulling NAB press releases at the last minute on some new products, and hasn't been able to produce sensors since the quake (kinda hard to make a camera without a sensor chip).

The disruption in Japan was horrific by any measure, and while they are very stoic, I can imagine that it will be years, if not decades before they fully restore "normality", not weeks or months. It also may be a while before we can really grasp the gravity of the situation.

Japan earthquake is part of it, the rest is the rapidly weakening dollar makes US sales less profitable when compared to elsewhere, so they ship elsewhere first.

CANON is closed for inventory nationwide till Tuesday and product should be coming in next Tuesday but it will be limited-very limited- due to the circumstances in JAPAN.

CANON is closed for inventory nationwide till Tuesday and product should be coming in next Tuesday but it will be limited-very limited- due to the circumstances in JAPAN.

Thank you. Hopefully things loosen up soon. Of course, I feel silly, like I should send $3000 to Japan for earthquake relief instead. :(

B&H now says for the XF100: "This item is backordered by the manufacturer. Estimated delivery to B&H 6-10 weeks." A sales manager there told me a few weeks ago that the earthquake and tsunami had hampered Canon's ability to get cameras out.

Pat

It certainly seems like something else is at play cause they were pushing the shipment dates back long before the quake even hit.

That's correct Steve. Evey APRIL, Canon closes for inventory. Every year this occurs thus pushes back availability for items not in the sales/.stores Que prior to the shutdown.

The catastrophe in Japan will really slow down manufacturing and delivery. Prices are going to increase. DVCAM tape that was 22 dollars in now 40 dollars, Ther HVR-270, that was $5999 is now $69990. I am wondering about DVDs?

Lou, I know you cannot advertise here, but are you a dealer? You seem to channel what a Canon sales rep would tell dealers.

I am getting a 100 from Al art video he said the last one for a while . Hey Lou how are you ?


Doug

Doing fine Doug. Yes...ART is ALL out of MANY of the cameras from Japan and TAPE went up in price as well all over the place. I was lucky to get my XF-300.

I have a confession to make: I've kept quiet until B&H opened this evening and I could get my order for the XF105 placed. No idea what the stock levels are and if they'll hold out.

As soon as I saw this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xa-vixia-series-avchd-camcorders/493958-xa10-stock-b-h.html), I checked B&H for the XF cameras and lo and behold the 105 showed in stock. Unfortunately for the majority who want the XF100, it still shows as back-ordered.