Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/07/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Every now and then the issue of films being dropped by manufacturers comes up (usually kodachrome, or a b&w film). This was posted on one of the Large Format lists, and although it refers to sheet film, I though some here might find it interesting. (as you can imagine, sheet film is disappearing faster than 35mm - 400 delta, Astia in some markets and many others in formats like 5x7 or 11x14. Though 8x10 now seems the next to be loosing them...) The poster attended Steve Simmons LF Conference in N. Mexico recently. Among the many other cool sounding things that went on with some very neat sounding seminars and freebie Readyloads from Kodak, was a presentation called" - -The Future of LF Film: Rep's from Kodak, Ilford, Fuji & Bergger Pete summarised the discussion as follows: > The big 3 all said the same thing essentially: "use it or lose > it." Ilford > said they were committed to large and UL formats, however some sizes may > have to be special ordered by your dealer; quantities are not the > issue, but > time is. You just may have to wait until they do the next run if > it's not > on the shelf. Bergger said they would do just about any size one wanted. > > Kodak said their existing plant was built in the 20's and while > some of the > equipment has been upgraded, it's way out of date. The result is poorly > coated film and inconsistency from batch to batch. They are committed to > film, so they built a new building (building 38) with brand new coating > machines. They claim this will yield greater consistency between batches > and better (thinner) coatings, hence new processing times for > some films. > Kodak will still accept special orders, but there are minimums to > be met. > Kodak said they had to destroy over $1M USD of one film last year > (I forget > which) because no one used it - it's now been discontinued. > > The theme echoed by Ilford, Kodak & Fuji, was as long as it sells, we'll > produce it. As to certain Fuji product not being distributed in the US, > their rep. said e-mail Fuji & complain. Ilford said the same > thing, e-mail > them if you want something. I can provide the e-mail addresses (I don't > have them accessible right now) if anyone wants them. > > Bottom line: Keep shooting! - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html