Checking the Pulse of Film Photography

[brbo]

For instance, the recent Netflix film "Kodachrome" was shot using 35mm Kodachrome film. The optimist will see this as a good sign for film while the pessimist will point out this is the last film in history shot using Kodachrome.

And the realist will know that "Kodachrome" was shot on 35mm Kodak Vision3 film 😉

 

[Phil_F_NM]

My pleasure.

"Despite a credit noting that the movie was shot (to little effect) on 35-millimeter Kodak film, “Kodachrome” will mostly be seen on the streaming platform, whose current business model hastens the destruction of physical media."

Yeah, I read that article. Nothing about it being shot on Kodachrome film. As was already mentioned, the movie was certainly shot on Vision3.
So, the last movie to be shot on Kodachrome has already been made. It was someone's home movie, most likely made with a Super 8 camera. Almost a decade ago.

Phil Forrest

 

[Calzone]

The consensus seems to be "What, me worry?" 🙂

I hope that is the case, however, with the economy due for a recession and the continuing uncertainty with Kodak, I am not yet convinced enough to order a Leica a la carte MP. (I wish!...LOL...)

Maybe the best plan for us all is middle ground, shoot like crazy (like Cal has been doing) and the purchase of extra film used will help Kodak and Ilford, and... stock up as much as possible with bulk film in the freezer. In others, fully commit to shooting a lot of film, with some in storage, just in case we are all wrong.

Sounds good to me. 😀

Dave,

As older men we should exploit as an asset being stubborn.

For the longer term B&W is a safe place, and then I have to ask is how many different types of film do I really needed to keep me happy and busy the rest of my life? In my case I only need two films: one for 135 and another for 120.

Currently for 135 it is 5222, and this film is required for Kodak to support their color MP products. My logic is that 5222 is needed to support film schools to keep their color MP viable.

If I had to pick a 120 film it would be Tri-X, and if that went away I would be happy with HP5.

The middle ground long term for higher resolution, color, and for printing huge there is digital. Pick your flavor.

You know how I thoughtfully obsess over things. Meanwhile there are new films being added and scaled up. Panchro 400 is available in 4x5, Ilford has an ULF program, and eventually Ferrania will be scaling up also.

I'm not so concerned about not having B&W film available in my (our) lifetimes, but the costs may increase. Tri-X in bulk is no bargain, and 5222 in bulk saves about $2.00 a roll over Tri-X. Really evident to me the writing is on the wall already. I believe 5222 will outlast Tri-X. The pricing suggests that.

Also I embrace the creative challenge and problem solving. I think it adds strength and character. The idea of stockpiling is just about cost savings and locking down the cost of a commodity. At this point I cant see film prices dropping, and the only liabilities are storage and the expiration date.

Cal

 

[ptpdprinter]

The idea of stockpiling is just about cost savings and locking down the cost of a commodity. At this point I cant see film prices dropping, and the only liabilities are storage and the expiration date.

And the cost of money: would you rather invest in film in your freezer or the stock market. I guess the amounts involved are so minimal it doesn't really matter.

 

[KenR]

Film at the zoo

Film at the zoo

I was at the Bronx Zoo yesterday and saw a young couple (30ish?) using film cameras. He had a Nikon F? and she had a Rolleiflex. I was gladdened by the sight of them.

 

[Calzone]

And the cost of money: would you rather invest in film in your freezer or the stock market. I guess the amounts involved are so minimal it doesn't really matter.

PTP,

I'm hedged because I do both. Part of my diversification stratagy.

Film as a hard asset has been good for me. Like a futures contract one has to be aware of the expiration date, but the trends of upward pricing and more limited supply and demand encourage me that this trend can make me lots of money through savings.

Past performance of loading up on Arista Premium from Freestyle purchased at $2.89 a roll verses the current price of about $6.00 suggests as a pure commodity it doubled in value. Know that I still have a few dozen rolls of Arista Premium That I will likely shoot over the holiday weekend.

Don't forget that the images created are a secondary commodity that have potential unlimited value and earning power.

I say stockpiling film as a commodity/hard asset and personal resource is a very-very wise thing to do.

Another example is I bought 25 packs of Fuji FP-100 for $20.00 a pack (bought 25 packs for $500) This film I could "flip" easily for over $30.00 per pack. Purchased less than a year ago. This purchase I wish I could of added many zero's because these are serious gains.

I am also sitting on 30 rolls of Acros in 120...

Sorry for the Bankster rant. LOL. Are we not speculating on film? "I'm bullish," I tell you.

Cal

 

[dave lackey]

Cal,

Perfect sense and classic Calzone... thanks for your input!

With two rolls of 127 HP5+ ordered through the Ilford program, I only need to split a roll of 5222 with someone and look for some film bargains. I am seriously considering Provia along with the usual suspects.

Then, I am set to shoot with abandon! A little planning, a little active investing and I can enjoy my film experience. Meanwhile, my pro bono work is still alive with the hospital and paid gigs not far off.

It is an awesome time to enjoy Photography. Still wish I had that a la carte Leica though.🙂🙂🙂

 

[dave lackey]

"Quote:

As older men we should exploit as an asset being stubborn."

Cal,

You know me well.😛

 

[Calzone]

"Quote:

As older men we should exploit as an asset being stubborn."

Cal,

You know me well.😛

Dave,

Stubborn is good. LOL.

I had a black paint MP with the hard to find 0.85 VF'er so basically I found a used version of the camera I would of ordered. To make it a new camera a sent it off to sherry for an overhaul.

Sadly I traded it in to raise funds to buy a new SL.

I ended up keeping my old M6 that I tried to upgrade to be like a MP with the upgraded MP VF'er, but the Wetzlar version M6 has a mucho crude meter when compared to the MP. Honestly the MP was a more advanced camera (the metering goes -2EV) and the 0.85 VF'er made it great for 35mm and 50.

The M6 was the keeper because of sentimental value. It was my first Leica, and knowing how you are I know you are like me a romantic, and those old cameras have a deeper meaning.

Cal

 

[Nokton48]

I'm bullish on film, as you may know. I looked in the deep freeze last night and was delighted to see thirty more 120 rolls of Acros. Plus what I have upstairs. No real need to get any more at this point.

Five 400' rolls of Eastman XX, and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of sheets of 4x5, 9x12, 6x9, 2x3, 5x7, and some 8x10. I'm set for a while.

 

[Calzone]

I'm bullish on film, as you may know. I looked in the deep freeze last night and was delighted to see thirty more 120 rolls of Acros. Plus what I have upstairs. No real need to get any more at this point.

Five 400' rolls of Eastman XX, and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of sheets of 4x5, 9x12, 6x9, 2x3, 5x7, and some 8x10. I'm set for a while.

Dan,

I with you.

Meanwhile I see mucho opportunities to buy cameras that are true treasures for no money and all this other unheard of rare gear that I think is treasure.

Cal

 

[Mackinaw]

I guess I’m a semi-professional. I take portraits and the like for money (or barter), do the rest for fun. About 90% of my color work is digital, with the remaining 10% primarily Kodak Ektar.

B&W though, is about 90% film. Mostly 4x5 and medium format, which is almost entirely on Tri-X. For 35mm, I use a variety of stuff, Tri-X, Eastman -XX 5222, and Ferrania P30. P30 is the one that excites me, I love its very unique look.

And of course, I shoot instant film too, entirely Polaroid Original.

Jim B.

 

[Nokton48]

The most interesting film just coming out, in my opinion, is the Foma 120 Retro Soft 320. I have been shooting some of that in 9x12. It's just about to be released in 120.

I am really going to dig using it in 120. 🙂

It's really not a miniature format film IMO.

Also Ilford is not going away and outdated film is underrated for image making in my experience.

 

[ACullen]

Are there any dos and don’ts regarding storing film in a fridge or freezer. I’ve started putting my 120 and 35mm rolls in the fridge. I’m uncertain about the wisdom of sticking it in the freezer

I’d be grateful for any pointers

Thanks in advance

 

[sepiareverb]

Just keep the film in airtight packaging, like it comes from the manufacturer. I put film into ziplock bags just to keep stuff organized, but have used boxes in the past, before I was kicked out of the regular freezers and had to get my own.

My bulk loads go into reused plastic film cans and then a bag.

 

[RichC]

Anyone know the best way to store Fuji FP-100C for longevity, and its lifespan? I’ve several packs that have been sitting in the fridge (not freezer - worried about the liquid chemicals) for a couple of years...

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

I've been a film lover all my life. Have a mountain of film cameras. That said, the last year or so, I've concentrated on street photo projects locally, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The latest software tools combined with my digital Fuji gear and other digital bodies has given me the look I want. I may settle on one 4x5 for wetplate, and my Nikon F5 for film...and leave it at that. Digital has been making up 80% of my shooting as of late. That, for reasons of nostalgia, makes me sad. I still love film...but it has been fleeting.

 

[willie_901]

That is wonderful news if it prevents or at least delays their discontinuance of other, "regular" emulsions. But Fuji being Fuji, I haven't really seen that happening.

And you won't see it happen either. That's not the point. The point is a lot of people use INSTAX film to immediately share non-virtual images. That aspect of film photography is growing globally.

If Dave's this thread had the words Non-INSTAX Film Photography I would not have mentioned INSTAX film.

 

[willie_901]

People buy the Instax because it is instant. The technology is irrelevant to the typical buyer.

Wait, I thought the technology made the instant results possible?

 

[Calzone]

Anyone know the best way to store Fuji FP-100C for longevity, and its lifespan? I’ve several packs that have been sitting in the fridge (not freezer - worried about the liquid chemicals) for a couple of years...

Rich,

From Fuji: do not freeze; store in a refrigerator.

Cal