bmattock
Veteran
All,
You've probably read more than you care to about Rodinal, including my getting a bit irritated by those who have been absolutely freaking out over the loss of Rodinal, since in my opinion, there are plenty of acceptable Rodinal clones out there.
You've also probably read my take on the "Rumour Control" that keeps repeating the badly-worded (or translated) news story from last year that stated that a&o (a German company) had taken over Agfa Photo's chemical processing plant and planned to continue making the chemicals necessary for their minilab support business. I felt strongly that there was no evidence in that news story to suggest that a&o was going to produce Rodinal. I suggested that the best way to get to the bottom of this mystery was for someone in Germany to simply call a&o and ask them what they planned to do with regard to Rodinal.
I myself had sent numerous emails to a&o and Agfa Photo, with no response at all, which to me suggested the worst.
However, I must be fair, even if it makes me look like an idiot. I got this email today:
Now, frankly, I stand by what I said - there are alternatives (clone) for Rodinal, and there was no need to panic (or stockpile Rodinal, unless the clones were also unavailable).
I also still feel that there was no evidence in the public domain that Rodinal production would be continued by a&o - they are, after all, a sector services company - they service photolab equipment and sell spare parts! I saw no evidence at all that they had said they would continue to make Rodinal.
However, I believe that this email clears the matter up nicely. According to a&o, there will be new Rodinal produced, and they will be selling it. I was wrong, but I stand by my deductive logic and conclusion. I'm glad that Rodinal will continue to be produced.
Feel free to spread the word about this - point to this email as the closest thing we have to proof that there will be continued Rodinal production.
As far as I know, this is the first public statement from a&o with regard to Rodinal, so somewhat 'breaking news'.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
You've probably read more than you care to about Rodinal, including my getting a bit irritated by those who have been absolutely freaking out over the loss of Rodinal, since in my opinion, there are plenty of acceptable Rodinal clones out there.
You've also probably read my take on the "Rumour Control" that keeps repeating the badly-worded (or translated) news story from last year that stated that a&o (a German company) had taken over Agfa Photo's chemical processing plant and planned to continue making the chemicals necessary for their minilab support business. I felt strongly that there was no evidence in that news story to suggest that a&o was going to produce Rodinal. I suggested that the best way to get to the bottom of this mystery was for someone in Germany to simply call a&o and ask them what they planned to do with regard to Rodinal.
I myself had sent numerous emails to a&o and Agfa Photo, with no response at all, which to me suggested the worst.
However, I must be fair, even if it makes me look like an idiot. I got this email today:
Now, frankly, I stand by what I said - there are alternatives (clone) for Rodinal, and there was no need to panic (or stockpile Rodinal, unless the clones were also unavailable).
I also still feel that there was no evidence in the public domain that Rodinal production would be continued by a&o - they are, after all, a sector services company - they service photolab equipment and sell spare parts! I saw no evidence at all that they had said they would continue to make Rodinal.
However, I believe that this email clears the matter up nicely. According to a&o, there will be new Rodinal produced, and they will be selling it. I was wrong, but I stand by my deductive logic and conclusion. I'm glad that Rodinal will continue to be produced.
Feel free to spread the word about this - point to this email as the closest thing we have to proof that there will be continued Rodinal production.
As far as I know, this is the first public statement from a&o with regard to Rodinal, so somewhat 'breaking news'.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
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