How long do >>YOU<< think film will be commonly available?

[dmr]

Adding some fuel to the fire ... 🙂

 

[ZeissFan]

Long time. Just because some nitwit goes digital, doesn't mean every other camera owner jumps off the bridge with him.

 

[Rich Silfver]

What is the definition of 'commonly available'? Does being able to order it on-line count or does it have to be available in stores?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Apparently I'm the only one who has no expletive clue (so far)... 😉

 

[XAos]

I'm with Rich. I expect it to dissapear from the grocery store, Wal-Mart, and even Ritz. But I expect it to be available online and mailorder for 20-30 years or more. Just because you can't go down to the corner Ace hardware store and buy a 12x36" metal lathe doesn't mean that you can't surf your way into one in the next half hour.

 

[rover]

Apparently I'm the only one who has no expletive clue (so far)... 😉

No, but before I read the choices my opinion was "Long enough"

 

[dmr]

What is the definition of 'commonly available'? Does being able to order it on-line count or does it have to be available in stores?

Define it as you wish. (Will stores be common in 50 years?) 🙂

 

[yossarian]

I went for the full C. WTF do I care--I'll be worm fodder long before film disappears.

Fred (cheery, as usual)

 

[kmack]

It is likely film will still be available long after I no longer need it.

 

[Todd Frederick]

Will I be common in 50 years? Not unless they come up with a total body transplant soon!

Regarding film, I think it's totally an economic issue. For the general consumer, who wants everything quick and easy, I'm convinced that digital will totally dominate the market very soon.

For the professional (maybe) and the art oriented photographer, there will still be a market for film, but, as suggested it may be small and "special order."

You can still do platinum prints, but the corner drug doesn't stock the supplies.

In retail photography, money rules.

 

[mitspooner]

With over a 5 billion people with out digital resouces and with the recyling time of products to developing nations, film will be a mass produced for many many years to come. Plus major niche markets will carry film and developing into the future past all digital format changes. Prices may go up or down but will still have mass producers and mergers of major companies though spin off's and partnerships will make film production, not the inhouse development, where the majors have already made the change, into the profit making side of film. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Yes even to me I sound like a wind bag and as Paul Simon said "momma please don't take my kodachrome away!"

 

[dazedgonebye]

I took "commonly" to mean I can get it at my grocery store or the ritz camera down the street (me definition, I know). Accordingly, I predict no more than 10 years or so, and I think I'm being generous.

 

[ErnestoJL]

I hope the expectations of some of Us who say "a hundred years, long after I no longer need it" will take place. However seeing it from the big business side, I´d rather be conservative in extremis, so I expect film to be available more or less the same way as it is today for the next five years or so (that´s my vote).
But, honestly I hope it´ll be available (even as a boutique item) ´till I really no longer need it anymore (may it be another fifty years?).

Ernesto

 

[peterc]

Taking commonly available to mean _ on a rack next to National Enquirer at the grocery store _ I chose 20-30 years or so.

Peter

 

[ch1]

Who friggin' cares!

If you spent more time shooting film than shooting BS perhaps it wouldn't even be an issue!

BTW: for those "shooters" out there - I'm having trouble uploading to the Gallery.

Any other picture takers notice this?

 

[peterc]

If you spent more time shooting film ...

I ran through 100 rolls last year.

Peter

 

[ch1]

I ran through 100 rolls last year.

Peter

Peter,

Great. We're on about the same pace.

BTW: do you have some pics to upload tonight so I can figure out if it's me or the site that's "acting up"?

I'm getting all the right "actions" but then I get a message: "User uploads not allowed".

Weird....

 

[peterc]

BTW: do you have some pics to upload tonight

I'm at work (spending productive time on the 'net) so I don't really have anything to try uploading.

Peter

 

[arif]

I say about ten years, for it to be 'commonly available', in small camera/photo studios/grocery stores. After that, we'd have it on the internet exclusively..

 

[aad]

I think the "shrinkage" may level off. It's too easy to develop and print the vacation shots at WalMart whilst buying other thingies.