iamzip
Ambitious, but rubbish
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
“We were very close to the difficult decision of having to stop manufacturing film,” said Jeff Clarke, Kodak’s chief executive, according to the Wall Street Journal. “Now with the cooperation of major studios and filmmakers, we’ll be able to keep it going.”
I'm intrigued by this statement. Was Jeff Clarke referring to film generally or just movie film I wonder?
I'm intrigued by this statement. Was Jeff Clarke referring to film generally or just movie film I wonder?
Sparrow
Veteran
... sometime in the last few weeks I've read, or heard on the wireless, that a group of 'Hollywood' directors had demanded that the studios secure the future of film production. As a result the Studios have made an agreement with Kodak to take an agreed quantity each month ... regardless of actual demand
But I can't remember where it came from ...
iamzip
Ambitious, but rubbish
I have to imagine that, had they ceased movie film production, it would have meant the end for photographic film as well.
lynnb
Veteran
Kodak is also marketing to indie film makers with its FilmWorthy program
mfogiel
Veteran
What is beyond me, is that even in the 21st Century Kodak is unable to produce a 35mm fiim that dries flat. I hope that before all film passes out I will be able to avoid hot pressing Tri X.
oftheherd
Veteran
No time to do a search right now, but I believe there was a thread about this here on RFF some time back. I don't know if that is what you are referring to or not.
Solinar
Analog Preferred
It sounds like that if Kodak Alaris wants to be profitable over the long term producing silver halide products, they'll need to invest in smaller scale production facilities.
Sparrow
Veteran
... no it was a reputable source, a newspaper or the BBC or such
Sparrow
Veteran
... not that we're not reputable, but you know what I mean
daveleo
what?
I have wondered about that. It sounds the obvious "solution" to keeping film in production. Maybe the high level of $$$ profit won't be there, but it should be higher than zero.
First things first... the OP is good news for photography in general. However, Kodak is probably not in the business of keeping film alive (especially after its financial issues in recent years), but is in the business of making a profit (and a profit that is worth its effort). You would think that a company that had a history such as Kodak would want to keep its legacy alive. However, some may argue that is what got them in financial trouble in the first place. It would be a strange world without any Kodak film to buy. At least now, that's been delayed.
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
What happened to Kodak is they became too big, they're the IBM of the photography world. Unless they pull a move like Apple and decide they don't just want to survive but actually do well, they're a dinosaur.
I'm not saying they deserve this and certainly don't wish they go away but where they ended up is not uncommon for a big successful company that couldn't adapt in time because of its size.
By the way, what's up with the calculator John ?
hipsterdufus
Photographer?
From what I can tell, Kodak Alaris does not produce motion picture film, only still photography film. Kodak (Kodak Alaris's former parent) produces the motion picture film. While they are still probably ultimately intertwined in some way, this is an important distinction to make. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
From their FAQ:
What businesses make up Kodak Alaris Personalized Imaging? The Kodak Alaris Personalized Imaging business (www.kodak.com/go/pi) consists of:
From their FAQ:
What businesses make up Kodak Alaris Personalized Imaging? The Kodak Alaris Personalized Imaging business (www.kodak.com/go/pi) consists of:
- Retail Systems Solutions The world leader in retail photo kiosks and dry lab systems. We give retailers a real competitive advantage in the photo services market.
- Paper & Output Systems Offers photo specialty retailers, professional and wholesale labs, and photographers a comprehensive portfolio of traditional photographic paper and workflow solutions.
- Film Capture Our world-famous range of still-camera film products remain a first choice for both consumers and professionals.
- Event Imaging Solutions Provides digital souvenir photography services and solutions at theme parks, iconic destinations, resorts and other markets worldwide.
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
I actually gave up on that last year and went all the way HP5, I no longer find myself cursing after a piece of plastic
daveleo
what?
Happens all the time. Companies get too big, their overhead expenses get ridiculous, their pricing goes up. Ironically they have usually driven all the small competitors out of business, which allows them to charge what they charge (and still not make money!!).
When ## decided to close the plant I worked in, a group of out-of-work engineers formed their own company and took over the contracts that ## walked away from. Those guys are doing just fine (15 years now)
So I'm thinking, why can't a smallish upstart think small and make money producing film ?
Lauffray
Invisible Cities
That's a good idea, except (my impression, no facts) it's a very technical field that requires expertise and the big companies probably still hold the patents on the processes. Look at the trouble Ferrania and Impossible are going through
Pete B
Well-known
Some would say it didn't adapt to changing times.