Tri-X dead?

[GeneW]

Trius might be the best person to comment on this, but if I recall correctly at the time Kodak released its last changes to Tri-X (400TX) it had also consolidated all its B&W film manufacture into a single, new, modern facility. Previously, as I understand it, they manufactured Tri-X at several locations. I think the consolidation gave them some economic advantages over the previous setup. To a large community Tri-X is still their signature film. I think they'll continue to manufacture it for the foreseeable future.

But then again, what's the foreseeable future these days? Six months? 🙂

Gene

 

[Rapscallion]

I don't Tri-X is dying or in any danger of being discontinued in the near or mid term. It`s a very popular B&W film. If rumour has it, there has been some reversal of Antonio Perez's postion after seeing the results of a survey of professionals as well as firming of film revenues. In addition, there are serious difficulties in long term digital archiving of images, especially with regards to major films. This means that film will be the medium of choice for archiving large movie projects.

The bottom line is that I think we can rest awhile before worrying about Tri-X and film in general.

 

[Trius]

Ray, they might want to list it on the consumer site as well. Since most of us PJ's have gone digital, their must have been a real hit on 35mm Tri-x sales. I used to go through 1000's of feet of it every year as did most other PJ's.

I guess, though, that there really is no consumer market for it because Wal-mart can't process it in an hour.

I agree with you. But the funny thing is that TX is sold in Wegman's (the dominant local supermarket chain in Rochester and some other locales), of all places. (I don't darken Wegman's doors, but my wife confirmed they have it in their film inventory.) Wegman's is not one to keep stocking items that don't turn, so someone is buying it here. Maybe Kodak employees who can get it cheaper than the Kodak Store! 🙄

 

[Harry Lime]

Last I heard Tri-X still was the biggest selling b/w film on the planet.

I'm not even going to think about the nightmare scenario of someone over at Kodak waking up one morning with what they think is a 'bright idea'.

 

[Trius]

Gene is correct ... nearly all, if not all, film production has been consolidated into a single, highly automated facility here in Rochester.

I have some thoughts on Kodak's capabilities with regard to PR, public statements by Perez and his ilk, etc. But I'll save that for another time.

I think Tri-X is safe for quite some time. I'm about to place an order for 100ft. I will order it from Freestyle in LA, and it will still be cheaper than buying it from the Kodak (employee) store 3-½ miles from my house. Go figure.