Why is RF the "last" stronghold of film usage

Hi,

I would just like to say a thanks to everyone who contributed. I learned a bit more about the drivers for people using film here.

I am still surprised about the better choice of film RF cameras than film SLR camera. If there are so many more people lusting after film SLRs than film RF, someone should be able to make and sell them. Or is it just the enthusiasm of Mr K who keep the Bessas and Zeiss Ikon afloat and there just is no Mr K interested in SLRs?

Thanks
Joachim
 
joachim said:
................................... I am still surprised about the better choice of film RF cameras than film SLR camera. If there are so many more people lusting after film SLRs than film RF, someone should be able to make and sell them. .................
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The market is so flooded with used high quality film cameras at rock bottom prices that almost no one is buying new.

Personally, I have not bought a film camera or lens that was new, including ZI & Leica rangefinders, for 12 years.
 
There are actually several new 35mm film SLR's available out there - just go to amazon.com if you don't believe me. Of course it's not nearly the market it was a few years ago. There are also many models of off-beat plastic cameras from the Lomo and related communities.

While RFF and rangefinders are an important force in flim photography, I am sure the majority of 35mm SLR or medium format users are not participating in this forum (I wish they were). In fact I am constantly amazed at the large number of followers of certain off-beat and long extinct SLR systems out there such as Exakta or Praktina. Their photos appear on flickr and their gear appreciation is evident whenever interesting equipment is sold on eBay.
 
If someone was to bring out a new SLR it would have to better than an OM-2 or OM-1 ... and that is plainly not possible! :D
 
Bob Michaels said:
The market is so flooded with used high quality film cameras at rock bottom prices that almost no one is buying new.

Personally, I have not bought a film camera or lens that was new, including ZI & Leica rangefinders, for 12 years.
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I disagree. I think the prices are sky high for used stuff. A few years ago during the great digital scare people were almost giving away Leica gear in some areas.

Also the most important thing I can do as a photographer is have my camera with me not taking pictures of the most boring uneventful stuff on the planet. Well that is how I feel. There is no need to flood the market per say anymore since no one is ever going to be able to look through it all; and while trying they will get bored out of their mind.

I named my flickr account (which I only use for favors, shooting things I do not care about and contributing to the idiocy) after that though.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62226537@N02/sets/72157626592457456/
 
This is like the Harley vs Scooter debate...

What we say is "Hey! Leave it alone bro...they're on two wheels...that's enough.."

And yes..I'm a scooter rider :D
 
joachim said:
I am still surprised about the better choice of film RF cameras than film SLR camera. If there are so many more people lusting after film SLRs than film RF, someone should be able to make and sell them. Or is it just the enthusiasm of Mr K who keep the Bessas and Zeiss Ikon afloat and there just is no Mr K interested in SLRs?
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What I want to see is a newly designed TLR with modern meter and lens, sort of what Fuji did with the new Bessa RF.

But without the crazy price of a Rolleiflex.
 
Go to Arles for the Rencontres and you'll see lots of photographers, with all sorts of cameras, including a very high concentration of Leicas.

Cheers,

R.
 
shadowfox said:
What I want to see is a newly designed TLR with modern meter and lens, sort of what Fuji did with the new Bessa RF.

But without the crazy price of a Rolleiflex.
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I could really get behind that idea.

I'd love to see an inexpensive 6x6 SLR that loads like a TLR, has a waist-level finder, and has a fixed 80mm lens, preferably f/2.8. I wouldn't even insist on a built-in meter. It wouldn't be all that much smaller than a TLR, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about parallax.
 
DougK said:
I'd love to see an inexpensive 6x6 SLR that loads like a TLR, has a waist-level finder, and has a fixed 80mm lens, preferably f/2.8. I wouldn't even insist on a built-in meter. It wouldn't be all that much smaller than a TLR, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about parallax.
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What you are describing is a Bronica SQA except it has interchangeable lenses. Could also be a Hassleblad with a motivated seller.
 
Bob Michaels said:
What you are describing is a Bronica SQA except it has interchangeable lenses. Could also be a Hassleblad with a motivated seller.
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Could be, I've certainly thought about a Hassy or an Arax enough times. I'd prefer not to mess with changing backs, though. I suppose for the right price I could overcome that preference.
 
I will join the chorus and add the obvious regarding development and availability of film and film cameras:
  • You can still buy new 35mm SLR
  • You can still buy new 35 rangefinder
  • You can still buy new MF cameras
  • You can still buy new LF cameras
  • There is still active development of new LF camera models
  • There is still active manufacturing of pro quality MF film gear
  • The pallet of available film types is still remarkably varied
  • There is still active development of new films for 35mm, 120, 4x5, and 8x10
  • The used camera market for most formats has remained remarkably strong even through the recession
And to balance:
  • The days of film for casual amateur snapshots is all but over
  • Digital meets the needs of 99% of the photography market
What we are seeing is the final stages of a transition from a mass consumer market to a niche market catering to people who photograph as their profession and/or those that use photography as an art medium. Of those that remain, I would be hard put to say that the majority use any particular type of camera or format. The film photographers I know are remarkably flexible in their choice of tools. Many shoot 35mm SLR, MF, and LF depending on the choice of subject and the whim of the moment. Most also own one or more digital cameras.

Rangefinders are just part of the general mix.


Steve

(owns six 35mm SLR bodies, seven 35mm rangefinders, one 127 TLR, and one 4x5 view camera of very recent design and manufacture...darn...where did all those cameras come from?)
 
GSNfan said:
Do you also happen to notice that those types, seem to carry the camera as just another fashion accessory and they hardly take a picture and if they do they make sure others of their type notice them. They do this by standing for a long time in a place and discussing the shot with their 'spotter' or as a group, they're always two or more, never a single one because the idea of looking for pictures all alone is unthinkable to them if not down right silly... You might see them as 'hope' I see them as hopelessness.
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Are these observations the result of some sort of study you have done? How big was your sample group?
 
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