Why you should still shoot film

[FX trading]

Agreed- like many markets, photography is segmenting itself into distinct specialized niches, with the mass market likely to move further afield to new pastures.

Nevertheless, there will still be a viable and thriving film market, with more participants than expected in recent years. Unfortunately, ignorant and overenthusiastic marketing hype by the digital camp has helped cloud the issue.

By the way, are you aware of any research reports on film from investment banks?

 

[d_ross]

The whole planet and everything on it is in decline, we cant deny that either, but that doesn't mean we should simply lay down and accept it 🙂 and as sitemistic and others have pointed out here digitography wont be mainstream soon either that will be digitovideostilldvdallinoneography

there are probably more hobbyist painters now than ever!

 

[shenkerian]

I'm not sure that the new participants you mention will really help our cause. They almost certainly won't be a new market for $3,000 rangefinders. The areas where film use is increasing are those where people can't afford computers; once those users become wealthy enough for new Leicas, I suspect they'll instead purchase computers and digital cameras.

I'm not aware of reports on film specifically, but I'm sure analyst reports on EK would give some insight into the broader market. There was also this article in the New York Times this week:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/09/business/09film.html

 

[FX trading]

Actually, there is a very encouraging market developing in China for top-of-the range Leicas, which are selling quite well. Additionally, on a recent visit to Sao Paulo, I was quite surprised to have coffee at a Leica gallery with a (financial services) colleague, so I would think that at the top of the local market, with good positioning, there is a good growth potential.

There is probably a significant market for such cameras, which is in many ways on a par with top-end watches in these countries.

 

[d_ross]

There are probably enough useable film cameras in existance to satisfy demand for quiet some time, so film camera production could decline rapidly whilst film use could possibly increase over the same period.

From a personal perspective, anyone who has held a beautifull double weight fibre based silver gelatin print in their hands will know that holding a similarily beautifull inkjet printed image doesnt really compare. The value in analogue photography isnt in the image alone, it is in the investment of the image maker in the image, and the resulting unique prints that hold both aesthetic and physical value.

 

[KM-25]

"The net result could ironically be that film begins to reassert it's previous dominance as the de facto medium of choice for the professional and higher-value users."

I am a pro - albeit a photojournalist - and I can tell you that pros are not going to go back to film. An EOS 1DS Mk III at 21mp is an impossible hurdle for 35mm film to jump. Add to that the instant turn around ad and news agencies expect these days, and it just ain't gonna happen. I love to shoot film for personal stuff...but, I could not hit my deadlines with film anymore. The idea of a major resurgence in film usage by pros is just wishful thinking, in my opinion.

I shoot digital for a lot of my work, but not all. If a deadline is not as tight like for a major magazine, I might shoot film because I like to and I can.

Sometimes I love the fast deadline work like recent human interest images moved on the Rockies in the playoffs. Other times, I love to have that 3-6 month deadline to just get lost in my existence. Film makes that a lot easier since the power requirements drop a good chunk.

I will always shoot both, I have made preparations that are mindful of my future in film....