Kodak Survey: Film vs. Digital - Your views please

**davidb** · 26-Jul-2007, 15:03

I just got this emailed to me:

"Relevance of Film in the 21st Century?"

A Survey of Professional Film and Digital usage

As a professional photographer you've seen a lot of changes in recent
years. We'd like to get a snapshot of what's being used by professionals
today.

Please help us on our mission by completing this short survey ( c. 2
minutes of 11 multiple choice questions).

Thank you in advance.

Click Here

**Rob_5419** · 26-Jul-2007, 15:09

I like question number this one:

10. What are the top three advantages of using film? (Choose 3)
Wide exposure latitude of color negative film
Ability to capture more information on medium & large format
Physical record which is "eye-readable"
Archival storage - no file format obsolescence
Traditional techniques (e.g. push & cross processing for artistic effects)
Ability to capture shadow & highlight detail
Easy to get desired look
Traditional photographic look
Other

If other, please explain:

Answer: Other - because it's available in Fuji

**Gordon Moat** · 26-Jul-2007, 16:10

Interesting. I got a similar survey, with different questions, from Hasselblad a few months ago. Seems like many companies are curious about film usage.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

**Daniel_Buck** · 26-Jul-2007, 16:14

it probably makes more business sense for them to get rid of film stuff, but I hope they keep film guys in mind! For me still fairly new to larger film, it's a scary thought because I enjoy using it!

**Eric James** · 26-Jul-2007, 16:25

I wonder how they validate these surveys - certainly there is some incentive for film users to skew the data. I don't used Kodak films but I certainly hope they continue to make and develop their emulsions.

**Gordon Moat** · 26-Jul-2007, 16:28

Film still generates a profit, which is probably the best reason film sales will continue. I would worry more about E-6 processing, since there might be fewer places doing 4x5 E-6 processing in the future (though I could be wrong).

If you look at Kodachrome, I believe only one place (Dwayne's) still does that, and only 35mm. However, I have seen a comment from them that they process around 1000 rolls a day currently. Considering that Kodachrome is probably the lowest volume film around, that is still quite a few rolls, and a nice profit for Kodak.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

**JPlomley** · 26-Jul-2007, 17:16

I also voice your concern Daniel. I sold off all my high end Canon digital gear and invested in 4x5. I have not regretted it one iota. In fact, it has made me a far better photographer. There is really only one pro lab left here in Montreal, and once they shut down, I will have to start shipping it out for processing. Despite this inconvenience, I will remain dedicated to film until the very end.

**Marko** · 26-Jul-2007, 18:06

I don't like the way they set it up as digital vs. film. If they are looking to rationalize continuing film production, this is precisely the wrong format. It is the wrong format even if they are looking for excuse for killing film. What I believe they should do is set up a survey targeted specifically at film users to gauge economic potential in that market and draw a business decision.

But rationality doesn't seem to reside at Kodak much any more. I just hope for the benefit of us all that they will streamline their film production into a solid, profitable core and keep at it for a long time.