Now that everyone has had a chance to voice their opinion relative to the notice of Kodak drawing a line in the sand relative to format and dropping anything larger than 4x5 in their T Grain line of films, I felt it appropriate to toss out some comments relative to where we are as LF and ULF photographers.
I can safely assume that the Kodak decision was driven proactively by a lack of sales volume in the larger formats which quite honestly is understandable given the realities of where we the industry and the economy are at this juncture. Sometimes these financially driven decisions are necessary to insure that the more vibrant components of the company can favorably move on. Yes, we all wish that Kodak could be more accommodating, but I don't feel it necessary to go down that road again because it is moot at this point.
A couple of things I wanted to point out. First, if 8x10 and larger are "challenged" at Kodak then one could easily assume that other manufacturers are seeing some of the same trends in sales as well. In situations like this individual corporate balance sheets drive these economic decisions. Since we know that Kodak is carrying some heavy financial baggage, we do not know where Ilford is on this issue but it is at least a bit concerning to say the least. Will Ilford or other manufacturers be the recipient of additional 8x10 film buyers that are shifting gears to what is available or will some folks dump 8x10 in favor of smaller LF formats? We do not know.
We do know that T Max 400 and 100 is a great film that many people have enjoyed using in 8x10. We also know that when competition in a particular market sector looses a player and/or a product, higher costs are possible for the remaining available product and the risk of loss for the entire format is at least mathematically increased.
In a positive and proactive mindset we also know that Kodak is not discontinuing the manufacture of T Max 400 and 100, so this is not a fatal blow by any stretch of the imagination. Those of us that want to continue to have access to 8x10 T Max 100 and 400 are not willing to just toss in the towel on this one. As a result, we need to be reminded that Keith Canham is continuing to petition Kodak on our behalf that these films can be aggregated on a regular basis as part of his special order arrangement.
In the short term everyone that is interested in maintaining their access to these films should drop Keith a note letting him know your interests and any other particulars that you feel necessary. How much of what film you would be willing to purchase along with any other specific would be greatly appreciated. I am sure that Keith will be in contact with Kodak shortly so we can turn this breakdown into a breakthrough.
I have to much time and money invested into LF/ULF to take this as a foregone conclusion sitting down. Hopefully, many of you feel the same.
Thanks
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