Future of Realist-format (6 and last!!!)

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

What's in the future for the Realist format?

I see two threatening clouds in the horizon:  

- Availability of slide film .
- Availability of Realist-format equipment.

It's a fact that 35 mm print film is the medium of choice for the average 
person.  Through the years slide film has become a kind of specialty item, 
not available in the market around the corner.  When available in the 
corner market the price of slide film is considerable higher than the price 
of print film.  That can be a problem... I am not worried that slide film 
will disappear from the market... I am only worried that the average 
beginner gets discouraged from using slide film.  As I mentioned, I first 
used slide film in 1988 in my Realist camera.  Most people that I try to 
introduce to Realist photography are concerned about slide film only 
because they are not familiar with it.  This situation does not only hurt 
the Realist format... it also hurts 2x2x2 and VM.

I mentioned earlier that one of the advantages of the Realist format is 
that equipment from the 50s are available today in very reasonable price 
and will yield results of very good quality.  This situation will not 
continue for ever... Two problems... The supply of 50s gear will evaporate 
with time and beginners, being used to modern automation, will stay away 
from the "user-unfriendly" cameras of the 50s.

In the NSA convention in Milwaukee, Bob Brackett told me that he can see 
the death of the Realist format in favor of the 2x2x2 format and he was 
putting more effort into designing 2x2x2 equipment.  I personally do not 
think that the situation is so dramatic.  With 300,000 stereo camera made 
in the 50s there is still a ratio of 10 cameras for every stereo 
photographer even if we assume 30,000 stereo photographers around.  (OK, I 
do not take into account "collectors", but, still, I can see that there are 
plenty of Realist cameras around...)

Also, look at FED and RBT.  These are contemporary companies putting out 
Realist-format gear.  So, I am rather optimistic that slide film and 
Realist-format equipment and accessories will be available in the future 
as long as there is a reasonable demand.  And I see no signs that the 
demand is going down.

Personally, I only care about the next 50 years or so... 
Let the future generations worry for the rest!

That's the end... -- Thank you for listening.

--
Please note my new email address: DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Reply to this address as I am trying to shift all my correspondence there!


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 1310
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