P3D Re: Film redesign

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxx>]

> Well, consider that there are thousands and thousands of cameras still
> extant that can still use these "obsolete" film formats (you can find
> numerous examples of perfectly functional cameras in practically any
> antique store).  A more apt analogy to the automobile market might be if
> Detroit switched to engines that would only run on an alternative fuel
> that older cars couldn't use.  Eventually, dealers would stop carrying
> gasoline.  As soon as the remaining supply of gasoline was exhausted (no
> pun intended), people would be forced to buy a new model or find a niche
> producer of gasoline (no doubt at premium prices), like some people have
> turned to a company that produces "127 rollfilm" by cutting down and
> respooling a larger, still-manufactured stock (220?).
> 
> Would consumers stand for this?  I doubt it.  Why did it work for Kodak?
> If Fuji had been around at the time that Kodak did this, would Kodak
> have succeeded?

There are also thousands of meat grinders (small, home size) around. 
Does that mean that people will go and buy steak just to grind down to
hamburger?  There are thousands of straight edged razors as well as old
double sided, single edged razors.  Would you trade your Trac II for one
of those?  And, as for your analogy, Detroit may not have switched to
alternative fuels, however, they did switch to fuel injection.  Isn't it
a bit more difficult to get a carburetor repaired today than it was 10
years ago?  When was the last time you even had a car with a
carburetor.  Why in the world would anyone want a microwave when their
oven/stove works just fine?  And who would want a touch tone phone? 
Those dial ones still work just fine.

The majority of consumers want convenience.  An APS cartridge is more
convenient than a 35mm cartridge.  A 35mm cartridge is more convenient
than a 127 roll film.  A camera you can carry in your purse or pocket is
more convenient than one you have to carry on a strap.  Consumers also
want "bells & whistles".  Thus, an auto everything camera is more
desirable (for the majority) than a "plain jane" manual camera.  

I believe there are basically three types of photographers, those who
make a living with their photography, those who make photography a
serious hobby, and those who like to document their lives with
snapshots.  I also believe that the vast majority of people fall into
the "snapshot" category and thus are the target audience for Kodak,
Fuji, etc with any new formats, cameras or other "bells & whistles" to
make snapshot taking easier and more fun.

I also believe we in photo-3d fall into the "serious hobby" category
with our love of the 3D element and the time and care we take to
develop, mount and exhibit our craft.

Regards,
Ron


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