P3D planned obsolescence?

[rmt <rmt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some of the comments recently concerning obsolete formats have hinted
that Kodak deliberately abandons old formats for the purpose of selling
new cameras, leaving owners "high and dry".  I feel this is an unfair
characterization.  The old roll-film formats became obsolete with the
development of fine-grain emulsions, improved optics, and projection
enlargement.  The various miniature formats were developed in an effort
to create an integrated automated processing standard, which 35mm was
not amenable to until computer-controlled printers came of age in recent
years.  
Kodak has continued to support low-volume professional formats where no
viable substitute has appeared, such as number 10 circut film, and sheet
film in 4x5, 5x7, and other sizes.
Furthermore, for the afficianado of the really obsolete formats, the
company has been cooperative with Film for Classics, a small firm which
produces nearly all the old formats.  I am able to use my #4 Kodak
panoram, circa 1924, which uses 103 film  - 3 4x12 inch negatives to the
roll, thanks to this cooperation.
However, to bring this back on-topic, I agree that it is inexcusable
that Lumiere discontinued 6x13 stereo autochrome plates!

Dick Twichell


------------------------------