Re: [photo-3d] Re: Re: Films days are numbered??

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

John Ladd wrote:
> I'm confident film will survive, but in what formats and how readily
> available remains to be seen.  Digital will most certainly capture
> the snapshot market in the not too distant future.  That's not to
> say that those of us with a greater involvement in photography won't
> have materials available to us.

I think film will survive so long as there are people who appreciate
the difference in look between film and video (digital).  This is the
same reason B&W (or oil painting or watercolor) still exists.  Each
medium is different and can be used effectively for different
purposes.

> Consider 4x5 film and cameras.  These are strictly low-volume items
> for the professional and serious (and wealthy) hobbist, yet cameras
> and film continue to be made in this format.

4x5 film photography is not expensive.  My current camera is a 4x5
Graflex Speed Graphic that I bought for less than $500 with a decent
lens.  There are a few beginner cameras available new in about that
price range (without a lens), and starter kits (with lens and some
accessories) tend to go for about $1000-1200 new.  That is
considerably less expensive than mid to high end 35mm cameras.  (It's
also less expensive than Medium Format.)  And since you are not locked
into a proprietary lens mount switching cameras does not effect your
investment in lenses (where you should really be spending your money).

Film and processing costs are the same across formats when priced per
square inch (or square mm).  If I recall correctly two rolls of 35mm
have the same surface area as one 8x10 sheet, four 4x5 sheets, or one
roll of 120.  When I shoot larger formats I get fewer exposures, but
the quality (partially due to enforced discipline) more than make up
for it.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
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