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

[Mike Kersenbrock <michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian Reynolds wrote:

> 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

Or .... so long as there are sufficient number of people
who are willing to pay sufficiently to gain that appreciation.  Things
that I like a lot get discontinued fairly often.  Just not enough others.
Instead of raising prices to those of us who like it, it just gets
discontinued.


> 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

I think you bring up one of the fundamental points missing in some of
the arguments to date (and all of this is 3D related because most all
of the stereo cameras that currently exist are film based).  The
argument that says the existence of old niche formats of film "proves"
that even if digital formats take over film will still be available is
a logical fallacy, IMO.  If they still made Kodachrome-X, tintype plates,
etc then it would be true, but as far as I know, they don't.

As I understand film production, it isn't made in APS format, or in
35mm format but is made in huge wide rolls and then slit/cut into
the formats being sold.  In other words they don't go out to make
MF film or 4x5 film.   They just make film then they cut it into 
formats they think they can sell and distribute profitably.  Making
4x5 film format isn't so big of a deal so long as they are making the
film, no matter what film it is.

Digital photography attacks the film production itself.  If production
of the film is affected, then it affects all formats.  If production
of a film goes away, then all formats will go away -- and I think
history backs me up on this.

A better comparison of digital replacing film would be
some new film replacing an old one.  The old one goes away
completely, and this is something that has happened a lot and
often.  Digital isn't a new format of film, it replaces film
itself (even more, it's a new photography paradigm).

But I still think it'll take at least 20 years for reasons
I mentioned previously.

Mike K.