Kodak Tmax 3200 and the Future of Film Photography
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- What is the future of film photography? What do you think?
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Great conversation! I'm an old Kodak employee 1980 to 2003, I'm 76 now. We actually made digital cameras for industrial applications but I'm an old school film photographer at heart. People like Edward Weston, Brett Weston and Imogene Cunningham etc. You have posed the right questions of what is the future film photography and Kodak in particular. I'm so happy that I can still find film for my beloved Hasselblad. The beauty of film photography is in the doing. Keep up the good work.
What draws me to shoot film is primarily the cameras. There's such a variety in camera styles between SLRs, waist level cameras, rangefinders, and point and shoots that there's guaranteed to be something out there for everyone. I had to have my Yashica Mat 124G out to be repaired last fall. While it was gone I didn't shoot a whole lot. But as soon as I got it back I've just been shooting and shooting. Also, there was 35mm Minolta point and shoot found at my grandparents' house, not something I'm used to shooting. It should be an interesting and fun experience. I hope film hangs around and I can continue to play with and shoot different cameras for years to come.
Tmax 3200 coming back is great news indeed, but I really don't know what to think. Agfa just anounced they have discontinued Vista 200... Fuji has announced... well, forget it. I'm supporting film by buying lost of it. Actually, I'm supporting as hell, specially Kodak.. I'm doing my part. I totally agree with you in the matter of "film vs digital". People who shoot film already know their reasons to do so. Great video, thanks for posting
All of Agfa's colour films are made by Fuji
I've always shot film, since the 1980s. I was witness to the introduction of digital and recall the mid 00's and the constant "the end is nigh" chatter. Today, ironically (given that the reason for using digital is often speed and convenience) I hear that in addition to the usual reasons to support the choice to shoot film (look, physicality etc) one other big reason that film is starting to do well is the younger generation (20's-40's) of pro photographers who have actually discovered that using film REDUCES the time they have to spend post-processing thousands of images. By example, I shot a wedding on film last year, shot about 360 frames, and sent it all to the lab to be developed and scanned. Three days later it was back with scanned images that I just had to arrange into a gallery and that was that. So one week after the wedding, the couple got to see their wedding pics. Sure, I had to pay the lab, but if you're a successful commercial shooter, those costs become part of your package fee. So I can see why pro's are switching back to it, if not for the look, then merely for the workflow. Highly ironic but great news
That was beautiful. Got me all teary eyed a bit man...
well said as per usual! Can't see myself ever stopping shooting film just as I can't see myself not having a record player at home. Some things in life are worth slowing down for :)
Cheers from Portland, OR.
Hi Erick, great video! You got at least 1 lady subscribed here! I love your channel and I believe that film photography has a future, because it evokes experiences and relationships feelings with the gear and medium that just can’t be described in words and experiences and feelings are the core of a happy and healthy human spirit. I recently, to be exact 4 weeks ago open a film camera and Lab Store here in Sydney, Australia in the hope to keep this medium, I love so much, alive!... keep up the great works and all of us together can keep Film alive and growing x
Viva La Film How's that store going?
Your video has me wondering now if some younger photographers (young being a category into which I definitely do not fall!) are seeing digital as a completely disposable due to their relationship with phone cameras and instant access, so to them using film is not just a different experience but also a statement that they prefer those images to last. As for the camera equipment, I don't know if we can rely on used film cameras for ever, so if the "Reflex" kickstarter camera is successful and perhaps some other companies (not necessarily the big digital ones) start to produce cameras, then I will feel more secure about film's future.
Hey Erik, nice video! I totally agree on most of what you have said, here's my 2c, most people consider taking pictures of their kids a trivial thing to do, I don't, in fact to me, it is entirely the opposite, I take pictures of my kids on film only, because I care, because film gives me the look, the feel of a moment captured rather than just a snapshot taken that will never be printed or looked at twice. I will keep shooting film for as long as I can.
For a guy who shoots super 8 and uploads it to CZcams you do a great job Erik...lol. Film will remain viable as long as the producers show a profit. If they decide to discontinue film altogether I will just go to Collodion Processing. Love the RB67. Picked one up myself a few months back. This thing is a beast. I think it eats Hasselblads for breakfast. Keep the videos coming and watch out for ticks in the grass. Luckily Matt Day in Chillicothe, Ohio is doing better from his encounter with the little critters.
Growing up in northern Wisconsin, ticks were a forgone conclusion any time you want out in tall grass. I've had plenty. Thanks for watching!
All good thoughts. Loved the video.
recognize that grain silo and central terminal any day. cheers from a fellow buffalonian!
I've been using an old Kodak Pony 135 camera. It's given me some great images. It's a fully mechanical camera no light meter, Zone focusing only. It's top shutter speed is 1/200 of a second.
Thats interesting about Tmax 3200. Could of done with some of that back in January. Ended up pushing a roll of Tmax 400 to 3200 and really happy with how it performed. So much that at this stage I'd probably just continue pushing Tmax 400.
Love it. Great video, thanks Erik. You know I am a sucker for these narrative videos.
My TMAX P3200 shipped today!
Where did you order it?
I pre-ordered through the Find Lab!
A very thoughtful and well-written commentary, Erik. While I have to shoot digital for on my Canon 5D for work (for speed and economy) those lenses come off the 5D and on to my Canon 1n for weekend photo shoots. When the 5D is showing me 999 frames on a 64GB card, it's a different mindset than when you only only have 36 shots on a roll at a cost of about $1 per image. It forces you to slow down, stop and think. Generally, 35mm film images are a bit softer (less sharp) and have have a strong grain characteristic that you rarely see in digital, except maybe at very high ISO ratings. And I have to emphasize "generally," here because Kodak Ektar and Kodak Ektachrome are pretty much as sharp and grainless as high end digital cameras. Also grainless films like Ektar allow for much greater cropping than all but the highest megapixel cameras. But here's an interesting fact missing from the film discussion - archival images. How are people archiving valuable photojournalism and fine art images? Digitally? Don't make me laugh. Most of my CDs from the 1990s are already unreadable. Thank goodness I still have the camera negatives to re-scan from. Think about all of the computer storage formats that have come and gone in the last 30 years. Internet Cloud archiving might seem to be the answer, until your favorite host goes out of business suddenly, or you forget your password, or they dumbed you 22 Megapixel images down to the postage stamp resolution of web browsers. I asked B&H if a market has emerged for converting digital to archival film but I haven't heard back. And I haven't found anyone offering this service outside of what the major film studios do to archive movie masters shot digitally on film for long term storage. It will only take one big photo archive site to close its doors or present adverse terms of service to send a wake up call to photographers that film -- ironically -- may be the only way to preserve valuable images over the long haul.
I'm looking at the future of film with cautious optimism, since it seems like film is still trying to find its place in the digital age. We seem to get a bit of good news with some bad. Still, just knowing there's a genuine interest from established companies and start-ups alike is exciting. Impossible Project was able to keep our old Polaroid cameras stocked with film, although it may not have been perfect. That alone gives me hope.
In my business I shoot digital but for me and my enjoyment I shoot film. You have to get it right the 1st time with film so that transfers to my digital work. It has helped me I can fix it in post to I don't need to fix it in post. It slows me down and feeds my perfectionism.
Well said, Erik :)
You are really great with these contents...thumbs up for that!
Beautifully said Erik!!! Great video as always. 👍🏼
If you ever find yourself down here in NYC again, would love to get together and shoot some film
Great video, I hope you provide more of the same type of content. That being said, consider those of us that are more incline to hybrids aka steampunk like styles camera systems film camera with a touch of the digital realm. Such as using strobe lights, or go-pro's as a backup or even using cellphones with light meters app's. Like I said please keep it up, provide info and your style of art to the channel. I"m not a fanboy but I do like your style.
Film vs issue is still an issue. Instead of taking my big expensive DSLR for a risky trip I take a 20€ film SLR and some expired film.
I like the narrative style video, nice job and you captured some core aspects of film photography that I have stirring in my head.
Yes.
We'll lose some stuff, we'll gain some but now that digital is so saturated and normal people will look for alternatives. Film can exist alongside digital, there's no reason it can't... The sentiment that film is old hat is waning, it's been "gone" long enough for most people to be nostalgic about it. It'll never have the marketshare it did before, EVERYONE shot film because that's all there was. Same reason digital point and shoots are dying because of cell phones. But that's okay, there are a lot of people who are into photography and who shoot film.
Matt day has already got his hands on some of the new tmax 3200 and I'm assuming others have so it's lookin bright :)
I think film is here to stay. It's such a wonderful format(s) capable of incredible results. And in addition, I have a growing archive that is tactile which is more valuable to me than digital files (easily said).
Ektachrome will be back very soon. Tests are already being sent out to local processing labs.
Source?
johnnytremp letter from Kodak. I have a picture of it.
How come you get letters from Kodak? Can you upload and link the picture, I'm curious to see it.
johnnytremp not to me specifically. I spend a lot of time at my local lab so I have the inside scoop so to say. Send me your email and I’ll link you a picture of the letter.
It's almost as if you didn't watch the video.
On the money.
Excellent video and narrative...Thanks.
i am glad that Kodak is bringing back different films but many are discontinuing other films like Agfa vista 200.
But i look so forward to shooting some p3200
Great piece. Love your style. Keep it up!
I love film but I must admit I shoot 90% digital, leaving film for just my most cherished personal projects. I feel the enthusiasm for film will be there in 50 years, the same as some people refuse to give up the paper delivered home
My comment on petapixel at 2:33 was actually referring to the "deleted comment", probing the "hipster commenter" that he is wrong. I started shooting film a year ago and I love it. I'm even developing my own e6 and c41, and no, i'm not a hipster. About P3200, i know Delta3200 never left, but this gives us a second option, a different look and lots of concert and wedding photographers will benefit from it. About Ektachrome, I shoot expired ekta for almost all of my fashion shoots and I surely will shoot the new emulsion when it comes out. One last thing, "I still shoot digital" in this day and age.
I was just looking for the word. I know it was a response. Don't worry. 😎
Also, I'm probably as much of a hipster as a 35 year old man can be.
Well said. I have over the years come to hate computers, almost every day I want to throw one through a window. As soon as I get one the way I like it something goes wrong. Windows will update, my hard drive will crash, or I get a virus, on and on. So its the last thing I want to do is have one in my camera and then take out the sd card and put it into a computer and spend more time again on a computer to make the end result. I bought a rb67 that does not even have a battery and I built a darkroom in my house so I can enjoy photography again.
Excellent upload as usual.... love this style of almost story telling videos. It shows your passion for photography and make for very informative viewing. Whether Kodak finally release the film they have been promising is another matter but i think there will always be a market for analogue, too many people enjoy the tactile experience of photography or listening to music.... it's difficult to have that with a bunch of '1's and '0's on a memory storage device! thanks again!
I'm more worried that the batteries for my canon Elan 7 will be discontinued than film going away.
I recently bought 4 rechargeable CR123a batteries and charger from BH for my Elan 7, I dont think these batteries will be discontinued anytime soon, but having a few pairs and keep swapping them might help them last longer.
I've got that same camera. The door latches are flimsy and replacement parts aren't available anymore. I found that out recently the hard way. I got it fixed, but I don't expect it to happen a second time. But yeah, I get what you're saying.
Rick Scheibner at least it's cheap on eBay!!
@@marcossantana1164 CR123 batteries are used in many devices so they should stick around.
I think it's quite simple actually - look at painting. Painting has been around since we drew on cave walls, and people are still painting on canvas today. Photography is slightly different because it's not only a pure art form but also a business craft. You need pictures for websites, events, advertising - the demand is different. But as long as people work as "artistic" photographers and photographers that go beyond just "digital imaging" there will always be a demand for shooting film - simply because you can't be an honest photographer shooting digital. There are too many variables when you shoot digital and there is no justification for it when it comes to artistic terms. The same way you can't justify painting on an iPad and undoing your steps until your sketch is perfect- it's not the same thing. Film photography used to be a mass market thing because it was the only thing available. Now that we have digital, film photography can finally be an art (which was the biggest critique of photography, "can it be art") because digital will always be the "work" aspect of photography and film will always be the artistic aspect. Anyways, great video man. I also grew up with film and remember the change to digital very well, I was just in my early teens when the first digital cameras started appearing.
Hey, thanks for the nice video. On another note, (while talking analog) I noticed you got a typewriter in a case back there. Is that a Royal Quiet DeLuxe? Nice!
Haha I've got a couple typewriters.
I use to be crazy about film since I’ve shot it all my life, BUT NOW, it’s starting to feel like a drag. I’ve got a shit load of film in the fridge, but just can’t be bothered to shoot it. I think the fact that I’ve sold about 90 of my film cameras and only left with about 10 or 12 confirms how I feel about film. It’s still beautiful, but just to much work to get to the final product.
I bought an a7iii and it just reenforced how much I love medium format film. Still don't get the appeal of 35mm though.
Erik Wahlstrom I agree, medium format can be so awesome, especially when you happen to nail the perfect shot.
film sales went up 20% in 2019 so it looks good. And to your question if it will be around in 100 years I am wondering if digital will be around in 100 years?
Don't forget the great cameras of the past that were not burdened with AI. Two weeks ago I rented a Sony A7R iii just to see if I wanted one. I had two days to use it. I took it back after one. Why, it took some really great shots when I could get the guy inside the camera to quit second guessing me. When I shoot one of my OM2n cameras I get a huge bright easy to use viewfinder that is very easy to use when there is some light. And I focus on the subject not what a computer thinks is the subject. I have two very simple easy to use adjustments for speed and aperture. If I could afford it I would buy an A10. I might do that anyway and just pay the money. Of course there is the Leica lens cost too. But at least they don't have an extra person making setting decisions for you in the box.
To me the biggest issue with film photography is reliable development at a price you are willing to pay. I had a local shop that was doing great and his lab closed and the new one he choose screwed up two rolls I recently shot. On the other hand there is a very good fairly local lab but the cost is quite high. I am going back to the high cost place and just pay the price.
As far as Kodak and Ektachrome. I have heard through fairly reliable sources (two of them) that they are making the stuff in Rochester and it is in the hands of selected testers right now. I would like Ektrachrome to come back, but the slide film I LOVED was Kodachrome. I like the other Kodak films still being sold especially Ektar and Tmax oh and Portra. For slides I have been using Velvia, but will buy a quantity of Ektachrome when it becomes available.
I'm sure ektachrome will be available soon. I tried as hard as I could to explain why that's not my point, but people seem to still want to reassure me.
If I knew how to shoot large format, I would. I shoot 35mm and medium format.
Great video Erik, I would say that film is very much alive and kicking, especially in the photography student world. Yes, digital is very good at doing what it does in the sports photography world. However, for arty types, or those who do love the look of grain in pushed Kodak, Ilford or any other monochromatic film. Then, analogue photography certainly has a marketplace out there. Though this isn't really the argument anymore, manufacturers, in my opinion, were too quick in stopping the manufacture of certain films that as photographers, cannot be replicated in photoshop or any other digital software.
Kodak Ektachrome was a unique film, a film that if in manufacture right now, I would knowingly buy without question. I am very happy to say that Kodak P3200 monochrome film is now for sale, here in the UK, through Ag Photographic. Here is the link: www.ag-photographic.co.uk/t-max-3200asa-63-c.asp
But, today Ektachrome is back!!!!
That wasn't really the point of the video.
GREAT video!!!
I agree 100% with your comments on the future of film. It will be, maybe has been, relegated to dedicated users.. I suspect that the increase in film use will stabilize and production will rise or fall to match at a level too low to be profitable for big and diverse companies like Kodak and Fuji. For Ektachrome, Kodak is such a financial and management basket case, I'd be much happier if the whole Ektachrome rights and production package was sold off to a small, primarily film oriented company. Kodak will get Ektachrome to market, but IMO they will price it above what its limited demand will support. One surviving E-6 film would be nice, but is this it?
Hi here is the Future : Film is back
I am a photographer who recently came back to film but still shoot digital. I will probably still shoot film in 10 or 20 years depending on the availibility of film. In 2018 some people still shoot in large format with camera that you see in western movie. So yes I think will be there for long, although there is a regain in popularity for film, it is also very trendy and hipster ( and by that I do not mean young but hipster) . This will help boost the availability of film for a few years but it will pass. If we can still take photo on large format with camera that are everything but practical, I can see 35 mm film still there in 30 years
Erik, where are you dude?
I'm around.
Film has a depth digital can't match. I shoot both film and digital...shot film since 1977 professionally. Looking at a 6x7 cm positive through a 10x loupe would floor your clients with the sense of depth. Even 35mm slide films depth is far better than flat digital images. I will Love film 4 ever...or at least as long as I'm alive.
Hey, Erik, despite the name, that tmax has an iso of about 1000, or 800, depending on the circumstances(it doesn't have an standard iso rating), just like the ilford delta 3200...
I love you
You made me laugh at the end there XD
I own a Canon Rebel. I like to shoot b/w on it, but I can't even get the film out here. And it is just getting to expensive for me right now.
Everything eles, that I own, is all affixed lens. Kind of sucks. I do use it a lot though.
Vinyl sales although small are growing year on year, I think that this is a telling sign that that there is a small but sustainable market of people that appreciate the artistry of reproduction, be it music or image; the very nature of the analogue compared to the digital is a factor that is hard to quantify. I don't think this is being a hipster, I think the choice of lower grade formats such as ferric cassettes or Lomography for sake of appearing "cool" is being a hipster.
I'm going out to buy some oil paints. Digital is more efficient and convenient, but it ain't oil painting. I'll also get some film while I'm out.
Nikon or Canon need to make a new film camera, because the vintage cameras are old and as time goes on there will be less and less of them. And the less working film cameras, the more expensive they will be and less people will bother buying film. So I'm pretty sure we're safe for the next 10 years at least, but new film cameras need to be made to ensure film is still around beyond that.
Kodak needs a decent point and shoot digital, use a Ricoh lens and couple it to their camera, find a cult niche to gain name traction, stop promising new releases Kodak until you actually deliver on something, announce how your actually streamlining rather than hanging on to bloated centralized, top heavy management.
It would be amazing if Kodak brought back Kodachrome which I used to shoot back in the day. Kodak are you listening?
It would be nearly impossible because of the K-14 process.
Great video. You've got some nice views on film vs digital.
Do you have a Twitter account? Anyways, I shared it on there. Peace!
Are you still alive man?
Yes. 😎
Someone on reddit recently spoke of Kodak discontinuing SM chemicals used for developing. Not sure how this will affect things. www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/comments/82gu36/so_is_there_a_film_renaissance_or_not/dvc4nud/?context=1
It may impact the dedicated processing machines which use these products, but the availability of chemicals to process B&W and color film and paper materials is not going to seriously impaired if Kodak disappeared tomorrow. The chemicals required are fairly commonly available, as are formulas to prepare the processing products.