New films shown at ICIS by Fuji and Kodak

[Samuel B]

So what's the catch with thermal development films? How come it has never migrated to a consumer type product. Would it be a lot more expensive than conventional film?

[Photo Engineer]

r-s states: I'm a writer, not a salesman. But, in a former life... (implying being a salesman?)

I don't know what he means by later saying he was not a salesman, but in any event he seems to have some axe to grind with me for the way I state things. Sorry guys.

There is a lot of history or backstory with this entire thread.

Here is a more complete, but still abridged, story:

The form was printed with the intention of being handed out at the ICIS talk. Since there were nearly 400 attendees, we expected to see a reasonable number of attendees at this talk. There were about 20, most everyone else going to a competing digital presentation scheduled at the same time.

So, the speaker decided to not hand it out at the talk, but instead asked me to post it, as he originally planned for additional distribution, if there appeared to be sufficient response. A change in what was originally decided.

I returned here to see only a few posts to the thread and was a bit disappointed in the response myself. I felt that perhaps there was not much interest, and that explained my followup post on 'seeming lack of interest'. I was just not sure of whether I should do it but finally decided to based on the response and interest I did get.

I was not speaking for Kodak in any way and have not been. I have not acted on my own either, but was asked by the speaker to post the form, not that it would matter to anyone here but r-s who wants to somehow dissect everything that I have said.

I hope he is getting a good story from this. If he is a writer, I would like to say that he does not have my permission to quote any of my comments in any context! I doubt if that would hold water though.

In any event, he has ignored the problems and product oriented comments I made in my previous post, but Samual Bs post above is pertinent to this very discussion. The price might be too high in addition to there being potential production problems. IDK, but that is another factor to consider in producing a new product.

At the present time, no one knows anything about this material and r-s is basically looking askance at the whole thing, but the rest of you seem to be approaching this with an open mind. Thank you all.

Well, I'm reminded of an old saying: "no good deed goes unpunished". I tried to do what a friend asked, and something that might benefit APUG. IDK if it will happen.

I agree r-s, we both need a break.

PE

[DBP]

Photo Engineer - Can you take a break from the bickering and let us know what the survey results are to date? I seem to remember you being copied on the emails.

[Photo Engineer]

Sorry, I am not copied. This is a Kodak matter.

Sorry about the 'bicker' as well. I dislike it myself and it was not my intent to get involved, but certain statements and comments were either misinterpreted or misrepresented.

I don't go into extensive detail about some posts like this and it may have lead to some misunderstanding.

PE

[DBP]

Sorry for the confusion. I thought you were paulg64306@aol.com

[Greg_E]

For those of you who are the DIY type, if this (or any) thermally developed film comes to market, here are some links you might want to keep:

http://www.watlow.com/products/heaters/
http://www.ogdenmfg.com/strip.htm
http://www.hotwatt.com/

These were originally gathered in an attempt to find an alternative for a lack of options in another area of photography, but that project kind of ground to a halt (temporarily).

And again, if the backing paper allowed (was designed to allow) enough heat transfer, it seems like it would be really simple to create a machine that would develop the film while unrolling the spool (in a light tight box).

[ChrisW]

To be honest, I only just came across this post. I typically don't look in this forum. I have to imagine a LOT of APUGgers would be interested.

Well spoken. As a B+W purist, I rarely find a reason to check this column. Aside from Ilford, I haven't had much hope in seeing new products in our field. I check the B+W forum two to four times daily. I check this forum once a month. Maybe.

PE, I believe your thread has fallen victim to a lightly attended forum. Your news is very important. While I despise Kodak for their decisions and execution, I know this film would sell if made available.

PE, this is not a slight to you, but I will bet Kodak has an ulterior motive. My conspiracy theory says they were approached by, let's see, a US GOVERNMENT AGENCY to produce a new surveillance film. They smelled a profit or offset by dumping on the pro photo community. We get all hot and bothered, show great desire, EK produces a few different formats. Loyal customers are hooked. The government uses the initial order, then replaces the film with digital technology. Kodak announces a complete cancellation of all customer deliveries two days before the stock runs out.

I will never buy another Kodak product. Alright, if they somehow resurrected TP, I would buy it all. Hypocrisy, thy name is Chris.

[Photo Engineer]

Well spoken. As a B+W purist, I rarely find a reason to check this column. Aside from Ilford, I haven't had much hope in seeing new products in our field. I check the B+W forum two to four times daily. I check this forum once a month. Maybe.

PE, I believe your thread has fallen victim to a lightly attended forum. Your news is very important. While I despise Kodak for their decisions and execution, I know this film would sell if made available.

PE, this is not a slight to you, but I will bet Kodak has an ulterior motive. My conspiracy theory says they were approached by, let's see, a US GOVERNMENT AGENCY to produce a new surveillance film. They smelled a profit or offset by dumping on the pro photo community. We get all hot and bothered, show great desire, EK produces a few different formats. Loyal customers are hooked. The government uses the initial order, then replaces the film with digital technology. Kodak announces a complete cancellation of all customer deliveries two days before the stock runs out.

I will never buy another Kodak product. Alright, if they somehow resurrected TP, I would buy it all. Hypocrisy, thy name is Chris.

Well, I know how this film came to be.

I can say that your post is way off base. I think you have been shorted in your latest dose of lithium.....

Just kidding on that last.

PE

[ChrisW]

I stand deservedly muzzled. No more unprompted rages at little K. In this thread.

Does lithium reduce the grain, or increase the highlights?

[DBP]

Does lithium reduce the grain, or increase the highlights?

It accentuates the midtones.