Corporations and Big Boobs – A commentary.

[dr5chrome]

..i like's healthy debate..

regards

As much as I empathize with those that are losing their film, I've always thought of the 320 as the anemic and thin younger sibling of Tri-X. Never much liked the stuff and was always upset when some unknowing sales clerk gave me that instead of the real deal.
Yes, they do and yes, it is. This was posted in another thread from Scott P. DiSabato at Kodak via David Goldfarb...

"You may be surprised to learn that our total TXP 320 -120 & 220 format production is less than 5% of our total Tri-X production, and it is this limited level of photographer and market demand that drive these sorts of difficult decisions. Kodak will continue to offer products where photographer demand makes it a viable offering within our professional film portfolio."

I too am a small business person and I would say they've made a pretty sound, although disappointing decision.

All I can say to this is... YUCK!

[dr5chrome]

Cheryl; please go to, or call Travis @ DPP or give me a ring as I am placing a rather large order of TXP for the freezer. I used to shoot this film exclusively as well back in the day [220]. He can put your order in with mine. I suggest you do this now as supplies will not last, especially 220.
..or give Eric a call @ Freestyle.

dw

For this weekend, I've decided to resort to 35mm and Tri-X 400. It will be sufficient for this project. After that, I don't know. I'll figure something out. I absolutely hate Tmax with a passion, so it won't be that. I am not terribly fond of Tri-X 400, but it may be the lesser evil. I do plan to do more tests with HP5; it's never been my favorite, but maybe I can find a way to like it more. The biggest pain factor is that whatever I go to will have to be 120. I resent that.

I just can't believe that there is no other 220 B&W option. Unbelievable.

[Cainquixote]

don't buy all of it before monday, i have to wait till payday to order more

[billschwab]

I know... Tomato / Tomato. I do understand. If this were TX, I'd be hoppin' mad too!

[DLawson]

I can also see David is concerned and upset about the decision, the impact on his livelihood, but I also see the plugging of a business mixed in the post.

I didn't see a "plugging" in David's post. I saw a reference to his business (and a touch of pride in his work, which by reputation I assume is earned).

This seemed appropriate considering how many people have suggested that he (or anyone voicing similar views) knows nothing about business.

[Rolleiflexible]

How is it that sheet sales of the emulsion are stable, but not medium format? If anything, I have always had a hard time finding TX in 120, not TXP. The only walk-in store in which I have ever seen TX in 120 is Freestyle. Everywhere else, when you say "120 Tri-X", it is assumed you mean TXP, and the TX is not even stocked.

We live in different worlds. In New York,
you go into B+H or Calumet or Adorama
and ask for a brick of Tri-X 120, you get
the 400 flavor. If you ask for 320, some
clerks will tell you it doesn't exist. I know
some people are invested in 320 and I do
rely on it for sheet film, but I've always
shot the 400 in rolls -- I won't miss the
320 rolls in my own work, but I sympathize
with those who will.

[Rolleiflexible]

As much as I empathize with those that are losing their film, I've always thought of the 320 as the anemic and thin younger sibling of Tri-X.

Amen to that my brother.

[MattKing]

I too think that David's (dr5's) beginning post to this thread is fine.

He might get less flack here, however, if he would advertise (it's really inexpensive) or at least subscribe .

Just saying ....

Matt

[lilmsmaggie]

First a disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer, I don’t work in the photographic/camera supply, manufacturing or distribution arena, and I don’t repair of service photographic gear. I am ultimately supremely unqualified to discuss or debate about photographic merchandising, advertising or marketing.

I’m a noob; an amateur, a lover of art and artistic expression. I love film. I love digital. I love art in all its forms. I realize also that people need a forum in which to vent, express and to share.

Having said that, it would seem that APUG, its members, sponsors and affiliates; together with other photographic forums and/or user groups need to realize their strength and influence in this field.

Rather than bemoan and complain, or trumpeting such boasts as “I’ll just fall back on my stash in the fridge ...,” etc. it would seem more constructive and productive to take advantage of that strength by coordinating a collective effort to influence decisions made by corporations such as Kodak which produce imaging and photographic materials and equipment. There is no reason for aficionados of film products to relegate themselves to a “niche” position in a global marketplace. None. But if you regard yourselves as such, and identify with the label of being a “niche” and be content by responding as such, then there you will remain.

IMHO, there are enough organizations such as APUG, as well as professional photographers and individual amateurs who should consider becoming more of an advocacy group. Yes, this has political overtones but if that’s what it takes, then none of us should be shy about supporting efforts that benefit not only consumers of film products and services but those who produce the materials that make the consumption possible.

[billschwab]

..it would seem more constructive and productive to take advantage of that strength by coordinating a collective effort to influence decisions made by corporations such as Kodak...

Unfortunately we do. We speak with our pocketbooks and wallets and apparently we're not speaking loud enough to keep the machines running. All the organizing and letter writing in the world isn't going to do any good unless people are buying the product. A very sad fact for people that do what we do.

PS... You're qualified enough to discuss as anyone here is!