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FT: "Film didn't die with Kodak's Chapter 11"


philipus

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Interesting and we all know that film is going to eventually become almost totally a niche, "personal expression" only medium.

 

But I think the writers and others should not use the term "celluloid" if they want to sound like they are knowledgeable. People used to use the term "celluloid" to refer to old movies not current ones.

 

"This summer, a group of powerful, passionate filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, rallied like-minded directors who didn't want to see celluloid die on their watch."

 

I know that there is another movement to find, save, rescue, and restore old movies that were shot on celluloid stock.

 

I don't really care what anyone does for communicating their own expression or for their own enjoyment. And while different materials can give different looks, there is nothing new about that.

 

However, what is being done using film today that is so much better or even so much different than trying to say the same thing using digital technology? So is simply the act of using a film process driving the choice of methods (maybe incorporating some idea of authenticity or other distinguishing attribute) or is the end result driving it? I see a lot of talk and generalized opinions in the linked video but no examples of what people are doing on film that is so special let alone great.

Edited by AlanG
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Interesting and we all know that film is going to eventually become almost totally a niche, "personal expression" only medium.

.

 

That's very short sighted Alan, come the melt down of society with no electricity and no micro chips to run everything film (of some sort, call it a 'recording medium') is the only thing that could be made to record the Apocalypse in a photograph. You need to get out of digital while you can.

 

 

Steve

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Interesting and we all know that film is going to eventually become almost totally a niche, "personal expression" only medium.

 

...

 

I don't really care what anyone does for communicating their own expression or for their own enjoyment. And while different materials can give different looks, there is nothing new about that.

 

However, what is being done using film today that is so much better or even so much different than trying to say the same thing using digital technology? So is simply the act of using a film process driving the choice of methods (maybe incorporating some idea of authenticity or other distinguishing attribute) or is the end result driving it? I see a lot of talk and generalized opinions in the linked video but no examples of what people are doing on film that is so special let alone great.

 

Alan you ask this question in every single thread mentioning good news about film use. Don't you think we've heard it enough now? You're never actually satisfied with any answer either. Isn't it time to move on? Seriously, it's just tedious and a little sad to read this stuff over and over again - you could spend your time constructively in a digital thread instead.

Edited by plasticman
Edited out the irrelevant part of quote
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I can't recall ever using the word "celluloid" before. All I'm saying is that if people want to write about or advocate for film, and sound educated on the subject, they should not use an antiquated term for a product that was replaced with other bases around 60 years ago.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_base

 

As for my comment about what is being done differently with film vs. digital... there is the flip side of repeatedly posting links about people using digital that do not really present much of a persuasive argument for using film. Mostly they just say over and over again that some people like using it for various personal reasons. Nothing wrong with that but what is new about this either?

 

And if they are trying to say there is some kind of significant trend back towards film... that may be true. But they have not substantiated it with any facts that measure its growth. Since several Lomography stores have closed, I think we can conclude that they overestimated the demand. (Or maybe just did not have the correct business plan.)

 

I don't see how you can conclude that this video is "good news about film" (where is the news?) and then say I am attacking it in any way. It is a nice "feel good" piece and there is little argument in this video to persuade anyone to use film. Basically it just repeats what everyone has always known... some people like shooting film. Did I miss some point made in this video?

Edited by AlanG
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I searched but couldn't find that this had been posted previously.

 

 

 

Thanks Philip for posting this film. Wonderful to see such a powerful resurgence in film use! I'm constantly amazed at how many really young people are discovering film now - awesome stuff!

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And if they are trying to say there is some kind of significant trend back towards film... that may be true. But they have not substantiated it with any facts that measure its growth. Since several Lomography stores have closed, I think we can conclude that they overestimated the demand. (Or maybe just did not have the correct business plan.)

 

Alan - I have posted in this forum before reports that I hace obtained first hand from members of senior management at B&H Photo and Adorama that their used film camera gear, film and darkroom supplies have spiked significantly in the past few years. This trend is also reflected in second hand prices for film Leicas on Ebay.

 

Lomography has more of a hipster niche and wouldn't use them as a barometer by any means.

 

I frankly don't care what other people do. I am not on a mission of any kind. In fact, in a way the less people who use film the better for me, as that makes my photos that much more distinguishable. The only self-interest I have is the restoration of more reasonably priced and full-service labs.

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Yes thanks Philip for this interesting link

It is for us all to continue to shoot the film. This is my case and my 2 digital M still stay in my Billingham bag.

I do not worry about the sensor problems (cracks, grease, dust, out of stock etc ...)

 

Long live analog cameras M

The film is not dead

"Each new film is a new sensor" .... and inimitable b&w grain and color of film

Best

Henry

... and you are welcome to this thread :)

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/other/286747-i-like-film-open-thread.html

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fyi: Lomo's decision to close stores (and which had no bearing whatsoever on the status of film use)

If Hipster Cameras Are So Popular, Why Did L.A.'s Lomography Stores Close Down? - Los Angeles | Los Angeles News and Events | LA Weekly (btw, it's a 2-year old article; nothing new here that most people didn't already know....)

 

"The Lomography community in Southern California will continue to thrive with photography meet-ups hosted by community members," Bilog says. "And of course, through our online magazine and shop. That right there is probably the biggest reason why the stores closed down. With one million web-based community members worldwide, Lomo really doesn't need its stores. The community has a number of perks that aren't available in stores. Members have free unlimited photo storage along with access to special online offers. Plus, Lomography's home on the web has a system that rewards contributors with piggy points, which can be used towards any purchase made online, excluding film development services. So if you enter a contest, write an article or just take advantage of the "free" piggy points Lomo doles out occasionally throughout the year, you can apply them toward your new camera. Unfortunately, though, the points expire -- so there's an even bigger incentive to buy Lomos online, especially since you can't use your piggy points in stores as currency. Basically, it's easier, cheaper, and simply a lot more relaxing just to buy Lomos online."

 

(excuse the use of 'hipster'.... all media likes using provocative/suggestive vocabulary to help gain readership and sell advertising :))

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I can't recall ever using the word "celluloid" before. All I'm saying is that if people want to write about or advocate for film, and sound educated on the subject, they should not use an antiquated term for a product that was replaced with other bases around 60 years ago.

 

So somebody made a slip of the tounge, it has already been joked about in Barnacks Bar. You don't need to be educated to your level to enjoy film, it isn't restricted to propeller heads.

 

Steve

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