Is film photography finished?

[BT Technologies]

Over the years I have collected quite a few Nikon SLR cameras such as the FM, FM2, F3hp, FE and a few others that I probably forgot to mention!! Along with these cameras I have amassed a bunch of Nikkor lenses as well..

Obviously the majority has switched over to DSLR type cameras. My Canon 20d is so much more convienient to use over any of my film based cameras and the image quality in some ways is ever better.

Is there even a market for film based cameras anymore? Maybe we should all hold on to them for the next 20-30 years and see what "develops"

[KenMiller]

My daughter is in high school. She recently took a photography course for which she needed a 35mm film SLR.

When I heard what she needed, my initial thought was that I would buy her a nice used manual job - which I figured I could get for maybe $100 with a couple lenses.

Instead, after thinking about it, I just gave her my nearly new Leica R5 and various Leica lenses.

I realized that I hadn't used it in years and the liklihood that I ever would again was close to zero.

I can't think of a situation in which I would prefer film over digital in 35mm format or less. In a couple years it will be medium format and less.

[BT Technologies]

Leica Cameras and lenses?? Damn ken, I think we need to work a trade for some mighty fine Nikon SLR's and lenses!!

Originally Posted by KenMiller

My daughter is in high school. She recently took a photography course for which she needed a 35mm film SLR.

When I heard what she needed, my initial thought was that I would buy her a nice used manual job - which I figured I could get for maybe $100 with a couple lenses.

Instead, after thinking about it, I just gave her my nearly new Leica R5 and various Leica lenses.

I realized that I hadn't used it in years and the liklihood that I ever would again was close to zero.

I can't think of a situation in which I would prefer film over digital in 35mm format or less. In a couple years it will be medium format and less.

[KenMiller]

Point was (of course) that a film Leica isn't worth enough any more to worry about whether it comes back.

[BT Technologies]

Understood Ken.. I agree that digital is here to stay but I still think that SLR cameras will be highly sought after in the near future.

As they become harder to get and their condition deteriorates due to neglect, the nice examples of the high quality SLR's will be a good investment IMO. YMMV.

Originally Posted by KenMiller

Point was (of course) that a film Leica isn't worth enough any more to worry about whether it comes back.

[galacticphoto]

As far as I'm concerned, film died a couple years ago. It seems that Kodak is also of the impression that film is going fast.

If you compare a good scan (20-24Mpix) of a good 35mm film (Fuji Velvia or E100VS), you will have higher resolution and more color gradations than all but one or two DSLRs today (Canon 1DsMkII, the D5 and Nikon D2Xs are close, but not quite). I expect that one of the latest 40Mpix 645 sized dig backs for medium format would do a better job (they are all 16b vs 35mm 12-14b). They will also set you back $25-30K, how much is a Nikon F6?

Robert

[KenMiller]

Originally Posted by BT Technologies

I still think that SLR cameras will be highly sought after in the near future.

Maybe "near future" in geologic terms Keep anything long enough and it's worth something.

The problem is the film. Without it, the camera is just a minor mechanical curiosity.

Film emulsions have a fairly short shelf life.

Unlike the processing, which can be done by an individual, the manufacture of film requires such a substantial capital investment that, without a sizeable ongoing market, it won't be available much longer.

As an "investment" there are many things that would obviously perform much better.

[BT Technologies]

True, however I feel that 35mm film will always be something that will be readily available for quite some time.

Still, you have to admit that working with a hiqh quality mechanical SLR and feeling the precision of it is quite nice. Just look at all the nice metal, chrome and even magnesium/titanium bodies. Feel the smooth shutter advance lever as you progress to take your next picture.

What do we have now? Plastic body Digitals that when they break, you throw them in the trash and buy another..

Originally Posted by KenMiller

Maybe "near future" in geologic terms Keep anything long enough and it's worth something.

The problem is the film. Without it, the camera is just a minor mechanical curiosity.

Film emulsions have a fairly short shelf life.

Unlike the processing, which can be done by an individual, the manufacture of film requires such a substantial capital investment that, without a sizeable ongoing market, it won't be available much longer.

As an "investment" there are many things that would obviously perform much better.

[KenMiller]

Originally Posted by BT Technologies

What do we have now? Plastic body Digitals that when they break, you throw them in the trash and buy another..

I have only one plastic body - the lowly Canon Digital Rebel XTi I got to do astrophotography with while I wait an eternity for my SBIG camera to arrive.

I think all the rest of my digital cameras have magnesium alloy or titanium bodies - even the point and shoots!

Wait a minute...

You have convinced me!

These film SLRs I have ARE invaluable!!!

I'll call you in a few minutes to work out a trade - some of those Takahashi scopes you have for some of my invaluable film SLRs.

Just to be fair, I'll even throw in a darkroom full of C-41 processing and printing gear. You'll have to clean the dust off of it though.

[BT Technologies]

Make all the fun you want but mark my words, the high quality SLR cameras WILL BE SOUGHT after at some point in time!!

Originally Posted by KenMiller

I have only one plastic body - the lowly Canon Digital Rebel XTi I got to do astrophotography with while I wait an eternity for my SBIG camera to arrive.

I think all the rest of my digital cameras have magnesium alloy or titanium bodies - even the point and shoots!

Wait a minute...

You have convinced me!

These film SLRs I have ARE invaluable!!!

I'll call you in a few minutes to work out a trade - some of those Takahashi scopes you have for some of my invaluable film SLRs.

Just to be fair, I'll even throw in a darkroom full of C-41 processing and printing gear. You'll have to clean the dust off of it though.