Personal ramblings on photography
News (industry, events)
Back in December, Cosina announced they discontinued Zeiss Ikon camera bodies.
Now it is Hasselbad to announce the discontinuation of the V System after over 50 years, having manufactured the last 503CW body.
This was bound to happen. The question remain: if no more film camera is being made, will the used market be enough to supply the demand?
Early December Ilford announced two new disposable cameras with their black and white film, one with HP5, the other with XP2.
Strangely, disposable cameras still sell well in comparison, and Ilford is just trying to capitalize on this. There is a version with processing included for the HP5 film as it is traditional B&W. The XP2 film can be processed anywhere as it is C-41 process.
End of January, Lomography announced the LomoChrome Purple, a colour negative film design to achieve effects similar to the long discontinued Kodak EIR inversible film. The 35mm version is already sold out, but the 120 will cost you around $60 for a five pack, on pre-order.
It is good to see new niche product like these or like the Fujifilm Baby box.
RIP Bryce Bayer we learn from Imaging Resource. Bryce Bayer invented in 1975 the colour filter array, known as bayer filter, when at Kodak. This invention, widely in used in most digital cameras allowed to have RGB colour reproduction on a single sensor, allowing for a much more compact form of sensors. Very little has changed since.
Fujifilm Reala 100 Discontinued in 120 Format:
It is with great sadness that I have to report the announcement of the discontinuation of Fujifilm’s Reala C-41 colour film in 120 format.
Thanks to the phoblographer.
Concerning the Fuji X-E1 announcement, I have one more thing to say:
They added an audio input jack – which the X-Pro1 didn’t have, sadly.
While this doesn’t matter for the still photographer, the videographers will really appreciate. And hybrid still / movie cameras are the future. And I have that pet peeve about Youtube videos with awful sound.
Fujifilm just announced the X-E1. Simply put, it is a cheaper version of the X-Pro1, without the optical-hybrid viewfinder, slightly shrunk down, albeit with a very similar design. In addition it has a popup flash next to the EVF. Engadget has a preview of the X-E1. The camera body only will be around $1000. Comes in silver or black.
As previously announced in the XF lens roadmap, the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS zoom for the X- series will be available at the same time in November, standalone for $900 or as a kit with the X-E1 for $1400. The 14mm f/2.8 will also be available in November for $700.
The speed improvements in the X-E1 seems to have been rolled into the firmware 2.0 update that will be released September 18 for the X-Pro1 ; DPReview had the privilege to get their hands on the update.
While the X-E1 isn’t really for me, as I own a X-Pro1, it is very nice to see that Fujifilm seems to be committed to the system and release more than just one camera. By lowering the price point of the body, and catering to zoom users, they really want to expand their market. And this is good news.
Fotokemika Ceases Production, Affects Efke/ADOX:
Fotokemika in Croatia has effectively ceased production of their films and papers, affecting Efke and ADOX products. Efke films and papers are completely shut down, but there’s some hope for ADOX films.
This is sad. Less choice of black and white film.
It has been rumored that Kodak is trying to sell its still profitable film division.
What worries is that beside Kodak and Fujifilm, who makes colour film? I like film photography in colour. I do love colour. If I can’t buy anymore film, I’ll be very sad.
Time to stock up, and hope that whoever buys Kodak film business, does it to keep it alive, or license the technology left to one that want to do it.
After the discontinuation of Ektachrome, Kodak is hiking the price of film, 15% across the board. (via Amateur Photographer)
That was expected I guess. It is also the price hike of 2004 on Fujifilm slide film that made me buy a 20D.
In Kodak bankruptcy reorganisation, the announcement of Ektachrome being discountinued mark the end of the Kodak slide film, after discontinuing Kodachrome in 2009 and stopping development at the end of 2010. The won’t stop producing E-6 chemistry though.
This is very hard on slide film shooters. Now the only source for colour reversible film is Fujifilm. Time to stock up.