Just coming at this with a different set of observations. I see ads for Kodak and Fuji films in professionally oriented publications. While I suppose that doesn't help consumers nor enthusiasts much, the fact that marketing money is being spent is a sign of interest. Simple fact that film generates profits, so might as well continue with that.
I spoke with a Fujifilm rep on Monday. One aspect I found interesting is a slight divergence in emphasis towards professional users, which is that there are products that less directly compete between Kodak and Fuji. Almost like the Pepsi and Coke situation in grocery stores, where those two companies effectively shut out other soda companies in the US.
Fujifilm need Kodak to be a competitor. Maybe that doesn't make sense to some people, but think about an alternative future and it might be more apparent. If either company ceased film production entirely, then confidence amongst end users (professional, enthusiast, or consumer) would wane. A loss of either company could mean people give up entirely, because then they really would think the end was quite near.
There is much hand wringing here at APUG, with many wishing Kodak would end film production. This view has been biased for a while here. People should be careful what they wish. There needs to be a greater understanding of what WallStreet biased press releases actually mean, and the intentions of public company press releases.
If people looked at any company on NYSE or NASDAQ, then read the releases, they might develop a cynical view that anything bad for end users of a given companies products or services, should result in increased stock prices. Some daytraders work under this theory. There is also the idea of buy on the rumor, sell on the news. When people only read one source, they will always get a biased view, yet people invariably continue to rely on one source of information.
Simple fact is that two companies now make E-6 films. While photographers who only use B/W might not care about that, some professionals rely on E-6 films to produce their images. Imagine what would happen to this narrow market segment if either Kodak or Fujifilm stopped making any E-6 products.
Ciao!
Gordon Moat
Dead Link Removed
.
