RattyMouse
Member
It's sad to see a film discontinued, even if it's one I don't use. I think I have a different view on things, though.
Fuji and Kodak cannot scale easily. Each, in my opinion, is stronger in different areas (not saying either is bad in other areas). It seems they are striking a balance, and hopefully will not compete certain things out of existence as the market shrinks.
Fortunately Ilford is in a good position with their offerings.
With the exception of movie film, I think the film market shrinkage has reached its nadir. Consumers have transitioned over to digital, completely. Those who shoot film are those who don't want to shoot digitally. They could if they wanted to, they just don't. Whom does anyone know who shooots film and is ready to transition over to digital? No one. That ship has sailed. Many times over.
So film now exists for the faithful. Once the movie film segment has collapsed, then it will be complete. Fujifilm's movie film sales ceased a few years ago. They now exist on only consumer films. We will have to see what film Fuji discontinues next for any clue as to how right sized they may or may not be. The loss of 400X was a huge blow, as that leaves a gaping hole in their E-6 line. One would have hoped that such an opening would not have been created.