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[fschifano]

This is correct. The Harman inkjet papers are a distinctive line unique to Ilford/Harman.

Also, re one of the other posts, it's not true that Ilford/Harman has "no sideline business to fall back on, in case of hard times". The essence of their current strategy is, in fact, to find other applications of their capabilities in formulation and coating even as they continue producing analog B&W products, precisely so that declining sales of analog B&W products don't have to bear the entire load of keeping the infrastructure going. This is no secret - they're very candid about it.

IMO, this is very wise on their part. Ideological purity isn't what's going to keep analog B&W products on the market for those of us who want to keep using them - intelligent, opportunistic, hard-nosed business savvy together with a desire to preserve analog photography is what it's going to take.

The Ilford/Harman team seems to be following that route about as well as anyone can at this point. Much kudos to them for the reality of what they're doing, not for a romantic illusion of what they are doing, or of what they might do in some alternate universe that's different from ours.

I believe that the people who make Kentmere papers subscribe to that very philosophy.

 

[mgphoto]

It is illegal to buy flasks and beakers in some states now.

Just to clarify — It is only illegal (in some states) to buy flasks, beakers, and such made out of Pyrex or similar glass. Plastic ones are not a problem. The DEA is only concerned about labware that can be heated. You can, of course, buy the glass ones as long as you have the required authorization (schools, laboratories, hospitals etc.).

 

[AgX]

Beakers and flasks…

In this area of Europe the police is looking for modular built amphetamine labs, which can be split into units and moved around easily. Sometimes barrels! with chemical waste related to such labs are found.

In my vicinity a huge lab had been uncovered. The exploration and deconstruction of it was the largest hazmat for the county fire services (with real chemical industry around)… So this is not about one liter of concentrated acetic acid or a 500ml pyrex beaker.

Nevertheless some certification to buy chemicals would be ok. I think of a county based test showing that one knows basic chemistry and has some ideas what not to do, how to store and deposit of chemicals. I assume most people here at Apug could live with that.

 

[Kino]

Nevertheless some certification to buy chemicals would be ok. I think of a county based test showing that one knows basic chemistry and has some ideas what not to do, how to store and deposit of chemicals. I assume most people here at Apug could live with that.

That process would probably be rife with the rich humus of bureaucratic nonsense here in the States, but I guess it would be preferable to the usual, total-ban lazy that law makers slap on "problematic" substances.

The problem here is, the government is stripping out funding support for basic infrastructure of schools, libraries and even roads so that the misunderstood billionaires can have more profits, so I highly doubt the funding for such a program would ever fly...

 

[Photo Engineer]

How many photographers working in their darkrooms knows basic chemistry?

With that question in mind, if such a law were passed, most all of you would have even the simplest chemistry removed from your homes. And, there is no disrespect intended. You can be a fine hand mixer with no knowledge of chemistry!

Therein lies the problem with what AgX proposes.

PE

 

[Chan Tran]

They are just forcing the digital on us! I think I will have to go digital and use my film camera for shooting slides.

 

[AgX]

PE,

I considered such a certificate for buying raw chemicals.
A C-41 kit should still be available without.

I assume those members who are designing their developers themselves have enough knowledge to pass such an exam without difficulties. Those who just mix up their Xtol (still) won't need those raw chemicals.

I'm not in favour of any excess of prohibitation. But over here you have to go to courses and pass an exam just prior to sit aside a lake and fish. In this case it would be reasonable to expect from someone who is going to esterize some cotton with nitric acid expecting some film base to show up to reveal some basic knowledge...

 

[Ole]

I assume those members who are designing their developers themselves have enough knowledge to pass such an exam without difficulties. ...

I wouldn't be so sure of that, either! :rolleyes:

 

[Kilgallb]

15 years ago I helped finance an LBO of a WOODEN match company! Oh my gosh, who would do such a silly thing. I mean after all with the proliferation of lighters and paper matches, who in the world is buying wooden matches? Well, the revenues aren't anywhere near film and they are quite profitable...yes, revenues in the 10's of millions, close to 100 million actually. Wanna know why they are so profitable....little to no competition.

I have financed several 'dying' industries in my past as well that are cash cows....

Supply and demand. And there is still demand for film and raw chemicals that make film.

1st quarter sales of $458 million is a far cry from dead, with $74 million earnings from operations...I know a lot of businesses that wish they had this problem.

Is this anything to do with the Eddy Match company in Quebec burning down. (No, I am not kidding)

 

[fparnold]

I can't imagine what they tell their Chemistry majors. That's plain absurd.

Working in a chem department, I'd say it's not, really. We have a running problem with sufficient ventiltion and hood space to run organic labs, which causes ether vapors to condense in the water fountains (coolest area in the hall). To that we add students (chem majors with 3+ semesters of lab already) who wear open-toed shoes and shorts, won't keep their goggles on, pour things down the drain when the TA isn't looking, and grad students who are a little thick even after 2-3 years about why 1/2 filled ether containers several months old are a bad thing to be storing in a warm lab. Therefore, I can see why RIT would clamp down on Art/Photography majors and color chemicals.

No offense to those of you who either do your own color, or are mixing your own, but presumably you've learned to handle your materials safely. A student on deadline is more likely to cut corners, and should be regulated a little more tightly.

 

[Kilgallb]

I get information from mulitple sources on the current status of film and chemical sales. Here is the latest, unconfirmed material from reputable sources. I cannot confirm them nor give you more accurate information.

1. B&W film sales continue to decrease WW.

2. Color film sales hold steady for the time being, mainly bolstered by Motion Picture film sales.

3. Chemical sales are taking a hit due to changes in policy by the major manufacturers and their distributors and by increasing HAZMAT charges. This is hurting the use of analog photography everywhere. This last one has been a killer for me. I can't get Kodak fixer locally anymore very easily. They have to place a rather large order to minimize shipping from the new distribution center and to minimize the HAZMAT charge. KRLF contains sulfuric acid.

4. The government is considering adding new chemicals to the HAZMAT list or the DEA list due to growing concerns over terrorism and the distribution of toxic chemistry. Limits are now placed on sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions, nitric acid, and phenol due to their use in making explosives and drugs. It is illegal to buy flasks and beakers in some states now. The list continues, but the noose tightens thereby.

This all saddens me deeply.

PE

I went to my local camera store and tried to buy 4x5 TMAX. It was out of stock. They told me that film sales in 2006 were only 20% of the 2005 sales. So I have to wait for Kodak to actually fill orders. They are the major source of materials for the local technical school (Journalism) and the art school. Both have largely dropped film form the curriculum.

SAD