I believe that the people who make Kentmere papers subscribe to that very philosophy.
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.
It is illegal to buy flasks and beakers in some states now.
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.
I assume those members who are designing their developers themselves have enough knowledge to pass such an exam without difficulties. ...
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.
I can't imagine what they tell their Chemistry majors. That's plain absurd.
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
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