New Ilford Multigrade RC Portfolio

[wyofilm]

Now there's an interesting phrase. Yes, I took it out of context, and my following comment might not be connected to AgX's intent when using that phrase. Nonetheless, in my opinion, it sums up perfectly the misunderstanding of those who believe members of this forum are in any way critical to silver halide photography supplies manufacturers.

"Social media" are the communication mechanisms by which chemical photography manufacturers connect with the vast majority of their customers. PHOTRIO, nee APUG, represents a small blip in the market. In general, we here are older, experienced and, how shall I put this, a demographic that actuarial tables indicate will shrink substantially over time, i.e. not be a path toward growth. Reality sucks, but it's real.

HARMAN and other darkroom product manufacturers know that, for the bulk of their customers, sending a physical postcard is something they've never done and are not likely to do in the future. Rather than whine/whinge about lack of 4x6 Multigrade RC Portfolio postcard back printing, those who lament its disappearance ought instead be grateful that heavier-weight paper in this size is offered at all. HARMAN's including it is, in fact, a courtesy to one tiny segment of its customer base.

Sal is right the future of traditional photography lies with younger generations (but don't throw dirt over me, yet!). I think of all the traditional players, Ilford is doing the best at trying to connect and train novice film photographers. Their only handicap is that they are a b&w film company only. With that said, I watch too many youtube videos (some are great, many are great insomnia solvers) and there has been current uptick in darkroom printing (both b&w and RA4). Iford has recognized this as seen by their training videos; other traditional manufacturers are missing the boat.

Look around at new products from film scanning, to developing tanks, to automated processors - in all cases the trends are being led by younger photographers. I applaud them and shout to Kodak Alaris and Adox, get off your asses and start marking to the young. (At least Fuji has Instax, film popular with the young.)

 

[Sirius Glass]

I never participated in the Post Card thread nor the mailings. Frankly my photographs are too good to have postal cancellations printed across them. I pack up my photographs so they are protected during the mail handling. I suggest that others do the same.

 

[MattKing]

It always surprised me that the old postcard paper was back-printed, given the fact that it seemed to be the only product in their line that was back-printed. Relatively speaking, it must have cost them a fortune.
As I have posted, I didn't even use the back-printing when I used the postcard stock I had - I've always printed stick on labels.
A back-printing template sized to fit on existing label sizes is useful for those who haven't set up things the way I have.
The 6"x4" Portfolio paper remains perfect for postcards - keeping it available is the critical thing.

 

[wyofilm]

Relatively speaking, it must have cost them a fortune.

+10000

 

[MattKing]

I never participated in the Post Card thread nor the mailings. Frankly my photographs are too good to have postal cancellations printed across them. I pack up my photographs so they are protected during the mail handling. I suggest that others do the same.

If you participated, you would realize that the notes on the back, postage stamps, postal cancellations and mailing "patina" are part of the fun.
We have other print exchanges with other purposes.

 

[Sirius Glass]

If you participated, you would realize that the nots on the back, postage stamps, postal cancellations and mailing "patina" are part of the fun.
We have other print exchanges with other purposes.

Thank you, I understand, like passport stamps.

 

[Lachlan Young]

It always blows my mind how people are capable of spinning a new product into a "sky is falling" message.

It's more that they need to be able to claim the sky is falling so that they can feel special and unique in their claimed persecution.