Report from the Photokina 2014

[Mackinaw]

It is easy for them to state such numbers but concealing the same time how they got to that enterprise without paying.

I have no idea what you are saying. Can you elaborate?

Jim B.

 

[AgX]

Contrary to what Impossible always state, the idea for that enterprise and the technical knowledge behind it did not came from them, nor did they ever pay a cent for that.

That of course does not take away their sales success (which could even be increased as I hinted at in my general comment on instant photography).
But there is a story behind the official story.

 

[wiltw]

I was puzzled by the Rodenstock comment about "Their stock of Copal shutters is likely good for another 2-3 years, and they are working on different alternatives for the Copal shutters. " Copal is alive and active, with financial bolstering thru the Nidec capitalization.

Then I did more digging and discovered the Aug 2013 advisory about end of Copal shutters, and also about the 2014 declaration by Schneider-Kreuznach about the call for "last orders" for Super-Angulon XL, Super-Symmar XL, APO-Symmar L and tele-Xenar, with the lenses being produced in the next two years before the final production stop of these lines comes.

The demise of films foreshadows the decline of large format equipment production from key suppliers!

 

[AgX]

The demise of films foreshadows the decline of large format equipment production from key suppliers!

The cancellation of LF equipment production can easier be counteracted (by buying used equipment) than a reduction in film sorts.

 

[wiltw]

The cancellation of LF equipment production can easier be counteracted (by buying used equipment) than a reduction in film sorts.

...but one day the current supply of spare parts will need to cannibalize the supply of available used gear.

 

[AgX]

I assume the supply of used gear will be sufficient for some time. Otherwise the demand will crank up production again. Of course prices then will be at a level that demand might not follow.
In any case I see the long term supply issue for LF Equipment much, much less critical than for films.

 

[cmacd123]

presumably if their is a demand for Large format lenses, it would be possible for specially makers to commission the needed components from agile manufacturers. Prices may be much higher than existing makers can expect to continue sales for.

 

[Dr Croubie]

Yeah, there is more than enough used LF gear to keep the world turning for at least a decade or two more. Hell, my favourite lens on my 8x10 is a Triple-Convertible Turner Reich Anastigmat in a Betax 4. It's pushing 60-90 years old, and still going.
If / when the supply situation of even used shutters gets desperate in a decade, a new small company will come around with the ability to be profitable supplying in the hundreds, and doesn't need half a million to break even. Just like Ferrania's doing compared to the Kodak/Fuji behemoths.

Economies of scale may have helped Henry Ford followers through the last century, but nimble and on-demand is going to rule this century - so sayeth the engineer / economist.

 

[Henning Serger]

Contrary to what Impossible always state, the idea for that enterprise and the technical knowledge behind it did not came from them, nor did they ever pay a cent for that.

That of course does not take away their sales success (which could even be increased as I hinted at in my general comment on instant photography).
But there is a story behind the official story.

O.k., and what story should that be?
Either you give the in your mind real facts, or you should be quiet.
But only saying it is wrong what they say, but not giving any evidence, is not a good discussion style.....
And by the way:
That InovisProject / InovisCoat is a key partner for them in both techology development and coating is not a secret. IP has often communicated that to the public.
Same with the fact that investors are part of the project for financing.

And the instant film enthusiast is probably not so much interested from where the technology or money comes. He just wants the films and cameras, and have fun
And Impossible gives him just that.

Best regards,
Henning

 

[Henning Serger]

The demise of films foreshadows the decline of large format equipment production from key suppliers!

No, definitely not.
Please relax.
In my talk at the Photokina with the Rodenstock manager he very clearly said that they want to continue their LF lens production. And he was quite optimistic that they will find a solution for the shutters.
And we have more than a dozen manufacturers of LF cameras worldwide. Recently even new ones entered the market (e.g. Travelwide, Intrepid).
Furthermore in some markets LF has increasing popularity. E.g. I've talked at Photokina to a film supplier in Hong Kong, who told me the demand for sheet film from China at his shop is so strong that he had problems to satisfy this demand.

Best regards,
Henning

 

[AgX]

presumably if their is a demand for Large format lenses, it would be possible for specially makers to commission the needed components from agile manufacturers. Prices may be much higher than existing makers can expect to continue sales for.

I guess the tools for the latest compur models are still existent. At least the manufacturer is.

 

[Xmas]

I guess the tools for the latest compur models are still existent. At least the manufacturer is.

Well one of my chums was preparing a wet plate course like Sally Mann, with wet plates a lens cap is all you need.

 

[Xmas]

And the instant film enthusiast is probably not so much interested from where the technology or money comes. He just wants the films and cameras, and have fun
And Impossible gives him just that.

Best regards,
Henning

The instant people are only interested in prints, the plastic box that is expensive is a mystery to lots of them - who more normally don't necessarily wonder how their iPhone works.

It is selling to our masses.

 

[cmacd123]

And he was quite optimistic that they will find a solution for the shutters.
And we have more than a dozen manufacturers of LF cameras worldwide. Recently even new ones entered the market (e.g. Travelwide, Intrepid).

It was not that long ago that Shanghai was making the model 4 TLR. Unlike some of the Shanghai cameras the shutters on those tend to stay working well. I wonder if that alone would be enough technology for a small shop in that area to set up to produce LF shutters based on a step up of that basic design?