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Category: Comparison Between Digital and Film Photography

Photography Question 

Linda Kessler
 

Tri-X and Certain Color Films Being Discontinued?


The category of "film-based photography" seems like it may be obsolete. I just read that Kodak announced that Tri-X film and several color films are discontinued. I use mostly Tri-X 35mm and Portrait NC and VC films. I also just purchased a Nikon F100. I am truly concerned and wonder if I should exchance it for a comparable digital camera, and then which one, if so? I am so worried and was not planning on going digital so soon. Help!!!


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May 02, 2004

 

Jon Close
  Nothing about this on Kodak's site. Where did you read/hear this? I find it hard to believe, as Tri-X is as popular as their T-Max films. Also Kodak has only discontinued its slowest-speed color films (Kodachrome 25 and 64). Other films have been rebranded (Royal Gold as High Definition, Portra 400UC as Ultra Color 400UC).


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May 02, 2004

 

Linda Kessler
  Jon, Take a look at the following page on Kodak's website:
www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/films/bw/discontinued.jhtml
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks. ...
P.S.: For Tri-X Pan it says it is now going to be Tri-X. But this is ambiguous. Will there or won't there be Tri-X for 35mm, 400 ASA? Also, what about T-Max?


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May 02, 2004

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  With T-Max and that C-41 black&white, I'm not surprised that they are going to discontinue Tri-X. I wouldn't be surprised if the next step is the availability of some films becomes less in places like grocery stores. Kodak stopped making film cameras a while ago. At some point, they may even go to just having film in career-oriented camera stores or online stores that are career oriented. No need to worry about it now.


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May 02, 2004

 

Jon Close
  Per the link you gave, Linda, "KODAK TRI-X Pan Professional Film has been replaced by KODAK PROFESSIONAL TRI-X 320 Film/320TXP. For more information, see KODAK Publication F4017." Despite the use of the term "discontinued," both films are still being made and are available. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Kodak continues to support, do R&D, and improve their films. This is just a simple incremental improvement and very slight name change for this film. Tri-X Pan is now called Tri-X 400. Tri-X Pan Professional is now called Tri-X 320. And T-Max? It is still a popular film, still being made, still readily available.


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May 03, 2004

 

Linda Kessler
  Dear Jon, Whew! Thanks so much. What is your take on film and film cameras in the future? I recently purchased a new F100 for the autofocus feature (long story, have written before on the site) as I do not need digital for the work that I do. Am I not being practical and should purchase a digital one instead? ...
P.S.: I know nothing about digital and do not have an interest right now unless it is necesary.


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May 03, 2004

 

Jon Close
  Just my opinion (and no one knows the future), but I believe that even as digital becomes more popular film will be round for a very very long time.


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May 03, 2004

 

Linda Kessler
  Thanks. A rep from Kodak emailed me and agrees with you.


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May 03, 2004

 
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