KODAK - The Future of Super 8?

[Super8Guy]

December 14, 2001

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF SUPER 8
FOR KODAK

Comments here:

| http://Super8Guy.com/Super8/KodakS8.html |

Read the ALRAMING first report
as of December 14, 2001.

If anyone knows anything,
let us know what you know.

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Super8Guy
JOHN LONGENECKER
http://JL-Site.com/Super8/DirectoryII.html

[StopMoWorks]

Seems like this has been presented in a sensationalized manner, like a tabloid paper would report something!? Perhaps a specific incident in which you the lady at Kodak didn't "click", or you just got a disgruntled Kodak employee?

About your other comments on your site....
http://Super8Guy.com/Super8/KodakS8.html

.....I do agree that the Kodak Super 8 cartridge is one of the keys to help this format continue. Somebody in Russia is already producing reloadable cartridges but I do not know about the quality. I would like to see a reloadable with maybe a more durable pressure plate (thin metal instead of plastic) & just a more robust construction. Even the existing "co-axial" design (to hold 50ft.) would be okay, although it might be a hassle to re-load but at least the Super8 format can continue.

I think there might also be other issues (not just cartridges) regarding Super 8's future:

The K40 Processing....If Kodak opts-out of Super 8 cartridge manufacturing, it seems like, they might also abandon their Switzerland processing lab and the production of Super 8 film stock. Then, only Dwaynes Lab in USA is left to process K40? Again, will Kodak continue to produce Super 8 film stock (non-cartridged)? If not, someone else will need to cut the film....a company that will $invest$ in the production equipment to make the cartridges and the same company or another one to cut the film.....and again, there's the film processing issue. Looks like, there is one in the USA, Pro8mm company, that "cut" their own Super 8 stock, but they seem to be generally overpriced with regards to their general Super 8 services, and we would be "enslaved" to them. Who else would invest in this type of specialty film cutting equipment? Would Kodak sell their Super 8 film cutting operation/equipment?

One of the primary reasons that many like Super 8, is because it is one of the lower/cost-effective "film" formats. From reading the boards, Pro8mm services are about the same as 16mm film.

All this is just my random speculation based on a rumor that was posted here.
Lionel



[This message has been edited by StopMoWorks (edited December 15, 2001).]

[Mikko]

I'd say that in december 12th 2011 Kodak is still making super 8 film and cartridges.
(I sure hope so)

Or if not Kodak, then someone else.

Let's not panic yet. Start panicing when the last cartridges are in stores.

Criswell

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[Carlos8]

The Russian reloadable cassettes possess a metal pressure plate that allows to obtain a more stable image, without oscillations. They're also easy to be recharged.

So, if the key in the production of the Super 8 film is the plastic cartridge, why not to sell the film in cans of 50 or 200 feet to load in reloadable cartridges?

This would allow to reduce the costs of the film material.

Carlos.

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[MovieStuff]

Here's the problem I see: Many take the position that,"As long as people keep shooting super 8, then Kodak will keep on making it."

A casual look will show that this is not true by any means. People still shoot and want K25. Where is it? People were still shooting and still want sound film. Where is it? People were shooting and still want the 200 foot cartridges. Where are they? People were shooting S8 Ektachrome 40. Where is it today? Still photographers still shoot and want K200. Where is it?

The list goes on and on. Kodak has a definate history of dropping popular stocks BEFORE they lose money. This means that, just because something is still on the shelf, doesn't mean anything regarding longevity of that product. More importantly, the simple fact that we want it doesn't really mean a thing in the big picture.

We are a niche market. Creative and serious, perhaps, but a very small concern to a corporate giant like Kodak. Or, look at it a different way: There are probably a thousand still photographers for every super 8 shooter out there. Every still photographer I know shot K25 and K200 and hated to see them go and, yet, those stocks are history.

Pretty sobering, if you stop to think about it.

Roger

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Roger Evans
MovieStuff
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/moviestuff.html

[#Pedro]

Hi Carlos!
As far as I?m remembering, you were trying out the Kahl UT18 color reversal stock. Could you tell us, how were the results, compared to K40, projected on a, let?s say, 2 meters screen?
Pedro

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[This message has been edited by #Pedro (edited December 19, 2001).]

[Carlos8]

Hi Pedro!
Sadly I was trying out Kahl 21,24 and 27, all black and white negative stocks. Not yet Kahl UT 18 chrome.
I was asking all this time if somebody has trying out with this film material, but still I haven't some reply.

Carlos.

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[#Pedro]

Due to the latest poor cart quality, I sent an email to Kodak/Germany and a letter together with the wasted film. I was astonished how quick they responded to me. They admitted their quality problems, promised to replace any wasted film and told me that they will stick to S8 also in the future and deliver failure-free films with the delivery date Jan/2001.

If this all is really true, really good news!

Pedro

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