What on earth could be doing this to me, considering my entire creative existence is based on a love and passion about what I do? The answer is, in fact, simple. I worry about the reduction in the range and availability of film for cameras.
In recent years we have lost some gems – Fuji Reala was a film that I loved using. Hopefully all is not lost though, as I read that Fujifilm now earns more from film sales than their cameras. Film is a consumable, so it may makes sense for them to keep manufacturing it as it actually brings in an income. Sadly, they raised their prices a while back, which was linked to higher production costs as they are creating less of the product.
Ilford have had a rough few years, but seem to be okay for now. I think their FP4 and HP5 will always be in demand as long as people shoot film. I also take some reassurance from The Impossible Project with their instant films. Lomography have done a lot to revive film with their business model. They have some interesting products and special editions. In fact, something to suit everyone.
Kodak have a beautiful product in their Portra films. I love their ISO 160 version. This film has a truly beautiful colour balance and images look gorgeous. It was designed for portraits, but can be used for other work as well. They also make Ektar, which seems to have a slight reddish tone. I think this makes it ideal for landscapes, although I have not shot it myself yet. If Portra continues to be made, I think my own requirments will be catered for.
Is my worry justified? I would like to think it is not, but I hope the industry will continue to provide us with 'camera food' for many years to come. I hope we will always have film of some sort, but the products will probably continue to reduce into the ones that sell well. I suppose that makes good business sense. I know this is selfish, but I hope that my own preferred choices are the ones that survive.
