As long as there are processing machines that handle both film and digital it will remain viable, but eventually they will be replaced by digital only, or even disappear as it gets easier and cheaper for users to print their own digit shots at home.
I agree that the printing process is the major element that will determine the future of Film As We Know It. Remember darkrooms? Nichey guys and gals will use niche products like B&W, colour print, 4X5 etc. and do their own thing in the darkroom. Ma and Pa Smith will keep using disposable cameras and P&S cameras and the old Argus C-3 35mm, maybe even a Spotmatic, as long as they have a place to take their film. The nichey digit-heads will print their own stuff in/on their own Epson "darkroom". Ma and Pa Smith who become digit-heads will happily take their digits to the film store to get the stuff printed. Doesn't matter how cheap the color printer is, it is too much bother. However, the real threat to film is when the processor companies start making processors that only print digits, not film. If that happens, run do not walk, to the nearest landfill to dispose of your obsolete film-based imaging equipment! IMHO...
Stan
graywolf wrote:
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And actually both B&W and Slide Film are already niche markets here in the US. They may not drop a great deal in use as a result of digital. Color negative which is currently the biggest market will continue to be hit hard. As long as there are processing machines that handle both film and digital it will remain viable, but eventually they will be replaced by digital only, or even disappear as it gets easier and cheaper for users to print their own digit shots at home.
