Old SFX200 photos too, neato:

And some previous photos I hadn’t posted yet:

Photograms from the workshop too:

Pinhole Photo from the workshop:

In a landmark agreement, HARMAN technology will use its established export channels to make it easier than ever for photographers and enthusiasts throughout the world to access the Paterson Photographic range of products. These products, which include everything from tongs to spiral tanks and enlargers, have built up a significant following both in the UK and US. By establishing a trading relationship with HARMAN, Paterson now hopes to emulate this success on a truly global scale.

Perhaps most notably, HARMAN will now take over the distribution of Paterson’s three speciality liquid film developers which are noted for their excellent performance, especially excellent image sharpness. Due to be offered in a handy 500ml size instead of the current 1litre bottles, these developers give extra sharp detail in silver gelatine images and were formulated by Geoffrey Crawley – a renowned expert in the science of photography.

…

The new distribution arrangement (which excludes the UK and a limited number of other territories where Paterson will continue to distribute its products as normal) comes into effect for all markets bar the United States from 1st April 2008. The US meanwhile will enjoy all the benefits of the new partnership from 4th June 2008. WYNIT INC, the HARMAN technology distributor will become the exclusive distributor of Paterson photo products for the USA.

Source [here]

Now, if you need reminding what Paterson makes, [check their product page here], and scroll down. They actually have a pretty big range, including 35mm/6×6 enlargers and developing tanks. This is a pretty good move – my local photography store, Photographic Wholesalers, stocks a load of chemicals, paper and film – but no developing tanks or enlargers. If these pieces of equipment can get wider distribution, the beginner is much better supported.

Kodak-Branded SLR – 6th of march, 2007

‘Vivitar has plans to develop a Kodak SLR camera similar to the Vivitar V3000s,’ said Vivitar UK CEO Abbas Bhanji who added: ‘The planned KV100 is, at the moment, at the development stages and once released will be aimed at educational institutes who specialise in traditional photography.’ …

… Initial predictions of the death of film have been somewhat premature, according to Joel Proegler, general manager of Film Capture at Eastman Kodak who told us: ‘Kodak has focused on the digital message for the past four years. As we come out of that transition, one thing is very clear: film is a very profitable part of the business’.

[source]

Now, a simple case of re-branding an existing camera? Perhaps, but if it’s “in development”, perhaps not. Some quick research turns up the specs on the Vivitar V3000 – it’s sort of a modern Pentax K1000 with a plastic body. Pentax K mount, manual everything, built in light meter, split prism finder – really a solid basic SLR. Vivitar has never been a camera manufacturer, but has sold cameras under it’s brand since the 1970′s – so where this is actually being manufactured, I don’t know.
But, disregarding the speculation that will ensue – There will be a new Kodak brand, K mount, Manual SLR coming to the market. It’s aimed at educational institutions, and I’d expect it to be around 200-300USD.

Ilford in Japan
Japan likes film, and a fair few photographers quite like Ilford, so reports of Ilford pulling out of the japanese market upset a fair few people. Chugai Graphics released a statement, which you can find [here, in Japanese]. I don’t read Japanese, but those who do have pointed out what the beef was.
Essentially, Harman wanted Chugai to carry their range of Harman Inkjet products, as well as the Ilford Photo range (Remember, Harman is the parent company of Ilford Photo). Chugai already carry the old Ilford line of Inkjet papers (From Ilford Imaging, seperate to Ilford Photo.), and they apparently couldn’t handle products from two competing companies. Disagreement arose, and there was apparently some bad blood between the companies, and Chugai made an announcement before Ilford/Harman.

However, A new distributor has been appointed – CyberGraphics/Oriental, are now the distributor for Ilford in Japan. There’s even a Ilford Photo website for japan now: www.ilfordphoto.jp/

Simon has informally made the announcement:

Sorry to get to this late : HARMAN technology Limited have indeed appointed Cyber Graphics as its new and exclusive distributor in Japan. I am also pleased to announce that the full and comprehensive initial stocking order for our new distributor is on the water and we do not expect any stock outs whatsover to occur. A full press release will follow in the next few days.

Mr. Simon Galley [source]

So there you go. Ilford Photo are still in Japan, and it seems they’re happy about the new arrangement.

New camera from Fuji
This is big news, and I haven’t had time to report on it. Fuji have shown the prototype of a new folding medium format camera at PMA 2008, in Las Vegas.
It’s been affectionately dubbed, “That new Fuji Folder” – usually followed by a few sentences about mortgaging a house to buy one if that’s what it takes.
Pricing has been the biggest point of speculation – with anything from 500-2000USD suggested.

But, down to the cool stuff:
-It’s name is the GF670
-Rangefinder coupled 80mm lens f/3.5 lens
-Metal construction
-Manual film advance
-Both black and chrome finish available
-Shutter Speed is 1/500 to B
-Exposure compensation in 1/3 stops, 2 stops each way

The Speculation
-TTL light meter?
-Focal plane shutter or leaf (in the lens) shutter?
-flash sync at all speeds?
-Auto exposure? (There is an “A” on the shutter speed dial)

Some Photos:

Some Links:
-Initial Report
-The first images
-A video of the camera
-Czech blog, some more phots

David Bram got this response from Fuji USA:

“We wish to inform you that the new portable medium-format film camera displayed at the recent PMA 2008 Show is a prototype and currently not available. At this point in time, there is no additional information on the technical specifications, pricing, or release date for this prototype. “

[Check out David Bram's blog]

A lot of people got this same reply. It’s a generic response, which suggests they’re getting a hell of a lot of inquiries about this camera. That’s a good thing.

As others have pointed out, a lot is price dependent. If it’s too expensive, why wouldn’t you just buy a Mamiya 7? 6×7 is often touted as Ideal Format, the aspect ratio fits perfectly onto a 8×10 sheet of paper. I’d prefer 6×6 or 6×9, and there’s a lot of speculation about maybe more than one version if there’s enough demand. Maybe even a version with a wide angle lens?
This has been debated on various forums for quite a while, and we’ll just have to wait and see. Everyone has their personal preferences . Personally, I’ll consider one if it’s in ther 500-1200USD range.
Also, Cosina’s speculated to have their hand in this as well. Expect more at fotokina in September.

So that’s the state of traditional photography today. We’ve been left waiting for more from Fuji and Kodak, and I’ll report back as we get it.

HARMAN officially responds

Dear All,

We have received many, many e.mails from photo enthusiasts the world over regarding the possibility of our manufacturing monochrome POLAROID product. We have no idea whether this will be possible or practical, what I can tell you is that our Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Philip Harris has written to the CEO of POLAROID with the intention of discussing the possibility, should anything develop from this contact I will let you know.

Simon : ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited

[source]

That’s Simon Galley, Marketing Director of ILFORD/HARMAN. He’s the antidepressant of the analogue photography world.

And, with news from Polaroid itself, the phase-out timetable for Polaroid products has been released.

Last updated 18th of February, 2008. [source]

So there looks to be a safe supply of 600 film for the next year, but I wouldn’t put money on it. The larger the format, the more depressing the situation, it seems. Many have noted that 8×10 products are already hard to come across.

For more information on SFX 200, see my [earlier post, "SFX 200 Adventures"]
I really should post a business directory…
[UPDATE: I did, arent I awesome? [you can find it here]]

Ilford Postcard paper is 4×6″ double weight, Black and White Multicontrast paper. 4×6″ is, as you may remember, your standard photo lab size. When you go to drop off a roll of colour print film to be developed, it comes back printed on 4×6″ colour paper. These days, made by either Fuji or Kodak.

Some people arent too impressed by the humble 4×6″ format, because it’s so common. But, what may not be obvious at first, is that it fits the 35mm format pretty much perfectly.

A 35mm frame is 24x36mm in size. A 4×6″ piece of paper is, in metric, 10x15cm.
The aspect ratio of 35mm is 1.5, and the aspect ratio of 4×6″ is exactly the same – 1.5
To get your aspect ratio, divide the larger side by the smaller size, 36/24 = 1.5. Pretty straight forward, but rather informative.
So you can basically fit everything from a 35mm frame onto a 4×6″ sheet.

Let’s look at the other formats available for Ilford Portfolio paper:

Now this is just for Portfolio paper, Multigrade Deluxe has a much large array of sizes. I’ll post an article covering all the sizes in the Ilford catalogue when I can – it’s a pretty huge catalogue.

But looking at these ratios, you can see that 8×10 doesnt fit 35mm at all well, but despite this it remains the most common size. The world standardised on 8×10″, and for the most part it’s a very appealing size – I have some nice prints in that size on my wall right next to me and I’m very fond of them. But you effectively lose around an inch either side of possible image. Really, 8×12 would be more ideal…11×14 seems like it could be promising though.

So, who could take up the slack from Polaroid? Many have suggested Fuji, and I’m leaning towards them too, as they already make a range of Polaroid-compatible instant products. But someone on the Film Wasters forum actually [took the time to email Harman], the benevolent parent company of Ilford, and got a response;

HARMAN technology Limited thank you for your email. It is nice to know that you consider us to be the natural home of Black & White.

We will be in touch with Polaroid as soon as possible to discuss the licensing of the product. We will be in contact with you to keep you up to date with the situation.

In the meantime please keep in touch with our website (www.harmantechnology.com)

So, an interesting suggestion. This is in regards to Polaroid’s black and white products, of course, which are still extensively used by artists. No words on products like 600 format film, which you’d think has the largest market (everyone has a Polaroid 600 camera stowed away somewhere). Perhaps we’ll hear more in the next few weeks.

In the mean time, if you’re so inclined, you can sign the ["Save Polaroid" Petition]. I don’t imagine it will get Polaroid to reverse their decision, but it shows support for the product, which helps suggest how viable it is to other companies.

You can find C.R. Kennedy’s website here: crkennedy.com.au
If you feel like pestering them.

In the mean time, you can buy the film from Freestyle Photo in California, and they’ll ship it to you in Australia in about a week. It’s expensive, and so is shipping, but for the time being that’s how it goes.

In my case, I was lucky enough to get some off eBay Australia, from a seller who’d apparently followed the above method and sold it at a profit. A large one. Worked out to about $18 a roll for 5 rolls.

I’m also a big fan of eBay (most of the time), so once I’d gotten the film I bought a Hoya R72 filter from a seller in china.

Now!
A week and a bit later it all arived and I’ve had a chance to play around, and here are some of the results.
Still need to be printed up properly, but some RC paper is on the shopping list for this Tuesday.

Technical:
Nikon FM2n, 50mm f/1.8 Series E + Hoya R72
Canon EOS 1, 50mm f/1.8 II + Hoya R72

Just going by the TTL meter got the exposure pretty close – but it seemed to overexpose every time there was a lot of foliage in frame. Makes sense, foliage reflects a lot of infrared light – something to remember.