ILFORD Inspires!

Ilford Photo by Harman Technology presents ILFORD Inspires, a series of global events to encourage people to use traditional film photography. The featured photographers and artists demonstrate the use of film to inspire and demonstrate the art of the analog medium through their unique talents. The concept is to present a well known figure whom you want to listen to present how they use film. A YouTube channel has been created to show case the presentation. One exciting fact that is revealed in the Introduction to the series, is that sales of Ilford film have increased in 2016!

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CES: Kodak Ektachrome

As has been reported widely, Kodak Alaris (the company that makes Kodak film and is independent from Kodak since 2013), has re-introduced Ektachrome colour transparency film at CES 2017. The film will be available in Super 8 movie film format and 135-36 still format.

This is a boon for Kodak Super 8 motion picture filmmakers, whom have had to either use colour negative films or Tri-X B&W reversal film. Now a direct from camera to silver screen workflow can be used. Still photographers can gain from the return of an iconic film stock that has been discontinued since 2012.

Kodak is also unveiling a Limited Edition Super 8 camera to be introduced in the Spring this year, with a consumer variant available later in the year. The camera has been developed in conjunction with filmmakers, directors and amateurs and is claimed to capture incredibly high quality images on Super 8 film.

Christmas Ideas for the Film Photographer 2016

Time is running out, but there are still deals to be had online for Christmas. The Phoblographer has ideas for the street photographer who prefers film. While KEH Camera has a wide selection of used cameras, they do make you sign up for their newsletter to receive notice of great deals off already discounted used gear.

Of course, any film photographer would appreciate film itself, see Sources of Film and Which Film to Use for ideas. Silverprint in the UK has a deal of 35% off Foma enlarging papers on orders over £100 after the discount code has been applied. Shoot Film Co. has pins, stickers and trinkets for film shooters, plus the PhotoMemo photographer's memo book, a handy way for keeping track of exposure data, etc.

The Film Shooters Collective is offering up to 25% off their No Grain, No Glory T-shirts as of now.

Sources of Film

The death of film is greatly exaggerated. Many places still carry film. The drugstore near you may even have a couple of rolls on the shelves. Your local camera shop, if your city has one, may have a selection of available rolls of film. Increasingly, online sources are convenient and have more selection. B&H Photo has a wide selection of films at reasonable cost, plus chemistry and photo papers. So does Adorama. In the UK, SilverPrint sells worldwide, not only films but chemistry and more. In the USA, the Photographer's Formulary sells just about every combination of chemistry a photographer would need. Ultrafine Online sells a variety of films, some hard to get such as Maco and their own line of high contrast Ortho Litho film. Of course, the Japan Camera Hunter blog sells items in Asia, including his own JCH StreetPan film.

Fuji Instax film, it seems, can be purchased anywhere cameras are sold, including big box electronics shops, pharmacies or just about anywhere. Of couse, how can one mention Instax without mentioning Impossible Instant Film.

In short, there seems to be a plentiful number of sources for getting film, film chemistry and papers. The variety and pricing of which depends on how far you are willing to search for what you want and at what price. Not only do prices vary, but shipping varies also and some online shops offer free shipping over a certain amount. It may be cheaper when buying online to buy 10 rolls and save with free shipping than to buy a couple of rolls of film at a time.

Richard Pickup, on Why I Shoot Film

Richard Pickup was interviewed on Emulsive at the end of last month. (Yes, it is December already!) Richard is not only a photographer, but also a film photography instructor. His web site hosts his research and helpful tips geared for film photography. Check out this Emulsive post by Richard on Visualization for Film Photographers.

I suspect most readers of this interview will be aware that film is most certainly alive and thriving, and that a vibrant, knowledgeable and highly committed film community supports its use. -- Richard Pickup

More T-Shirts for Film Fanatics

Daniel J. Schneider is making Out Shooting Film T-Shirts for the film photographer who is always asked, "Do they still make film for that?" The shirt features that question and a sketch of a Rolleicord. He hopes to raise a few bucks for himself in the process, but the shirts are reasonably priced at US$19.99.

Film Shooters Collective

The Film Shooters Collective is an organization that supports the global community of film photographers. They publish books and hold events, such as photowalks and gallery shows to promote film photography.

They also sell T-shirts and decals to raise money for their operations. The shirts designed for their 2017 operations feature the logo "No grain, no glory" and come in three themes, MF, SLR and Rangefinder. Each shirt features an iconic camera from the corresponding theme and the logo. Also available is a shirt with just the FSC logo and two women's tank style shirts.

Maybe a gift idea for a film shooter you know?