Kodak Processing of Super-8 KODACHROME film ends August 1

[tlatosmd]

[doublette]

[tlatosmd]

What I was surprised about was your comparing of Kodak and Fachverlag Schiele & Schön John.

No intention to kill anyone JPolzfuß.

[MovieStuff]

I was just upset with accusing good Kodak people who were just trying to provide the best information they knew at the time as having "bad public relations".

I can certainly appreciate that, John. It can be very irritating when someone you are trying to help gets upset at you. On the other hand why do so many Kodak employees pretend to know and speak with such authority about things they, apparently, have nothing to do with? I mean, you describe the size of Kodak and the number of people involved in decision making as common knowledge within your organization. Certainly a Kodak employee knows when they are guessing or giving out info they have no authority over, don't they? Wouldn't it just be better if they said, "I don't know" rather than put out public info that misleads customers into thinking they have more time to buy and shoot Kodak product than they really do? We're talking about a two month difference and that, for many people, can make a huge difference in their ability to use up their stock, finish projects they previously started on K40, etc.

I think it is great that you posted the date here but, with no disrespect intended, how do we know that your information is any more accurate than the lab's information or that of any other Kodak employee? After all, you have made it very clear, many times, that the decision to end K40 and associated processing is outside your authority. I am assuming that the information you have given us is accurate but I think you see the problem that frustrates the average super 8 shooter trying to get accurate information out of Kodak.

Roger

[John_Pytlak]

I am assuming that the information you have given us is accurate but I think you see the problem that frustrates the average super 8 shooter trying to get accurate information out of Kodak.

Roger

Here's the bottom line: Would you rather have preliminary information based on what I know of the decision making process, or NO information until the final decision is made? The surest way to stop the flow of information is to constantly criticize those who try to help you by providing it.

The decisions being made are not easy ones, and the apparent "confusion" is often because Kodak supporters of the Super-8 cause are having an influence on the higher level decision makers. If profit were the only factor considered in the business case, there would be fewer film choices for Super-8, or maybe even none.

[Superbus_]

If profit were the only factor considered in the business case, there would be fewer film choices for Super-8, or maybe even none.

I can understand you when you are not involved in the final decision making but you have to inform people using KODAK's products.

I'm not sure because I do not have the statistical figures of Fuji company but it seems to me that the idea to produce super 8 (or in case of Fuji single 8) film stocks is more important as part of the image of the company or pr or something like that. Why? because super 8/single 8 users are creative, independent people with a living global community and huge, rich companies simply like to act as friends of such people and communities. Just think about the difference of company image, style between google and microsoft. Sometimes a name and history of a company is the most valuable part of the company. I think KODAk's image and name is connected to super 8 film which is a valuable thing. That's why I like when you say that your company is going to produce more new stocks and investments and I'm just sad when KODAK decision makers just thinking about the financial side of it. I think good managers need to think more strategic.

[Mitch Perkins]

how do we know that your information is any more accurate than the lab's information or that of any other Kodak employee?
Roger

Moot; the end is nigh - the final hour may be *closer* than John can predict. So, burn up that Kodachrome, folks, and remember - 'tis better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all...~:?)

Mitch

[Mitch Perkins]

If profit were the only factor considered in the business case, there would be fewer film choices for Super-8, or maybe even none.

Heh. A no-brainer. This is why I love Kodak...among other reasons. ~:?)

Mitch

[chachi]

Well, this new information really sucks!

John, thanks for delivering the news though. At least this way I can prepare a little. I'll have to look over my stock this weekend and see where I'm at. But man are Kodak going be busy with super8 processing these next few months.

By the way John, you mention Dwayne's is still not certified to process super8, But isn't that exactly where my film gets developed when I pack it in a mailer?
If that is the case, then I feel that at least extending the Kodak mailer processing service at Dwayne's until the end of the summer would make a great deal of sense. After all, aren't I getting non certified processing now anyway??

[John_Pytlak]

John, you mention Dwayne's is still not certified to process super8, But isn't that exactly where my film gets developed when I pack it in a mailer?
If that is the case, then I feel that at least extending the Kodak mailer processing service at Dwayne's until the end of the summer would make a great deal of sense. After all, aren't I getting non certified processing now anyway??

As I understand it, Kodak has never certified Dwayne's for the KODACHROME Super-8 process, which is slightly different than the process used for KODACHROME slides. Most likely, you will be happy with the results, but they may not exactly match what you got from Kodak's lab in Switzerland.

For motion picture labs, Kodak normally has published processing specifications (time, temperature, chemical formulae, agitation, etc.) and sells sensitometric control strips with specified aims. It's up to the lab to follow these specifications (sort of an "honor system") and match the Kodak aims, and they can call on their Kodak technical representative if they have difficulties doing so. But Kodak does not normally send anyone to "certify" the lab's process, and has no power to prevent a lab from deviating from the Kodak aims.

[Justin Lovell]

Kodak in Canada used to send their film to Dwaynes, but that was 'moot' (as mitch would say ;) ) soon after they realized that the quality control wasn't up to standard.

This was 2 summers ago that I was getting the 'little white boxes' back from dwaynes, then it switched over to the mini black reels from switzerland.

[clivetobin]

... Would you rather have preliminary information based on what I know of the decision making process, or NO information until the final decision is made? ....

Preliminary information is preferable to none.

But anyone giving out preliminary information should emphasize that it is preliminary, not official or final, and is subject to change.

[kentbulza]

Does "16mm" include R8 Kodachrome?

Mark

Regular-8 KODACHROME film is processed on the 16mm machine, and so will be treated as 16mm. As far as I know, almost all of the Regular-8 KODACHROME in current use has been supplied by repackaging companies, and not directly by Kodak.

What about the K25 in DS8? That was a Kodak packaged product that included processing (and is 16mm width). Will that have an August cut-off or December. Thanks in advance.

[John_Pytlak]

What about the K25 in DS8? That was a Kodak packaged product that included processing (and is 16mm width). Will that have an August cut-off or December. Thanks in advance.

What was the expiration date on that old film? Where did you buy it?

[camera8mm]

If dwaynes isnt certified by kodak to take over the processing mailers or processing costs included with purchased film, they why, john, doesnt kodak certify dwaynes? dwaynes is (unhappily or not) processing kodachrome film through the mailers anyway.
oh sure you'll probably write they use the wrong machine or what not. then when become of the equipment in switzerland?

[camera8mm]

If dwaynes isnt certified by kodak to take over the processing mailers or processing costs included with purchased film, they why, john, doesnt kodak certify dwaynes? dwaynes is (unhappily or not) processing kodachrome film through the mailers anyway.
oh sure you'll probably write they use the wrong machine or what not. then when become of the equipment in switzerland?