Todd Anderson

There seems to be a lot of debate on wether or not the Arri / Zeiss Ultra16's will cover the BMD sensor. I'm not sure if they do 100%. The debate continues... For those interested, I have placed a band new 8mm Ultra16 (new in the box), unused with an invoice from Arri showing my purchase in August, on ebay. The listing ends tomorrow. The starting bid is $3,799 with no reserve. If no one bids, that will be the price. This is about 1/5 the price from the factory. The link is below. Pictures of the actual lens and invoice can be seen on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200830762154?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 Ebay item #: 200830762154 Thanks, -T

I'm holding onto my other Arri Ultra16's and I won't be selling any other ones at that price, Alexander. I'm not trying to bring the market down for them. After this one goes, I doubt you will see another one go for that cheap for a little while. The build quality of these lenses are phenomenal. Much nicer than a Zeiss Compact Prime lens. There is no comparison. I just don't usual shoot this wide, so I will allocate the funds elsewhere. I think the market for these lenses will go up a little bit once the Digital Bolex is released (have you seen the finished CNC metal body of that camera? It is really nice. And it is the closest concept I have seen for being as stripped back and simple as a film camera. And of course, unlike the Black Magic Camera, 16mm lenses work perfect on that camera). But I also think people may see how the Ultra16's may still be the nice solution for a wide and fast lens on the Black Magic (even with cropping or framing for a different aspect ratio than 1.78). -T

Hello, For those interested, I am keeping most of my Ultra16's for using with my S16 camera's, but I have placed one of them, which is brand new in the box, unused with an invoice from Arri showing my purchase in August, on ebay. The link is below. The one I am selling is the 8mm. Pictures of the actual lens and invoice can be seen on ebay. The starting bid is $3,799 with no reserve. If no one bids, that will be the price. This is about 1/5 the price from the factory. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200830762154?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_745wt_0 Ebay item #: 200830762154 Thanks, -T

For what it is worth, here is the Japan Times take on breaking the news. It is interesting to note that Fuji started manufacturing Motion Picture film in 1934. I always thought it was a bit later... http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20120914a2.html Fujifilm to cease making movie film by Kyodo, Jiji Fujifilm Corp. will stop producing motion picture film around next spring because the rapid digitization of the cinema industry is making the business unprofitable. Fujifilm has been making film for movie cameras and screening in theaters since its establishment in 1934. It is now common in the industry to use digital cameras to shoot movies because editing and distribution are much easier. Fujifilm, currently Japan's sole maker of motion picture film, said Wednesday that finding demand for the product has become difficult, especially after price hikes in July. After taking final orders from Japanese, U.S. and European studios, the unit of Fujifilm Holdings Corp. will end movie film production next spring. The Tokyo-based maker, however, said it will still produce special film designed to preserve motion pictures for a long period. The firm will keep making archive film that can retain image quality for more than 500 years.

I just saw the above few posts after my last post.. and then I put in a call to Fuji. It is now my understanding that they plan to stop selling negative stock in March. They obviously have plenty of negative stock in inventory at the moment, but it is seemed that they would hand over any remaining inventory after March to someone else (likely a broker?). I asked if they still planned to continue producing still film stock, and the customer service persons reply was, "Oh, yes. We are still committed to that market. There are a lot of artist still using film in that market". I guess she didn't see that she was pointing out that filmmakers aren't considered artist, as well. That they don't require such tools. This is all pretty sad. The only silver lining may be that this will give Kodak's motion division a little more fire. -T

The below letter came into my inbox from Kodak last week. Reading through it, the most important and encouraging statement in the letter was the following: "As I'm sure you know, Kodak has worked in partnership with Hollywood Studios for many years. We're very happy to see them show their confidence in the Kodak brand by recently signing multi year agreements with the company. " We don't know what multi - year means, but that is at least two years and likely more in some instances. If the news about Fuji is correct, perhaps the word of Kodak signing multi year agreements with many of the studios made Fuji feel like they wouldn't be able to get a big enough share of that market to make things look promising in the immediate future. But I still hope the news about Fuji, just as it has been shown over and over again in the instance of the overblown news about Kodak selling or ceasing their film division, that this little piece of news is not telling the whole story. And I agree with what others are saying, it is very short sighted for people to think that any medium being taken away from artist is a good thing. I personally can care less if 90% of the studios want to shoot only digital and can sell that. I just want film to be around for the artist, at the very least. I already mourn the loss of Fuji 800Z 120 roll film for the still market (which I have about 70 rolls currently in my freezer). If the Fuji news is real, I'll miss the "Fuji Look". Having said that, I'll go on supporting Kodak just as I do now and still shoot film in both motion and stills. -T .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Next Steps to our Future Success by Kim Snyder (of Kodak) Last week, Kodak announced its next steps in emerging from Chapter 11 as a company primarily focused on commercial, packaging, and functional printing solutions as well as enterprise services. The company has now initiated a sales process for its market-leading Personalized Imaging and Document Imaging businesses. So what does this mean for Entertainment Imaging and its motion picture film products and services? For clarity, I can assure you that Kodak's motion picture films are not part of this announcement and will remain with the company. Kodak will continue to manufacture and distribute its quality line of motion picture film products. As a matter of fact, all film manufacturing will actually stay with Kodak, including that of consumer and professional still film. We will continue providing our entertainment customers with the products and support they have come to depend upon from Kodak. In addition to manufacturing film, we are pursuing potential vertical markets that will utilize our film technologies for a variety of alternative and exciting products. This includes Functional Printing applications as well as Thin Film and Specialty Chemicals growth opportunities. And speaking of new opportunities, based on market demand, we just announced a new color asset protection film and will be adding a black-and-white separation film to the portfolio later this year. As I'm sure you know, Kodak has worked in partnership with Hollywood Studios for many years. We're very happy to see them show their confidence in the Kodak brand by recently signing multi year agreements with the company. Kodak's plan for the future has a sharper focus now, and as part of that plan, our market-leading motion picture products will continue to provide the innovation and creative choices that the production and post community need. I am happy to be able to share this news and to take this opportunity to thank all our motion picture customers who have remained so loyal throughout the last months. As Kodak continues to evolve, we are pleased to continue to offer the technology and the products that have supported this industry for over a century. As always, our global sales force is available to answer any questions you may have or to help meet your production needs. Thank you." Kim Snyder President and General Manager Entertainment and Commercial Films Group Vice President of Eastman Kodak Company

Below is a link to a research report on the 'Functional Printing' prospective markets. It is very detailed, but you get the idea that this is part of the lucrative commercial market that Kodak is trying to capture coming out of restructuring. It seems very plausible that they can do well here. And it also, perhaps, gives the current Kodak management some credit for what they are trying to do. As it seems that many of us are probably ignorant in our thinking that Kodak is trying to just make consumer inkjet printers and cartridges and turn around the company that way. It seems promising that if Kodak can cut the fat and become a leaner company, that they have a chance if things start to line up for them. There is no doubt they have some of the best chemical scientist working for them and talent in those areas in spades. Link to 19 page report: http://www.flextech.org/documents/nanomarkets_reports/InkJetPrinting_ES.pdf

Statement released by Kodak on CML: "Please be assured that Kodak's motion picture films are not part of this announcement. Motion Picture will remain with the company as the largest driver of film manufacturing volume. Film manufacturing is not included in the sale. It will remain within the Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films group, including consumer and professional still film. In addition to manufacturing film, we are pursuing market demands that will utilise our technologies for a variety of alternative and exciting products. This includes Functional Printing applications as well as Thin Film and Specialty Chemicals growth opportunities. And if you haven't caught up with this news yet, we have just launched a new Kodak Asset Protection Film, an affordable, innovative color film solution optimised for content owners who originate or finish their productions on digital formats and want to protect their valuable media for the future. http://motion.kodak.com/motion…../index.htm

Well, it looks like if they were to sell off the above mentioned "personalized imaging" businesses, they would still sell film to the commercial markets (including the movie business). All according to the article below: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-23/kodak-to-sell-imaging-units-as-patent-auction-continues "Lazard Ltd. (LAZ) is advising on sales of the units, known as personal imaging and document imaging, which are targeted for completion in the first half of 2013, the Rochester, New York- based company said today in a statement. The sales would leave Kodak selling consumers only inkjet printers, and film just to commercial customers including the movie industry. The patents for sale relate to the capture, manipulation and sharing of digital images while the kiosks include those used by consumers and by theme parks to capture passengers on rides. Kodak is selling the imaging units and patents to fund a turnaround after seeking Chapter 11 protection in January. At the same time, it’s pursuing a plan to shrink the company and focus less on photography and more on commercial, packaging and functional printing and enterprise services. “We have to make some tough choices to build our future and this is one of those choices,” Chief Executive Officer Antonio Perez said today on a conference call. “Kodak’s goal is not simply to emerge but obviously to emerge as a profitable, sustainable company and today’s actions are moving us decisively along that path.” Perez is pushing ahead with the digital patents sale amid legal fights with device makers, including Apple Inc. (AAPL), over the ownership and validity of some of the patents. As bidding continued beyond initial deadlines, Kodak has said it may not sell the patents if retaining them is “in the best interests of the estate.” Portfolio Decision “The company reiterates that it has made no decision to sell the portfolio and Kodak may, in consultation with creditors, retain the portfolio as an alternative source of recovery for creditors,” Kodak said today. In court documents, Kodak has said the patents may be worth $2.21 billion to $2.57 billion, based on an estimate by patent advisory firm 284 Partners LLC. Kodak said it has generated more than $3 billion in revenue by licensing some of the digital- imaging patents to users, including Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc. (066570), Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Motorola Mobility unit and Nokia Oyj. (NOK1V) “The path to emergence is becoming clearer for us,” Perez said on the call. “Our patent auction continues, and we are still engaged in discussions around the potential sale of our digital imaging portfolio. Going in we expected this to be a complex process and it has been all of that and more.” Signed Agreements Kodak said in June that 20 parties had signed agreements to view confidential information ahead of potential bids. The identities of unsuccessful bidders will be kept secret under auction rules. Kodak and its creditors agreed to extend the auction deadline beyond Aug. 13 “in light of continuing discussions with bidders” without providing a revised target date. Kodak filed for bankruptcy after years of burning through cash while digital photography eroded its film business. The company had spent $3.4 billion on restructuring before bankruptcy, including payouts to fire 47,000 employees since 2003, closing 13 factories that produced film, paper and chemicals, and 130 photo laboratories. The bankruptcy case is In re Eastman Kodak Co., 12-10202, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan)."

Well, it seems like they had a meeting today and perhaps because whatever ends up happening with the patent sale -- as it is looking like it may likely be below their expectations, regardless -- they are exploring selling off by mid 2013 their "personalized imaging" businesses, which according to the article would included still camera film. Now, there is no mention of motion picture film being in that mix, and either that may be an oversight, or perhaps that is because it would make sense that motion would be categorized as a 'commercial' versus 'consumer' business. And seeing how it seems like commercial businesses will be their primary focus coming out of the restructuring, that may make sense. I guess we will have to wait and see. You can read all about it below: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444812704577607700939340864.html "Eastman Kodak Co. EKDKQ -1.21% is exploring the sale of its personalized-imaging and document-imaging businesses, the company said Thursday, as an auction of its digital patents slogs on. The company's chairman and chief executive, Antonio M. Perez, said the planned sales marked "an important step in our company's reorganization to focus our business on the commercial markets and enable Kodak to accelerate its momentum toward emergence" from bankruptcy protection. The document-imaging business includes document and photo scanners as well as software. Personalized imaging includes Kodak's photo kiosk business, photographic paper and still-camera film products. Kodak said it plans on completing a sale by the first half of 2013. Kodak plans to focus on its commercial, packaging and functional printing-solutions businesses, as well as a business known as enterprise services, the company said. The Journal reported earlier that Kodak could start selling off businesses and try to bring home cash from overseas as part of contingency plans following the result of a prolonged auction of its digital patent portfolio. The auction isn't expected to raise as much cash as Kodak initially hoped, forcing the company to turn find other ways to raise money to repay more than $660 million owed banks including Citigroup Inc. C -2.97% that provided a bankruptcy loan, as well as other creditors. A consortium including Apple Inc., AAPL -0.93% Google Inc., GOOG -0.06% Microsoft Corp. MSFT -0.93% and patent aggregators have been in discussions with Kodak on buying patents. The auction began Aug. 8 with competing investor groups later merging to form one suitor. Bids have come in all different shapes and sizes. People close to the matter said Kodak appeared close to some kind of deal, though the details remained unclear. Kodak put the 1,100 patents on the block a year ago to raise cash after Chief Executive Perez's strategy of milking the patent portfolio through suits and licensing agreements ran dry. Mr. Perez has been trying to transform Kodak into a company that sells consumer and commercial inkjet printers, moving away from traditional off-the-shelf print film and other older businesses. Kodak exited some of its consumer businesses in February, announcing plans to shut down production of digital cameras, video cameras and digital picture frames. In April, it sold its Kodak Gallery photo sharing website to Shutterfly Inc. SFLY +0.35% for $23.8 million. Kodak's camera business and photosharing site were both unprofitable, according to people familiar with the matter. On Thursday, the 132-year-old photo pioneer called a press briefing with Mr. Perez. Mr. Perez, a former Hewlett-Packard Co. HPQ -8.15% executive, became CEO in 2005. The company only had one profitable year under his leadership, and filed for bankruptcy protection in January after failing to sell its patents to raise much-needed funds."

It is nice to see Kodak releasing new products even under their restructuring. It can only be seen as a positive for their image and for the film community as a whole. I'm also crossing my fingers that the outcome of their patent sale proves to be beneficial for the company. My understanding is that news of the sale, or lack thereof, should come out between today and August 30th. -T

Looking at the original specs, I got this impression with possibly using S16 lenses on the BMD camera: seeing that the portholing would just happen on the corners, and essentially not the top and bottom of the center frame, I think if you overlaid a "pillar box" (the opposite of a letterbox) of black on the sides in post, you would end up with a kind of 4x3 center that was usable. And I thought that could be interesting, as 1:78 is at times becoming a little tired seeing that it is over used these days. Anyhow, this would obviously not work for every project, but I thought it could be a way to utilize production quality Sup16mm lenses on this camera. I mean, at least you could use wide angle lenses. As of now, you are stuck with 'too long' 35mm EF lenses. It seems like a compromise on each end of the lens spectrum (16mm or 35mm), so you may kind of have to pick your poison maybe?

As I briefly mentioned in my other post, it is very much a pipe dream, but how interesting would it be if Black Magic also made a bid to acquire Kodak's film division in bankruptcy courts? Seeing how the missing link for a cost competitive, "film acquisition / digital workflow", for the independent has always been the lack of cost effective high-end scanning and / or high-end telecine solutions (and in some ways, I wish Kodak would have found a way to bundle those two technologies years ago for the pro market). But a company as progressive as Black Magic could have something interesting on their hands if they added Kodak to the mix in their recent acquisition. No? And at least, as opposed to a company like RED for instances, Black Magic are still "pro-film" (I liked the positive statements about film in their press release on the Cintel purchase). And they don't hide behind the fact that film is still the best acquisition material from a grading stand point. They seem like one potential prospect to carry the film torch ... who's up for a petition directed to the CEO of Black Magic? -T

At least this is a positive headline (even if they are just talking about gross profits). I also think that this month the Kodak / Apple patent lawsuit is suppose to be resolved (and they were just granted the right to leave that decision in bankruptcy courts; which helps them with the sale of said patents). And then if I am not mistaken, they are suppose to come out of Chapter 11 early next year (which is when things will get interesting). And let's hope if they have to sell off the film division for cheap that someone like Black Magic puts in a bid (seeing how they just bought Cintel for a song ... that may be a pipe dream, but that would be interesting joint purchase ... who's up for a petition to the CEO of Black Magic? ) ... Kodak's U.S. operations show first sign of profitability Eastman Kodak Co.’s bankrupt U.S. operations are now making a profit. Sort of. The printing and imaging company this week filed its latest monthly operating report, required as part of its reorganization under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. For June, Kodak's U.S. operations posted sales of $180.2 million and a net loss of $160 million. That net loss ends what had been two consecutive months of the company edging closer to bottom-line profitability. But June also marked the first month since filing for bankruptcy where the company’s gross profit was in the black to the tune of $19.2 million. Gross profit does not count such business expenses as taxes, R&D, and selling and administrative costs. The company, in its monthly report, did not give any explanation on the numbers, including what resulted in the positive gross profit. The monthly reports give a partial view of how Kodak is doing because they include only the U.S. operations and not its international businesses, though the expenses include some company-wide costs. According to Kodak’s monthly reports, the company’s U.S. revenues have swung notably since bankruptcy: $143.9 million in January, $168.1 million in February, $108.6 million in March, $156 million in April and $173.6 million in May. Meanwhile, the net losses show a company still deep in red ink. Kodak had a $100.3 million net loss in January, $97.3 million in February, $128.7 million in March, $91.3 million in April and $88.3 million in May. Meanwhile, the company continues to slowly burn through its cash. The U.S. operations ended June with $510.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $574.2 million at the end of May. Link to article: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20120731/BUSINESS/307310020/Kodak-bankruptcy-profit?odyssey=nav%7Chead

I think at this point, instead of Kodak's marketing campaign being directed only at industry players (cinematographers and the such), it should put the dollars in educating the theater goers and consumers of film products (home video market, etc) . Getting the message out in ads and the such that a movie was ,"shot on film" (just as they ad things like, "only in theaters", or 1080p HD, etc). To brand that as a mark of quality. The consumer doesn't need to know what that means at fIrst, but let them continue to see that message and get around to asking, "what does that mean?". I don't know if it is some sort of a co-op with the studios, but on the ads for films (both print , radio and tv, etc), they should say at the end, "shot on film", or some other catch phrase to slowly make the consumer ask, "what does that mean?". "Why is that better?". I think they need the public at this point to start playing a part in keeping their medium around. They need to be educated. Sure, there is a large portion of the public who can't tell the difference, nor cares, but I think there is a large portion that does. Or at least a portion of the public that needs to be educated why one film they felt looked better, but which they weren't able to quite pinpoint what that quality was, is the fact attributed to that film being "shot on film". Then slowly they can get into the details of why it is important for the consumer to push and to ask for this in the products they buy or go to see. Slowly, the word can get around to the producers that this is something that a portion of the public is educated on and wants.... this is just a quick run through on this concept, and not fully thought out, but I think you get the idea of what I am suggesting ... -T

Yeah. I guess I think it would just help with the marketing push (against the wave of high-iso shooting with digital) for there to be a base stock of 800 / 1000. I suppose when a producer starts talking, "you can shoot digital at such and such iso" ... it would be like, "Vision3 800T or Vision3 1000T" does that, and you can push it to 2000, etc" ... plus as mentioned, you get the "film look" for free ... just my thoughts ... -T

+1 really looking to see how this looks on S16mm and transferred through a Spirit Datacine, etc ... -Todd p.s: now I think the next best move would be to put out a 800 or 1000 speed V3 stock ...

This is the most optimistic Kodak news in awhile. I, for one, am completely behind all this. I've been shooting nothing but medium format and 35mm in still photography for the last year and half, and Kodak has at least been keeping a few choices of negative film stock around. Fuji is now just down to one negative stock in 120 roll film (400H daylight). I love both Fuji and Kodak, but I will admit that the new Kodak still film stocks scan really well. Their new Kodak Portra 400 stock in 35mm is pretty outstanding for a high speed small negative source. It has really nice tones and enough texture to make it really stand out against all the flat digital stuff. And frankly, shooting 35mm (36 frames a roll), is pretty inexpensive and gives you plenty of frames to work in a similar fashion as shooting digital rapidly. It takes about 20 seconds to unload and load a roll of 35mm in a Nikon F5 (which can be found for $450 in mint condition on the 2nd hand used market) .... anyhow , can't wait to hear what the new Vision3 stock will be. I would be cool if it was and alternate contrast wise to the current offerings (either something lower contrast and more pastel, or something higher contrast with more punch), but I guess it will likely be a new 50D? Good news, either way .... -T

Is it possible to elaborate on your "active negotiations" for a Plus-X replacement? I would love to hear any possible good news. Thanks, Todd

Nice work, Alain. Everyone from the forum should should take five seconds and complete this. It's very simple, shows your contribution (scroll down and see the growing number of others adding to the list), and very professional.

Maybe the best thing to do at this point is to have everyone that signed the petition send off a "new product request" over at Ilford for FP4 (125 ISO) in 16mm Motion Stock rolls as Richard Tuohy has suggested. Perhaps if Ilford knows that Kodak is no longer making a suitable B&W flim for the enthusiast & amateur market (i.e., fine grain for the small 16mm negative), they will be interested. Perhaps Ilford being a smaller and more focused company, they have a more complimentary business plan for such users and the lower volume. I don't know if it translates to motion stock, but the Ilford FP4 still film rolls I buy have a expiration date through 2014. You would think that a four year shelf life is a reasonable enough span for at least a small batch to be run and to test sales. I personally would have paid twice the price for a roll of Plus-x had Kodak kept it as a specialty product. RICHARDS COMMENTS BELOW: "Ilford black and white do list their FP4 as a motion picture stock with a catalogue number for 35mm (200' lengths). You can find it here in their current catalogue PDF http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/20093161552402063.pdf They also have a 'new product request' button in their 'products' tab. http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/newproductrequest.asp If people are interested in this option for 16mm, why not submit the request. I have. I reckon if several people do it might eventually amount to something. give it a go! richard" -Todd

Reassuring about Ilford's optimism. Nice to hear. And I suppose if all the fine grain motion stocks go, I'll be glad to have the availability on the still side at least. And hey, my Nikon F5 can do 8fps... better than nothing.

Alain, Regarding asking about the ORWO telecined on a Spirt, I was just trying to get a feel for how the grain structure resolved when doing so. If it was comparable to the 7231. About the shedding, I went to the English website of the company that sells the ORWO, and it mentions that they have a "plus" stock out on the 400 speed film of theirs. And it actually specifically states that their is less shedding now. Maybe it is more Aaton friendly now. No mention of an updated to the 100 speed stock, though. And I agree. Thousands of units sold are better than a thousand signatures. Coincidentally, I was down in L.A. today buying 1,200 feet of Plus-X (not surprisingly)... about all I can do for the day I suppose... Todd

Bill, The petition sounds really good. I think it is solid enough to submit when the time comes. I'm sure others will ask for a addition or two. Get your whole school on board. Also, I think since this is finally out in the "general forum" with more exposure, perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea for Tim Carroll to repost the quick link form and instructions for sending off an email to the Kodak reps. And as far fetched as it may sound, anyone able to attach some press to the issue, by all means try. Stranger things have happened... And if there are any ASC members here that can pull a little weight, a respectful plea out to you gentleman. Sure, it is not like Kodak has stopped producing every stock. But why not put a little heat on them as so before the time comes to make that very decision, they see there is some continued passion out there? It is not a bad idea to remind them of that. Will it ultimately come down to the stockholders? Probably. But as I mentioned in the other thread, people had pretty much written off SAAB earlier last year. Lastly, it looked like the last time I checked there were about 500 views in the original thread relating to the petition and about 700 in the one corresponding to the removal of 7231 and 7265. I can't encourage the people that are visiting enough to take two minutes to either send Bill your contact information, and/or just as importantly, send off a letter to Kodak as Tim Carroll has suggested. Thanks, T

Thanks for the info, Alain. And encouraging that there is another petition going, for what ever that is worth. How many endorsements did you get last time around? Also, how fine grained is the low speed ORWO compared to the 7231? What about the faster ORWO stock? (especially for 16mm) Have you telecined any of the 16mm on a Spirit, as well? And how much shedding are we talking? I have an XTR, too. And Column, is it worthwhile to ask your contact at Fuji how their motion products are doing in general? I guess he can't exactly divulge a short or long term business plan, but I'm just curious as to what their outlook, and attitude for that matter, is for color stock. Glad to know they got a little bump with Hurt Locker winning at the Oscars. Thanks, Todd