----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: Dumb Newbie Q - What Color ARE Color Negatives?
> > Except I do think there could be more standardization in the machines used. And maybe a change in film technology. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if that doesn't happen down the road. I am totally unaware how long it took for DX coding to come about -- but someone at some point thought that up and a change was made -- eventually industry wide. (I know it didn't exist when I was growing up.) You have mentioned a change in film technology a couple of times now. What sort of changes do you have in mind? Regarding standardization, I am not sure exactly what else could be standardized on the machines. We already have standardized chemistry and processes. The filters used in the dichroics are standardized with relation to the spectrum they cut. Anything that touches an emulsion, either film or paper is standarized throughout the industry, worldwide. Often chemical formulaes are so close that you can change chemical brands and not have to change tank solutions. Just start using the new replenisher, and maybe adjust your replenishment rates a bit. > > So I wouldn't rule out something like that happening again. My color wheel idea obviously is dumb and wouldn't work, but something else might. Cameras which write back to the film, for instance, the exposure and shutter speed of each shot. Down the road, why not? And printers capable of reading that (Sorry my brain is still throwing off dumb ideas.) This is already in use by the Advanced Photo System. The film is encoded with data that tells the printer what format to print, and can also transfer what is called "print quality information" data, which is supposed to tell the printer how to print the picture. Of course, you still have an operator looking at a screen, making decisions about how he or she thinks the picture should look. > > And I wouldn't totally blame the consumer. I mean, if someone can save a few cents and be satisfied, why not? Most people use P&S anyway, so they are not aiming for great photography (or even very good photography). They want to record visiting relatives and holidays and stuff. Of course, maybe part of the problem is people expect to be able to pick up a camera a couple times a year and turn out great shots. I never did, but some might. I won't rebut to this, beyond saying that in a free enterprise market, the consumer has 100% control over what level of quality and service they will pay for. And, they get what they pay for, no more, and no less. > > When it comes to labs, me, I saved a few cents and I am not satisfied anymore. Hopefully, there is still a good lab in your market area. > > Mass production always loses something in the process. It also gains something. Standardization that one can rely on. Sort of like eating at Denny's -- not great, but you can go from state to state and sort of know what to expect. While at some local restaurants you may get a nasty surprise. You can also get a very pleasant surprise. Check out Clementines Pizza Parlour in Gillette Wyoming sometime. They are right next door to the Pizza Hut. >But you're talking about art vs mass production. IMHO, that's appears to be what you are talking about. I didn't intend to, but in that context, can a person expect to get good art from an assembly line production process? William Robb
