In my lifetime, the consumer has moved from box cameras through to 126 and
later to 110 and finally to 35mm by way of the point-and-shoot cameras. 35mm
was the format we used for creating slides and B&w From this turn to our
format, the consumer has driven what they want in cameras - simple and easy
to use.
Their dollar gravitates to that product that either garners rave reviews
or is advertised on television. The race has started and the winners -
although short term - benefit from their short term profits. Now that
digital is here, again, the manufacturers are driven by the consumer.
How does that relate to us? We see a move away from traditional
photography. What is traditional photography? Photography that can be
achieved with a light tight box, a lens and film - wether it be a mechanical
camera or a 8X10 field view camera.
Canon has consumed almost everything in their path in the pro market
area. Yes, we take notice and wish that Pentax would provide similar
features in lenses and bodies. However, this is not traditional photography!
It is highly specialised as it caters to sport and wild life photographers
who need the equipment to provide the necessary results. I seriously doubt
that the general consumer will buy in the that system to use those
specialised tools. However, the serious amateur will surely take notice and
drool over the catalogue.
For my "photography", I couldn't give a rats arse. I am perfectly happy
with the cameras and lenses that I have - which include both M42, K mount,
67 and 6x9 field camera. The consumer has driven out of production a number
of my favourite 35mm emulsions which included Kodachrome 25, Panatomic-X and
Kodacolor 25. They have been relaced by emulsions that are designed to
deliver what the consumer wants - punch and high contrast films to
compensate for their crummy lenses.
Traditional photography is heading towards 645 and larger formats. God
help us that the consumer does not enter and place their demands on our last
sacred ground.
Bob Rapp
