No doubt there is an enormous amount of competition involved in this new product segment serving the digital revolution. It doesn't take many lost manufacturing contracts to tip the financial balance in such a rapidly changing market. This is a scenario repeated across many industries as technologies and supply lines merge. How many of us now spend more money with computer suppliers rather than our previous professional photographic suppliers?. I suspect Ilford's problems are more to do with competition in the new product area rather than directly the slow down in the traditional market. The last 10 years will have required some bold and often risky investment decisions
We have seen long established and well reputed photo labs drop by the wayside. Polaroid are in big trouble. Kodak are fighting (and fighting very hard) to retain their established position. It is not really surprising. But I am sure that all of us hope that the supply of the traditional wet process photographic products that most of us used for so long, continue to be available for what will become inevitably an increasingly niche market.
Interestingly - I also read in the Daily Telegraph this week, that silver prices have been falling substantially due to the drop in demand from the photo industry.
To try to bring this back to a more digital topic. We continually discuss on the list the problems that are encountered with client's expectations, cost, fees etc etc that photographers face. It is salutory to remind ourselves that these same problems face everyone in our industry in different ways. The problems faced by manufacturers such as Ilford - distributors (who wants to be a medium format camera importer these days?) - and retailers seeing competition from other parallel areas.
This is all part of the growing pains of the digital change. But do remember - we are part of the problem. When we don't buy from our "traditional" manufacturer/distributor/retailer we compound the problem. Not saying that should have to be a consideration - but just remember it when another famous name disappears. Survival of the fittest indeed.
----------------------- Best, Francis Newman Webshot Ltd, UK
On 25 Aug 2004, at 23:28, Jonathan Coleman wrote:
Ilford - has gone into administration. The Cheshire manufacturer might have
to close altogether. Another example of British business falling behind the
times? Or are we all making a terrible mistake moving to digital cameras?
A a user of Ilford's Studio inkjet system, I was phoned by the company this morning to tell me about the Receivership and to reassure me that it was business as usual.
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