--- Begin Message ---http://www.kodak.com/aboutKodak/corpInfo/pressReleases/pr19980212-03.shtmlTitle: Kodak Announces Availability Of Processing System
Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak Announces Availability Of Processing System For Kodachrome Film
Kodak K-Lab Processor Receives Accolades From Photofinishers, Retailers And Photographers
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 12 (SPRING PMA '98)—The Kodak K-Lab processor that enables a faster and more consistent processing method for Kodachrome films is now available, Eastman Kodak Company said today. The company will be taking orders for the K-Lab processor at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show.
Users at initial K-Lab processor installation sites have expressed their enthusiasm for the system. In labs where the K-Lab processor has replaced a K-14 processor, users cite the new system's substantial reduction in overhead costs, smaller footprint and quality. Early customers include Horiuchi Commercial Lab in Tokyo—the world's largest commercial photo lab—BWC Chrome Labs in Miami Beach, Fla., A&I, Los Angeles, Calif., and Qualex, a photofinishing subsidiary of Kodak.
Professional photographers who shoot Kodachrome film and dealers who sell it, also have applauded the system for its high-quality results and faster processing as compared to labs that previously shipped Kodachrome film processing orders off-site.
Kodak is supporting the K-Lab process and Kodachrome film with a marketing program that makes it easy for retailers to promote the new service to their customers. Point-of-purchase materials—including counter cards, danglers and signage—highlight the system's rapid processing ability, and encourage professional and amateur photographers to try Kodachrome film.
The Kodak K-Lab processor was first demonstrated at last February's Photo Marketing Association show and became available on a limited basis in November.
The simple operation, small size and low cost of the K-Lab processor enables it to be installed in more locations than the previous K-14 processing system, giving users of Kodachrome film greater access to the service. Also, the K-Lab processor's computer-controlled development process with precision-mixed chemicals was designed to provide more consistent processing results over time and across photofinishers.
Photo lab officials, camera retailers and photographers using the K-Lab processor recently told Kodak about the results they're getting from it.
BWC Chrome Labs, Miami Beach, Florida
Lou George, President/OwnerThe people at BWC are feeling good about the K-Lab processor. On November 17, 1997, the respected commercial lab's new Kodak K-Lab processor went "live," replacing a K-14 processor.
Lou George, president and owner of BWC Chrome Labs explained, "The whole design of the K-Lab processor has brought about a significant reduction in our overhead costs. Although we were very pleased with the K-14, since we have installed the K-Lab processor in our facility, our footprint has been reduced from 3,500 square feet to approximately 600 square feet. Also, we have been able to reduce our staff from five full-time operators, to two full-time operators."
George's take on the quality of the processing is equally impressive. "The performance is outstanding and the quality is excellent—certainly comparable to the K-14, and in some cases, due to the smaller tank design, even superior."
Referring to the feedback she has received from her substantial customer base—largely made up of serious outdoor photographers, sports photojournalists and fashion and beauty photographers—George remarked, "Professional photographers are extremely critical by nature, but some say that the film looks even better. I've received particular comments about the cleanliness of the film, especially about how clean the whites are."
With the time demands of photographers who require fast photoprocessing service, the BWC facility is ideal. "Speed will always be important in processing," said George. "If film gets dropped off at 10 a.m., it's back by courier the same night and the photographer has the film back in his hands the next morning."
Finally, on the performance and future expectations for the K-Lab processor, George is enthusiastic. "With more aggressive marketing and advertising we could reasonably expect a growth rate in Kodachrome film processing in the twenty percent bracket. We are currently advertising nationally, but we hope to do more local promotions for the K-Lab processor and Kodachrome film. Although sports photojournalists are particularly interested in Kodachrome film—an area we expect to grow—we also expect general usage to grow."
Qualex Processing Lab
Rosanne Simon, Sales Manager, San Leandro, Calif."Personally speaking, the quality of the processing is outstanding," said Rosanne Simon, referring to the new K-Lab processor that was installed in the San Leandro facility in October 1997. "I've been involved in Kodachrome film processing for over 22 years. I remember when the machines were built on huge platforms, they ran the length of the whole building, and were very expensive to run. The K-Lab processor is in a different class."
Prior to the installation, Kodachrome film was sent from San Leandro to Minneapolis for processing. "What was two- to three-day processing, is now only one," said Simon. "Overnight processing is the selling point. In addition, it makes better business sense for us to have the system on-site than sending the business away."
Business is certainly something that the San Leandro facility has. "Only four months in, we are already processing 2,000 rolls of Kodachrome film a week. With a capacity of 5,000 a week, 1998 is looking good."
Qualex Processing Lab
Doug DerMeeleer, Sales Manager, Tukwilla, Wash.The K-Lab processor at the Qualex facility in Tukwilla has been operational since December 1997. "The feedback we have received from our dealers (camera stores) so far reveals that they are 'overwhelmingly pleased' with the new system. Our processor manager and technicians have expressed a high degree of confidence in the system, especially concerning how clean the product is," said Doug DerMeeleer. "The reports from dealers also indicate that the K-Lab processor is making it easier to sell Kodachrome film."
Positive Retailer Feedback
Initial results from a Kodak survey of users of Kodachrome film who use the Qualex photofinishing labs indicate growing support for the new K-Lab processor.
"We are very happy with the improved trends in usage of Kodachrome film, especially from photographers who want to use Kodachrome film but couldn't because of service time or a quality issues," said Bob Niklewicz, business planning manager, output products, Consumer Imaging, Kodak. "In the past twelve months, San Leandro has been experiencing a steady increase in Kodachrome film volumes, even showing double-digit growth in the last few months."
Retailers who use the Qualex processing facilities reveal the revived enthusiasm for Kodachrome film.
"We are selling quite a bit more Kodachrome film. With the overnight processing service, users who had given up on Kodachrome film are now using it again. People expect perfection if they're using Kodak film and Kodak processing."—John Clifton, Keeble & Shuchat, Palo Alto, Calif.
"I'm a die-hard 'yellow-box' dealer, but I have to say that die-hard users of Kodachrome film switched when processing took three to four days. But, the crisis has now passed as film isn't being shipped off-site. I'm glad about overnight processing—I'm glad to see Kodachrome film back."—Elmo Hayden, Menlo Camera, Menlo Park, Calif.
Support From Professional Photographers
The following testimonials attest to the need for speedy, high-quality processing facilities for Kodachrome films.
"As a photographer covering NFL football, ninety percent of my work is outdoors, therefore I use a lot of Kodachrome. I also have tight deadlines. The fast turnaround of the system is great."—David Drapkin, NY
"In the news business, the speed at which you get photographs to your client is paramount—especially when you're competing with computers. With this new system, I can have my pictures back in one day, instead of the usual two, three or four—and the film looks great."—Al Messerchmidt, Tampa, Fla.
"As an underwater photographer, I am constantly traveling. I use many different professional labs for processing, but I will only use BWC for Kodachrome film. In the seven years I have been using BWC, I haven't seen anything but consistency and quality."—Barry Kulick, Miami
"The biggest problem shooting Kodachrome film has been getting it developed. With the advent of an overnight processing service, whether I am shooting in L.A. or Miami, I can get my film back the next day. Once I found BWC—who always do an impeccable job—and found they had an overnight service, I now have the perfect solution."—Aaron VanderSommer, Akron, Ohio
About Kodachrome Film
Whether shooting a slalom skier competing at Nagano, or a close-up of a fashion model in New York, Kodachrome film is still a favorite among professional photographers.
Since its introduction in 1936, Kodachrome film has been a preferred color transparency film for photojournalists and advanced amateurs—noted for its ability to produce sharp colors and natural flesh tones, and better dark-keeping archivability than any slide film available.
Kodachrome film consumer and professional color slide films are available in exposure indexes of 25, 64 and 200.
(Kodak, Kodachrome and K-Lab are trademarks.)
1998
Home | Find | Service & Support | Language Translation Survey |
Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] if this server presents any problems.
Copyright and Privacy Practices
© Eastman Kodak Company, 1994-1998.
--- End Message ---
