WTF is Happening To Kodak?

Kodak was recently just sold to a private equity company, but what does that mean for film? We dive into the some of recent blog posts, as well as some historical facts and precendence that will potentially dictate what the future of film will be. While it may not be pretty in the short term, this could be best case scenario for Kodak in the long-run. So lets figure out what is happening with Kodak!

Keaton:

Kodak's Statement:

Reddit:

#35mm #filmphotography #kodak

[c.augustin]

Well, let me put it like this: I don't worry about B&W film, as Ilford (GB) seems to be fine, and even Foma (CZ) seems to be still in business (and then there are some more players in this realm). Kodak seems to be optional there (yes, they do have some really good stuff, but it's not critical). But color film looks worrysome, especially in large format. But maybe this is where there's room for improvement? If they further raise prices, they might actually make things unsustainable. I startet to shift away from color negative film due to the insane costs of LF sheet films, even though I considered myself a color photographer in the past …

[michaelsherck]

As an enthusiastic amateur photographer for more than 35 years, I feel bad for saying this but I wrote Kodak off when their prices soared. I retired about the same time and, frankly, can't afford them any more. Ilford film, paper and chemistry work just fine, as does Foma film. In sad honesty, I don't need Kodak any more.

[dice]

i despise private equity so this is very concerning

[SweetLouPhotography]

I developed film with G Fuel so I have high hopes for this lol

[LBCRPhotography]

yo. your background in journalism speaks volumes. you're so freakin' good at this. I have a lot to learn from you.

[RickLeMon]

Regardless of what this means for the consumer, it's terrible news for the employees

[xXMinecrafterXx]

this was just the push i needed to buy more film

[IceBergs]

Might be beneficial. Its extremely difficult to aquire Kodak film if not bought by pallet. If not by Roberts, B & H, etc. It's current structure makes it impossible for small labs to aquire eastman film. It could potentially widen availability of film and fix supply chain complexity

[jochemvangalen]

I hope more competition comes now with hilford phoenix. Maybe some chinese manufacturers that are working on color . So that kodak has to lower prices or scale up

[patrikkrispler]

Maybe that's a really bad comment (and much, much speculation), but, what if they actually plan to make Kodak films actually cheaper for us by building some new machines to increase their output, without a decline in quality? I mean Kodak provides films for us for more then a whole century, they have the know-how to build those machines and produce those b+w and color films... We can't do many things, but buy a lot of film to show our interest in Kodak products and give them a valid reason, that any development WILL pay off for them...

[jeffjarboe]

As I understand it. Kodak Alaris was owned by the Kodak UK Pension fund as a settlement in the bankruptcy. Alaris has been looking to sale for years. So they could make a lump payout to the plan beneficiaries

[pdjdw]

I think. And this is just speculation.
They found ore were approached by Alaris. Cause now Pentax made a Camera. Rollei is coming back with a camera. The Widelux project is going strong. Polaroid is producing.
So it’s growing. Slow and steady.

[thomasa.]

Most likely, it is not the film selling business that is interesting but the document scanning and B2B products. It is not unlikely that the film „resell division“ of Alaris will be sold to someone else.

[LoFiAxolotl]

So maybe important to say... Kodak Alaris and Eastman Kodak are 2 completely seperate businesses... Kodak Alaris has absolutely no hand in the production of Film just in the sale of still image stock... It's very unlikely that much will change for consumers... most likely what will happen is that Kodak Eastman right now is looking for investors or loans to buy back the distribution rights from Alaris and that really shouldn't be a problem... Kingswoods only really controlls the silly little Photoprinters you see in convenience stores as Alaris already sold it's chemical and photopaper business to a chinese company a few years ago...

[masanthar]

Maybe someone wants to capitilize on the recent interest in film. Who knows? Can we hope for better prices or resurection of another film stock?

[s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

Your film is made by Eastman Kodak, not Kodak Alaris. Kodak Alaris is who actually got bought out.

We should still watch the situation carefully as now vultures are dangerously close to our only source of color film and will likely push for profit margin increases to our detriment.

Either way, Private Equity is another one of many reasons I will NEVER respect business majors.

[jhnnyknxvlle]

You don't go into business to turn a loss, you go into it to turn a profit and provide a product or service the consumer wants. If the consumer wants film, it will thrive, if it doesn't, then you can expect the opposite.