[APML] FILM QUESTIONS!! Kodak response to film production questions (really on topic!)

["Bert Katzung" <katzung1@attbi.com>]

Hi Folks:
The question of the Kodak connection sort of dropped off the radar screens
for a while, but it's now back with a direct query from that Kodak vp  I've
been e-corresponding with. Here's how it came up: About a week ago I  sent
him some data from Don Westergren, who is doing a scientific test of
reciprocity failure (out to two+ hours) in most of the popular print films,
plus my own imaging results using Supra800, plus Pat Freeman's web URL,
since Pat has some excellent and extensive real-world test images on his
site. Kodak replied "very interesting, it will take me a while to review all
this." Yesterday I sent him some additional data from Don's testing showing
very quantitatively how the red layer drops after a few seconds exposure in
Supra800 and Portra800. WITHIN 4 HOURS  I got an e-mail from Kodak saying
"VERY INTERESTING! Kodak never checks for reciprocity failure past 100
seconds." (Of course we knew that from the Kodak tech tables.) Continuing,
he said "Of course a decision to manufacture an emulsion in 120 format
requires some assurance of use by the professional community.... What is
your estimate of the use of one of these films (I had referred to Royal
Gold400, Supra400, PJ400, and PPF400) in 120 format by people in astronomy?"

So here are some questions for APML:
1. If you could specify ONE Kodak 400 speed color print film to be available
in both 35 and 120 format, which would it be?
2. How much of each size would you buy per year? (recognize that if the film
you choose is Supra or Royal Gold, the minimum required to interest Kodak
would be much smaller since Kodak still produces these two films in large
quantities for 35mm format)
3. Should we just bag the whole thing and go with E200 and Provia 400F for
120?
4. Related question: While I don't really think that all the astroimagers in
the world can use up enough film to convince Kodak to reactivate a major
line of films, it would be useful if we could evoke a response from astro
people outside the APML community. Anybody know how to do that? I would be
happy to put out messages (like the above) if someone can point me in the
right direction. I think Warren Keller started this whole thing---Warren,
did you have any contacts with lists outside APML?


I would be interested in seeing your responses to these questions on APML
for as long as Gene considers it worth the bandwidth and as soon as he says
"enough" you can e-mail me directly. (That will teach me to send a letter to
Kodak! (;~))    BTW, some of Don's GREAT data should be available shortly.

Bert

Bert Katzung
katzung1@attbi.com
www.astronomy-images.com




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