APML'ers
Bill Mattil has confirmed the schduled demise of Technical Pan film.
He has also provided contact information as to who to contact at Kodak.
There has also been very little discussion on this list and others about this situation.
Are you ready to fork over $10 grand for a comparable CCD camera?
Sure, CCD's are linear, have no reciprocity failure and are being used to capture amazing images,
but we still like the smell of film and fixer and there's nothing like one of my 10 degree Schmidt camera images on Tech Pan.
Technical Pan film has been the best astrophotography emulsion to ever record photons and I think it is worth our time and effort to attempt to keep it alive. Although technology has been marching ever forward, there are still 'old' photographic films and processes that are still available and occupy a niche market even though no longer marketed to the masses. Tech Pan could possibly become one, but it will take some effort on our part.
Therefore I urge all of you to take the time to write to the Kodak contacts and express your alarm and displeasure concerning the discontinuence of Tech Pan. Explain why it has been such an important film for astronomy (amateur or professional) and ask what could be done to keep it in production.
The more letters they receive the better our chances of keeping it around.
It may be a loosing battle, but if we don't try we only have ourselves to blame.
The contact info is copied below.
Kent Kirkley
Kodak Director of Marketing Thomas J. Mooney (TJ) (585) 724-3887
Kodak CEO Don Carp mailing address:
Kodak
343 State St
Rochester NY 14650
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