Digital photography

I was a very early convert to digital, did all my learning on film, then bought my first DSLR in 2002. Not sure I see the point of 35mm film anymore unless you are shooting on medium format or 5x4.

Film will always have it's place, but for 'art' photography. Though now is time to buy any old film cameras you want whilst they are all cheap. I predict in two years there will be a digital back you can put in old film cameras, which will be awesome.

I'd say that prices for film equipment have already started to rise as demand outstrips supply.

I'm not so sure about seeing a digital insert for film cameras developing, while it's a nice idea it's pretty impractical and I can't imagine there being a big enough market willing to spend money on it.

The people that use 35mm compacts just now do so because they are choosing film, I don't believe a product that digitised their camera would appeal to them, especially not at the price that you would be looking at for such technology.

People who want to use old manual lenses can do so now on the likes of the NEX or any of the interchangeable lens m4/3 cameras with a simple and cheaply available adaptor.

The only real market for such a product would be people that have something like an old film Leica sitting there that they like the ergonomics and mechanics of but don't use because of the 'hassle' of using film.

Also, if it was an insert that you put in instead of a roll of film then there'd be no preview screen so you lose one of the main benefits of digital straight away.

If it was a case of replacing the film door then
a) not all cameras are dismantleable to that degree and
b) it would have to be a lot more specific to an individual camera which would push the price up even more.

I think that if the popularity of Lomography and film use for 'art' photography continues then we will see more companies following in the footsteps of Fuji with the Natura and Klasse and continuing/restarting manufacturing of 35mm cameras.