are 35mm cameras goin to be obsolete?

Question

35mm cameras obsolete

Answer 1

In one sense, the 35mm camera is now obsolete, in that it has been replaced by a newer photographic technology.

I think the real question is, "Is there a future for 35mm photography?" The answer to that question is a resounding, "Yes."

Compared to digital, film is still the better medium. And while 35mm is not the best film format, it is still the most convenient.

Answer 2

Eventually everything becomes obsolete. Its difficult to say that 35mm cameras will go that way for the foreseeable future though. Why? Well the Oct. 2007 issue of Shutterbug Magazine reviews the Zeiss Ikon SW - a new 35mm camera.

Although digital has the majority of the market there are those like me who simply prefer the quality of film and the ease of use of a 35mm camera.

Answer 3

35mm cameras already are obsolete; film camera sales are now far below digital camera sales. Some places have already taken out their film developing machines from their stores. No new 35mm film cameras are being introduced. These all demonstrate that 35mm film is obsolete and becoming more of a niche item, like large format or medium format film photography.

Nevertheless, 35mm film photography still has a role to play, it just won't be as strong as in its heyday. 35mm cameras and film are like vinyl records--they still work, still get the job done, but technology has passed them by. I find it amazing that great inventions like Edison's ability to record sound or George Eastman's popular cameras have been surpassed by electronic gizmos invented by nameless/faceless people and companies.

Answer 4

What is your frame of reference?

The film camera is a collection of technologies, many of which are incorporated into digital cameras. Camera bodies, lenses, shutters, automatic focus chips, automatic exposure circuits and flash units are carried into digital cameras in some form or other. Film transport mechanisms clearly are not needed!

At the level of the camera itself, specific models have become technically and functionally obsolete as makers brought our newer models with more advanced features. This does not stop people using those models, just that they do not have all the functionality of later models.

As an image production system, there are similar issues. Image display is the ultimate objective. Film requires expensive post image capture processing, and once processed, offers relatively little scope for manipulation. Digital requires little post capture processing, and enormous scope for manipulation. Film retains quality and resolution advantages for the moment, but this may not be any particular value.

So, some technologies that go to producing a film camera might become obsolete, but not all will. Individual camera models have been made obsolete with newer models emerging. And the advantages of digital for most users will lead to film's decline as an image processing system.

Answer 5

Not obsolete, but harder to find. We are a society of convenience, and even though digital doesn't match the ultimate quality of fine-grained film, it is easier to use.

Film shall continue for the foreseeable future as the media of choice for many top photographers who require very large images or extremely sharp & detailed images.

I switch pretty completely to digital in the last few years because the cost of processing hundreds of 35mm images per week was so costly and my clients needed digital results.

I hope this helps you.

Answer 6

george and edwin answered very well

i take it you mean 35mm film cams, not 35mm DSLR's?

as 35mm B+W is still the best way to learn photography and all real Photography courses teach 35mm film cant see it being obsolete for a while

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