Film Photography Is Not Dead

So, who says film photography is dead?  Most likely the manufacturers of digital photo equipment.  Out of curiosity,  I decided to check one of my favorite online marketplaces, Ebay, to see if I could find any 35mm film, or equipment for sale.  Here's what I found so far,

Brand Name Photo Papers:
Agfa, Kodak, Ilford, Epson, & Promaster

Brand Name Black and White Films:
Kodak Tri-XPan, Fuji, and Agfa Agfapan APX (100 ft bulk roll)

And there are several photo enlargers and developing tanks for sale as well.  The obvious point of this article is to point out that if film photography were dead there would not still be a market for film processing equipment.

The films I looked for were all black & white films.  I also found color films, but the intent was to try to find the "old school" equipment.  Film developing tanks were available in both metal (my personal favorite) and the light weight plastic versions, the same is true for the developing reels.  Plastic squeegee tongs, development trays, and even film clips are still available for the film purist.  If you're "partial" to taking black and white pictures, there's a very practical reason to consider investing in your own dark room equipment - cost.  Many of the quick film processing facilities don't even process black and white films.  And if you find one that will, they often want a higher price to develop your prints because they see it as a special order that doesn't lend itself to the routine C-41 development process used to make color prints.  You will need some space to set up your dark room.  A sectioned off portion of your basement is perfect. Also, it's a good idea to work in an area that has minimal sunlight exposure and is usually cool and dry.  You want minimal sunlight because you will be working with photo paper which is sensitive to light.  Ebay is a good place to find both new and used equipment.  If you follow my articles at all, (http://mrdarrylt.blogspot.com) you know I bought most of my 15 cameras on Ebay (I collect them).  Thanks for taking the time to read this post.  'til next time, happy shutter bugging.