Much of the work they've been doing on C-41 is applicable to slide films.
The patents and applications they've been filing have focused on ever-closer
control of the size and structure of grains (which could apply to b/w or
color films) and on ever-improved dyes and couplers (which have no
application to non-C41 b/w). They and Fuji have really produced some
remarkable progress in the last five or so years. They have chosen not to
use these advances for their non-C41 b/w line, but as you note, they
definitely have used them for their slide films. What I said was true
strictly speaking, they haven't patented anything specific to slides, but
what you point out is even more true, that they do keep raising the bar in
the slide film world. I appreciate your correction.

David Foy

"Frank Pittel" wrote in message
...
David Foy wrote:
: I suspect this means the end of R&D in the film department at Kodak.
They
: ended R&D into black and white something like 15-20 years ago. Slide
film
: hasn't had any significant work recently, nor has microfilm or x-ray, if
the
: patent literature is any guide. Nuclear, holographic, and other
scientific
: emulsions haven't been worked on in years. Special films for
surveillance,
: aerial imaging, etc. has been old wine in new bottles for some time. My
: guess is work on improving C41 now halts.
: David Foy

How do you explain the new slide films recently released by Kodak if as
you say
there hasn't been any work done in years?

: "parv" wrote in message
: ...
: in message ,
: wrote Phil Stripling ...
:
: The Wall Street Journal (http://www.wsj.com/) for September 25,
2003,
: has a
: page one article stating that Kodak is "yielding to technology
changes
: that
: have made its signature product outdated." Kodak has issued a press
: release
: saying it will boost investment in nonphotographic areas and will
launch
: a
: line of inkjet printers.
:
: In a sentence which leaves some room for confusion, the WSJ reports,
: "the
: company says it will make no more significant long-term investments
in
: traditional consumer film," making mention of Advanced Photo System
as
: an
: example.
:
: I suppose APS film could be thought of as a ''result of significant
: research & development to capture (and possibly hold on to) some
: consumer market segments -- of that time, or would be future thought
: of at the time -- which were not beholden to 35mm film format''.
:
: Thus, i think, Washington Street Journal might be referring to
: Kodak's efforts, or lack of, in developing new film technologies or
: improving current ones. (Personally, I think there might be some
: improvements, but not very drastic, simply as part of the
: maintenance program.)
:
: Well, that's my take anyway, at this time, of your post w/o reading
: actual Kodak press release or the newspaper report mentioned.
:
: HTH.
:
:
: - parv
:
: --
: In order to reach me, do away w/ WhereElse in the address.



--




Keep working millions on welfare depend on you
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