I believe 2004 will be remembered as the year that film died.

Reason 1: Death of film making companies

Ilford has decided to call it a day. I'm actually very sad about this news. Ilford set the standard for B&W. Their FP4 and Delta series are my favourites.

Agfa have also closed shop. Although not directly effecting me, it does mean there are only two players left in the film market now: Kodak and Fuji.

Can we really rely on these 2 giants to continue supplying quality emulsions for those who still wish to shoot film? Do I have to buy a freezer to stock up on the remaining stocks of B&W film left in the country?

Reason 2: Digital cameras have caught up with film

Canon announced an 8MP camera, the EOS 20D, to replace the 10D. Nikon responded with an announcement for a 13MP camera. Some say these cameras will give as good as or better than film.

So what? Why would anyone still want to shoot film?

I for one was thinking about selling all my digital gear and switching back to film. Perhaps one day I could get that Leica I always wanted. Why? After shooting digital for over a year I've found that I don't compose well anymore. I take the shot because it doesn't cost me anything: in time or money.

These recent events mean that my 10D isn't worth much second hand, sic no Leica, and that the film I wanted to shoot will no longer be made! I honestly hope that the 700+ skilled Ilford people will morph into a wonderful new entity that will produce the finest B&W products for years to come.