According to Raymond Alberto, country manager of Kodak Philippines, in the United States and Europe, Kodak has completely done away with its traditional film business.
However, in the Philippines and other less developed countries, Albert assured, Kodak intends to continue its traditional film business.
In fact, an independent study showed that digital penetration in the Philippines is just a mere five percent.
However, of Kodak Philippines’ business, digital already accounts for 50 percent while the traditional film business accounts for only 25 percent and the remaining 25 percent comes from photo paper.
Even in Hong Kong and Singapore, Albert said, digital penetration is 85 percent to 90 percent.
Digital cost, Albert explained, is still expensive for most Filipinos.
A traditional camera can cost as low as P699, while a simple Kodak digital camera starts at around P6,995.
Albert also said that there is still a market for photographers who prefer using traditional film instead of the more advanced digital medium.
However, Kodak, Albert said, has moved to the digital future and has consequently overhauled its traditional image.
Kodak, Albert assured, continues to be an innovator and is providing services that would make its easier for consumers to print and customize their own pictures as well as share and store it.
While other companies such as Agfa and Konica have decided to fold up, Albert said, Kodak has adapted and expects to remain in the business for another 125 years.