I’ve received a ton of feedback following the “Kodak Retina” video that I published two days ago. It was controversial, just as I thought it would be. While it was a joke, it was also inherently dishonest (up to the point where I came clean, which was early on). Most people seemed to understand that it was comedy. The vast majority of the feedback I received was positive, with a lot of “lol” comments and laughing emojis. Some people didn’t like it, though, and didn’t “get” the humor. A few people said some really unnecessarily mean things. A little bit of the negative feedback was constructive criticism, and so that’s actually positive, and much appreciated.
There were a few different ideas behind the video, and various things that I wanted to accomplish with it. I think it would be worthwhile to explain them to you, so that maybe they’re better understood. If you haven’t yet seen the video, I’ve included it below. You can also find it on the Fuji X Weekly YouTube channel.
First, the video was a gag. It was supposed to be funny. If you follow me on social media, you already know that I have a sense of humor—typically a dry one. If you’ve ever seen videos with two guys sitting down sipping coffee, telling each other “dad jokes” while trying not to laugh… that’s my type of humor. Some people suggested that my video would have been a great April Fools prank, and I agree. It definitely would have been. I didn’t want to wait for April 1st because I figured I wasn’t the only one with this idea (using the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 limited edition yellow/orange lens to make a Kodak-looking camera), so I wanted to beat anyone else doing something similar to the punch(line). Also, Kodak’s new Super 8 camera has people thinking Kodak right now. The timing was right for this video, despite the date; however, it would have been more obviously comedic had it been released on April 1st (I will have to come up with another idea for that date).
Second, I wanted this video to attract people who would not normally click on content about Fujifilm gear. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a few months now. I’ve known for awhile now that Film Simulation Recipes which mimic Kodak emulsions are the most popular, but I never really thought of the deeper implications of this. It makes perfect sense: Kodak was a more popular film manufacturer than Fuji. However, I think some people overlook Fujifilm cameras simply because it is Fujifilm. It’s not that they have anything against Fuji, it’s just that it’s not [insert brand name here]. The point of the gag was more than just for a good laugh, but to perhaps get a few people who would otherwise ignore Fujifilm to take a closer look, and to discover what they’ve been missing.
Third, I wanted to provide to you a sampling of photographs that demonstrate how well various Kodak-like Film Simulation Recipes perform for southwest-America travel photography. I tested out eight Recipes, and shared the results. You can see if any of them might work well for you, should you find yourself in a similar photographic situation. The video serves as a micro-review of the Fujifilm X-T5 and TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 for travel, as well.
Fourth, I wanted to give a glimpse of what it’s like to ride the Grand Canyon Railway to the National Park, stay a night at the rim, and return back on the railroad the next day. This video would serve as a mini travel-vlog of the adventure. Perhaps it will be helpful to someone else considering the same thing. While this was a goal of the video, it was not the main point.
Fifth… my family and I love looking back at videos we’ve made over the years of our adventures. This is one that we’ll definitely watch (especially beginning at the 3:07 mark) many times over the coming years as we remember the great time that we had. This is a huge bonus for me.
I hope that this explanation helps to shed some light on the exact purpose—why I made this video.
Was it successful? Did the video accomplish what I hoped it would? I think so. Most people seemed to find the humor in the hoax. I did’t expect that everyone would find it funny, and some didn’t. Several folks stated that they didn’t appreciate the gag. A few people told me that I need to be more serious with my content. But a couple of people said that they’re going to look into Fujifilm cameras and Film Simulation Recipes. Many of you mentioned that you appreciated the pictures and enjoyed the adventure. And a lot of you laughed. Perhaps it wasn’t a home run, but I do think the video is doing just what I wanted it to.
See also: Kodak Retina retro-style digital mirrorless camera!
I thought it was very clever and well conceived. I saw it and thought, “whaaaa?” Had a laugh later. Well played.
Thanks so much! Glad that I could make you laugh!
I thought it was a great laugh, although the idea of of a Fuji Camera being made under licence with Kodak on it could be good for Fuji with the attraction of Kodak to some people.
Thanks!
It would be intriguing if Fujifilm and Kodak were to work something out like that.
Made me think of my Kodak Signet 35 which my father gave me about 70 years ago (and I still have the Sekonic light meter I used with it).
Oh, wow. Awesome!
Really there is people seriously triggered by that video? Why don’t they just shut YouTube and get a life…
Yeah, I received about a half dozen really angry/mean/ugly comments/DMs/emails regarding this. This is in addition to the more lighter “wasn’t funny” or “clickbait” type of feedback. Crazy, right?!
These days, literally anything, some people see/read online can make them have an epileptic fit.
I thought it was clever, but quickly realised it was a “hoax” and had fun reading/watching the rest of it anyway. Nice trip, if too short.
(Who made the video clips? Your wife?)
Yeah, my wife, Amanda, recorded all the clips and edited the video and even made the thumbnail.
Thanks for all the kindness! 😀
I enjoyed it.
Thanks! 😀
Kodak kind of almost did this with the Super8 video camera?
Yeah, they just released that new Super 8 camera. It’s interesting, but $5,500 is a lot!
Thanks for putting in the work to bring a little levity to the nearly always way too serious endeavor that is the hobby of photography. Any one that was put off or upset about this fun (but also informative) content really needs to relax…geez. As for the trifecta that is the x-t5/TTartisan 27/2.8/Fujixweekly kodak recipes, I can attest to how great it is. Thanks again.
Thanks so much! It’s amazing what people get bent out of shape over sometimes. I appreciate all of your kindness!
I loved the video, Ritchie. It was intriguing and entertaining… and just plain funny, too, in a twisted way. Your wife Amanda deserves a special shoutout for both her video work but especially the editing. As a minor side-note, looking at the video makes me want to try out your Ultramax 400 recipe.
But overall, if this were a filmmaking class… you would get an A+ from me.
The special colored edition of the tiny TTArtisan lens looks seriously cool by the way. If I didn’t already have a copy (the 1st generation, non-WR) of the tiny XF27mm lens, I’d be tempted. (But I do… so I’m not!)
THANXXX again for both the video, and this post. And now it’s made me want to take the Coconino too!
Wow, I appreciate so much your very kind words! Amanda is flattered by your feedback—she certainly did an A+ job with this one. Definitely give the Ultramax 400 Recipe a try, I think you’ll really like it. Thanks so much for the comment!! 😀