Obsolescence of photographic film

Does anyone have a really "practical estimate" of when Kodak (and/or
other major photographic film manufactures) will drop or scale down
their involvement in professional films?  While consumers and some
professionals such as nature photographers may continue to use film
indefinitely.  Graphic arts film users, industrial, and studio
photographers (appear to) have already made their exit to digital
imaging.

I ask this because since many of us non-profit film users, use the
so called professional films it would be nice to have a clue as to
how long we can depend on having such film available.  Hunt
Institute had used Kodak Pro Copy film to make copies of portraits
and photographs in its collections for over 30 years when it was
suddenly discontinued early last year.  In other words how long do
we have before we have to go completely digital?

See: <URL:http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/
    pressReleases/pr20030925-01.shtml>

    **** Moderator's comments: The above URL has been wrapped for
    email. There should be no newline.

Frank A. Reynolds
Graphics Manager
Hunt Institute
Carnegie Mellon University


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:32
                  Distributed: Monday, October 6, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-32-021
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