Photokina ’88

Press, 9 December 1988, Page 19

Photokina ’88

This year’s Photokina, the twentieth world fair of photography, has reported brisk, and in some cases, excellent business by the 1370 exhibitors from 37 countries.

Heid in Cologne, Federal Republic of Germany, Photokina had more than 150,000 visitors, 24 per cent more than the previous Photokina held in 1986. The number of visitors and the orders placed, left the photo trade feeling optimistic about business prospects, especially as prices had remained stable. Consistent “userfriendliness” and “intelligent” electronics guaranteeing high quality photographs, are standard features of today’s amateur cameras.

Auto-focus continues to be popular with new single lens reflex cameras and an increasing number of professionals are appreciating this facility. Yet, there continues to be a market for highgrade conventional cameras that feature precision mechanical and optical standards

and dispense with complicated electronics. Experts at this year’s Photokina agreed that the latest electronic recording techniques would not greatly affect the continued development of conventional photographic materials. In fact, sensational innovations were particularly in evidence in the photo-chemical sector. Several manufacturers presented new generation “high chem” negative and slide films featuring new emulsion techniques, higher speed and definition, as well as improved colour reproduction. Photokina also demonstrated that optical barriers had been broken with the introduction of compact lightweight telephoto lenses covering extreme focal lengths.

The 20th Photokina made it clear that few technology markets are in a greater state of change than photography. What now seems to be the shape of things to come, might well be regarded as out-moded when the next Photokina is held in October, 1990.