Author Topic: The Price of Film! (Read 49461 times)

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #100 on:** January 12, 2011, 08:53:49 PM »

I'm with Gregor on this.

Good to get Simon's insider perspective on things too; thanks for digging that up, Jojonas.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #101 on:** January 12, 2011, 09:00:15 PM »

gladly. I hope more will contribute if they find anything written. it's always interesting hearing from the producing side of the film~

Fedo · « **Reply #102 on:** February 12, 2011, 06:51:20 PM »

The price of Ilford film has been driving me mad. I want to support a UK based company but cant get my head around why their film is more expensive than Kodak & Fuji which have to travel around the world to get here....

However,I've just noticed that Ag Photographic have started selling Kentmere 100 & 400 film which is apparently made by Ilford in the UK and is about a pound a roll cheaper than HP5+ or FP4+.

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/kentmere-film-365-c.asp

They've been available in the US for some time so I wonder if any American filmwasters have tried them?

I'll definately give them a go

tkmedia · « **Reply #103 on:** February 12, 2011, 07:36:36 PM »

This past year I recall seeing some Kentmere at one point for under $25 for a bulk roll. I didnt bother with it as I do not have a bulk loader and don't shoot that much 35mm.

Dave Elden · « **Reply #104 on:** February 13, 2011, 02:39:54 AM »

Quote from: Fedo on February 12, 2011, 06:51:20 PM

However,I've just noticed that Ag Photographic have started selling Kentmere 100 & 400 film which is apparently made by Ilford in the UK and is about a pound a roll cheaper than HP5+ or FP4+.

They've been available in the US for some time so I wonder if any American filmwasters have tried them?

I haven't personally compared the Kentmere 400 to anything yet but I am teaching a course where the students are shooting a mixture of Delta 400 & Kentmere 400. We'll be developing that film next w/e and I will look and see if I can detect any major differences. The developing will be somewhat controlled (D76, 1+1) but the exposures maybe not so much since it is a beginner class. I know from experience that Delta 400 will tolerate ± ~3 stops, will be interesting to see how the Kentmere does.

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #105 on:** February 13, 2011, 08:14:41 AM »

Nothing really valuable to add to the thread but I discovered Kentmere (as a brand) in Japan two months ago when looking through the giant Yodobashi camera film fridge and I was surprised to see that it was a British film because I had never seen it before. I had so much TMax and Neopan already that I couldn't justify buying any, which now I regret.

Anyway I did some research and you can buy it in several places in the UK, apparently even in Calumet at Wardour St. (London W1) but I don't recall seeing it there.

http://www.kentmere.co.uk/wheretobuy/buykentmereukdealers.asp

LT · « **Reply #106 on:** February 13, 2011, 09:00:25 AM »

It's made by ilford, is a traditional grain (like hp5 and fp4) film, not a t-grain film like the deltas. Only comes in 35mm and is meant to be competitively priced. Never used it myself though.

Photo_Utopia · « **Reply #107 on:** February 13, 2011, 12:37:26 PM »

The Kentmere is probably the same as the Ilford Pan 100 and Pan 400 they sell in India and other emerging markets–probably like the old 1980's versions of FP4 and HP5 if anything.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #108 on:** February 14, 2011, 11:37:58 AM »

on the kentmere films, not shot it myself but I've seen strips from friends and I think I like it. kind of a feel of older films with how the grain acts?

I'll be looking forward to your reports, dave elden

LT · « **Reply #109 on:** March 08, 2011, 09:08:08 AM »

Has anyone seen the latest ilford prices (on their harmanexpress.com site?)

£44 for 25 sheets of fp4+ 5x4? It was only £25-ish a few months/weeks ago. and £4.33 for 1 x 120 roll? that is mental.

This is getting out of control. I cant afford to pay those prices. I know silver prices have gone up - but by 90%???

Thankfully, I have a good stock in the freezer, but when it runs out, I'll have to go elsewhere.

sapata · « **Reply #110 on:** March 08, 2011, 10:06:05 AM »

Quote from: leon taylor on March 08, 2011, 09:08:08 AM

Has anyone seen the latest ilford prices (on their harmanexpress.com site?)

£44 for 25 sheets of fp4+ 5x4? It was only £25-ish a few months/weeks ago. and £4.33 for 1 x 120 roll? that is mental.

This is getting out of control. I cant afford to pay those prices. I know silver prices have gone up - but by 90%???

Thankfully, I have a good stock in the freezer, but when it runs out, I'll have to go elsewhere.

That's way out of my budget...!

Leon, check it out Adox at silverprint.
I bought a box with 50 sheets for 26.40 including VAT. Haven't used yet but seems to be good and to be honest, it's all I can afford now... and if itsn't good I'll have to stick with that anyway unfortunately...

LT · « **Reply #111 on:** March 08, 2011, 10:57:11 AM »

Quote from: sapata on March 08, 2011, 10:06:05 AM

Leon, check it out Adox at silverprint.
I bought a box with 50 sheets for 26.40 including VAT. Haven't used yet but seems to be good and to be honest, it's all I can afford now... and if itsn't good I'll have to stick with that anyway unfortunately...

I'm not keen on the adox film - I've used a few boxes of the CHS 100, There were QC issues with the emulsion and I'm not keen on the colour sensitivity - the tones look a bit odd at times. That said, it's now half price of the Ilford, so I think it will have to be my film of choice for now.

LT · « **Reply #112 on:** March 08, 2011, 11:09:42 AM »

However - I've just noticed Fomapan 400 is now in sheet sizes - roughly the same price as the ADOX. I prefer a 400 speed in 4x5 so I've just orded a box of 50 to try out. I'm expecting some QC issues still though - inherrent with foma produce I've found over the years.

mikeg · « **Reply #113 on:** March 08, 2011, 11:29:32 AM »

Quote from: leon taylor on March 08, 2011, 09:08:08 AM

£44 for 25 sheets of fp4+ 5x4? It was only £25-ish a few months/weeks ago. and £4.33 for 1 x 120 roll? that is mental.

Ouch, that is a lot. As I said on another thread, at Focus Harman were selling FP4+/HP5+ at 2.50 a roll, 2 pounds if you signed up for one of their discount cards. And 3 pounds (2.50 reduced) for Delta 100/400 in 120. I think 35mm was the same, but can't remember.

Their discount card is quite good. Gives you 10 or 15% off plus free p&p when the order is over 30 pounds. The code to use for amateurs (what they call camera club members!) is CC10.

Mike

LT · « **Reply #114 on:** March 08, 2011, 11:54:44 AM »

I see - so they are trying to weed out the re-sellers and get people to only buy direct with loyalty card-discounts/ that sounds a bit low.

LT · « **Reply #115 on:** March 08, 2011, 11:58:07 AM »

I just tried the code on a 10 pack of fp4 120. usual price = £39.39, with code discount = £35.45. not a great saving.

mikeg · « **Reply #116 on:** March 08, 2011, 12:01:55 PM »

Better text Damion quick and see if he's at Focus and is willing to buy you a pack from the stand!

I think they had 5x4in sheet film as well at a discount but can't remember how much.

sapata · « **Reply #117 on:** March 08, 2011, 01:28:52 PM »

Quote from: leon taylor on March 08, 2011, 10:57:11 AM

I'm not keen on the adox film - I've used a few boxes of the CHS 100, There were QC issues with the emulsion and I'm not keen on the colour sensitivity - the tones look a bit odd at times. That said, it's now half price of the Ilford, so I think it will have to be my film of choice for now.

How long has it been since you last used ? I was checking the Adox website and it seems they have something to do with Agfa (apparently relaunching the APX as well ?) Maybe QC has gone up a bit...

vicky slater · « **Reply #118 on:** March 08, 2011, 02:32:20 PM »

Leon, there's here too...

http://www.redboxcameras.com/product/ilford_fp4_plus_120_roll_film_-_10_pack/

LT · « **Reply #119 on:** March 08, 2011, 05:44:26 PM »

Thanks vicky. Those prices seem much more reasonable. It only seems like a few months ago when I could buy 20 rolls of fp4/ hp5 for £30

on the Adox film - I realised today that I made my mind up about it based on scans. So I dug out my negs and went into the darkroom with it. I take it all back! Flaws aside, the tonality of the film is gorgeous, and it is uber-sharp.

I've just cancelled the order from fomapan to adox CHS 100. Same price.

sapata · « **Reply #120 on:** March 09, 2011, 12:08:11 AM »

I also bought a few rolls of Fomapan to try.

I'd never used before and since today I had the Toyo out of the case I thought I'd give a try using the roll back and did a series of self portrait.

The emulsion is placed in a funny blue plastic base that freaked me out when I opened the tank !

Nigel · « **Reply #121 on:** March 09, 2011, 08:41:09 PM »

I'd be interested to hear what you guys make of the Fomapan, especially the scanning performance, I've been meaning to try some for a while. The ONLY consolation to having so little time to shoot at the moment is I'm hardly using any film.

Randy B · « **Reply #122 on:** March 10, 2011, 12:36:43 AM »

Back to the Kentmere film discussion, never used it myself. But my friend who I take a darkroom class with says he bought a bunch (Usually and Ilford user) and says it seems similar to Ilford products although the negs tend to be on the thin side. Perhaps a thinner coat of emulsion is used to keep the price down. Speculative, but maybe why it's cheaper.

One of the largest local retailers of all things film here in Los Angeles (Freestyle photo) sent out a newsletter recently stating a 10-20% increase in all ilford papers and film. Bummer since I use their paper, although I don't use a ton of it. But Kodak prices seem to have remained at least for now, I've found an online retailer (unique photo) that even gives a good discount for orders over 20 rolls and a bigger discount for over 100. I'm trying to pick between tri-x 400 and Tmax 400 as my go to film and stock up in case of discontinuation or massive price increases.

Still debating on what to commit to since 100 rolls would easily last me 2 years.

sapata · « **Reply #123 on:** March 10, 2011, 01:02:30 AM »

Quote from: Nigel on March 09, 2011, 08:41:09 PM

I'd be interested to hear what you guys make of the Fomapan, especially the scanning performance, I've been meaning to try some for a while. The ONLY consolation to having so little time to shoot at the moment is I'm hardly using any film.

I had no problem scanning Nigel...but I found strange that the film is quite curly for not being expired. The plastic base feels different as well but the result seems to be the same. I only took indoors self portraits with my LF using the roll back so I can't really say that this is a proper test. When I first bought my intention was to use with the Holga since it's cheaper than Fuji...

LT · « **Reply #124 on:** March 10, 2011, 07:43:18 AM »

Quote from: Nigel on March 09, 2011, 08:41:09 PM

I'd be interested to hear what you guys make of the Fomapan, especially the scanning performance, I've been meaning to try some for a while. The ONLY consolation to having so little time to shoot at the moment is I'm hardly using any film.

When I ordered the fomapan sheet film a few days ago, the supplier actually warned me off from buying it. Another reason I changed the order to the Adox. They said there had been returns based upon quality issues - lines on the emulsion apparently. It's not often that a shop kindly suggests you dont buy their stock!

CarlRadford · « **Reply #125 on:** March 10, 2011, 10:59:58 AM »

I'll continue to use Ilford while I can afford it.

I have had very poor service from some of the independant suppliers in the past and have no allegiance to them. People are free to buy from whatever source they choose and if Ilford have changed the way it supplies its products I am sure there is a business case for it to do so or it will die. We can vent about Rip Off Britian all day but this is energy best targeted elsewhere.

Vote with your feet - despite what your heart and brain tell you

vicky slater · « **Reply #126 on:** March 10, 2011, 12:58:30 PM »

carl, i'm not sure what you're saying?
do you mean that you buy direct from ilford?

CarlRadford · « **Reply #127 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:07:26 PM »

Quote from: vicky slater on March 10, 2011, 12:58:30 PM

carl, i'm not sure what you're saying?
do you mean that you buy direct from ilford?

I buy direct through a friend and have done for sometime. Its not much of a saving and probably not more than this new club discount. Ilford produce good products. The individual can decide if they wish to pay the premium we are being asked to pay.

One can always go digital or make your own film

vicky slater · « **Reply #128 on:** March 10, 2011, 02:13:40 PM »

ahh, okay :)

i only use ilford for b/w...probably unadventurous but it's always been brilliant for me so i haven't felt the need to change it.

sapata · « **Reply #129 on:** March 11, 2011, 12:19:33 AM »

I agree with you Carl...

I guess it also depends on the type work you're doing. I might keep the cheap films for my homemade pinholes and plastic cameras and use the good film on my Leica

Just back to the Adox subject, this is what they're saying on their website:

Adox CHS films are still made according to the recipes from the 1950s and are coated slowly on a historic dip and dunk machine.

This gives them their special character which cannot be achieved by fast modern spray-coating machines and also enables us to produce micro lots of only 10 000 films at a time.
This way we can keep exotic films like CHS 25 and CHS 50 in constant and fresh production.

Mike (happyforest) · « **Reply #130 on:** March 11, 2011, 09:52:45 AM »

Quote from: sapata on March 11, 2011, 12:19:33 AM

Adox CHS films are still made according to the recipes from the 1950s and are coated slowly on a historic dip and dunk machine.

This gives them their special character which cannot be achieved by fast modern spray-coating machines and also enables us to produce micro lots of only 10 000 films at a time.
This way we can keep exotic films like CHS 25 and CHS 50 in constant and fresh production.

However makes quality control more difficult.

Mike

CarlRadford · « **Reply #131 on:** March 11, 2011, 10:55:52 AM »

Quote from: sapata on March 11, 2011, 12:19:33 AM

I agree with you Carl...

I guess it also depends on the type work you're doing. I might keep the cheap films for my homemade pinholes and plastic cameras and use the good film on my Leica

Leica and worried about the cost of film that is like a Ferrari driver worry about the cost of petrol

Photo_Utopia · « **Reply #132 on:** March 11, 2011, 11:20:25 PM »

Leon I have used the Foma 100 in 4x5 and find it pretty good, possibly a little more grain than Fp4:

That was taken at dawn, I'd say the Foma stuff was pretty good. I have some sheets you could borrow :-)
Mark Antony

sapata · « **Reply #133 on:** March 11, 2011, 11:45:27 PM »

Quote from: CarlRadford on March 11, 2011, 10:55:52 AM

Quote from: sapata on March 11, 2011, 12:19:33 AM

Leica and worried about the cost of film that is like a Ferrari driver worry about the cost of petrol

LOL

Let's say that a Ferrari deserves a decent petrol...

Quote from: Photo_Utopia on March 11, 2011, 11:20:25 PM

Leon I have used the Foma 100 in 4x5 and find it pretty good, possibly a little more grain than Fp4:

That was taken at dawn, I'd say the Foma stuff was pretty good. I have some sheets you could borrow :-)
Mark Antony

That's a pretty nice shot !

Dave Elden · « **Reply #134 on:** March 18, 2011, 12:47:26 PM »

Quote from: Dave Elden on February 13, 2011, 02:39:54 AM

Quote from: Fedo on February 12, 2011, 06:51:20 PM
However,I've just noticed that Ag Photographic have started selling Kentmere 100 & 400 film which is apparently made by Ilford in the UK and is about a pound a roll cheaper than HP5+ or FP4+.

They've been available in the US for some time so I wonder if any American filmwasters have tried them?
I haven't personally compared the Kentmere 400 to anything yet but I am teaching a course where the students are shooting a mixture of Delta 400 & Kentmere 400. We'll be developing that film next w/e and I will look and see if I can detect any major differences. The developing will be somewhat controlled (D76, 1+1) but the exposures maybe not so much since it is a beginner class. I know from experience that Delta 400 will tolerate ± ~3 stops, will be interesting to see how the Kentmere does.

A follow up on this: I did not see any major differences between these films. By that I am saying the grain appearance was similar viewed through a 5x loupe and in 8x10 prints. I couldn’t really judge exposure latitude because I don’t know exactly how the film was exposed (it was a beginner film class, quite a range of negative densities were on display…). I didn’t notice any major different in contrast.
The current price for Kentmere 400 (135-36) at B&H is $2/roll, Delta 400 is $5.52/roll. At that price I’d say the Kentmere is excellent value.

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #135 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:15:07 PM »

I just bought 5 rolls of Ilford Delta 400 (35mm) in a pro photo shop in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for 2.5 quid each.

I'd have bought more if they had had more. It's very hard to find B&W film here but it seems that I struck gold.

Francois · « **Reply #136 on:** April 25, 2011, 05:22:05 PM »

This time, I won't whine about the price of film but the price of processing!

Has anyone got a roll processed at Walmart recently?
They used to process a roll of 35mm 24 exp. for 6$ something. Now, the price has jumped to 10.80$
With taxes in, it goes up to 12.30$ for the same roll of film using the same machines!
Granted I have some prints but sheesh!

And they're the only ones in the region who still offer 1 hour processing at a decent price!

Unbelievable!

astrobeck · « **Reply #137 on:** April 26, 2011, 06:43:42 AM »

Just noticed Ilford Hp-5 in two packs for $4.59 at Freestyle.
That's not too shabby for 35mm.

chris_n · « **Reply #138 on:** April 26, 2011, 08:38:01 AM »

@francois: if you're in the states --or canada (not sure if costco extends worldwide), but my local costco does negative only processing for $1.39 and i'm quite happy with the results. scanning is a hit or miss with them --some stores have nice scanners, some don't. my local store isn't so lucky.

Windy · « **Reply #139 on:** April 26, 2011, 09:34:59 AM »

I have recently bought a bulk roll of fomapan 400 for £39. This compared with £55 for HP5. I have been happy with the results from fomapan in the past. I scan all my films as I'm not set up with a dark room (yet)

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=7348091@N04&q=fomapan&m=text#page=0

Fedo · « **Reply #140 on:** May 30, 2011, 04:46:56 PM »

Just a quick heads-up that Harman Express is offering free shipping on all orders until the end of today. Its UK only I'm afraid.

http://www.harmanexpress.com/

If you enter the voucher code CC10, you get another 10% off although you have to pretend your a Camera Club anorak

Word is there's another price rise on the way so get in quick!

vicky slater · « **Reply #141 on:** January 04, 2012, 12:05:34 PM »

Just doing a search for HP5 120 and the cheapest I could find was on Amazon at £3.19 and free posting....anyone know better :) ??

Pete_R · « **Reply #142 on:** January 04, 2012, 04:03:32 PM »

And supplied from Calumet so a reliable source. Interesting it's free postage if you buy through Amazon but £4 postage if you buy direct from Calumet. And also interesting to look at the other prices on Amazon from other sellers. Top of the list is a German supplier selling for £210.85 per roll!!!

Late Developer · « **Reply #143 on:** January 05, 2012, 08:49:17 AM »

There is, of course, a potential supply and demand link with the apparently imminent demise of Kodak unless they manage to sell their digital patents to stave off bankruptcy.

If (and I'm hoping against hope it doesn't) Kodak does go under, that will take out one of the three largest brand name film producers (Kodak, Ilford, Fuji - in no particular order). If that happened and demand remained broadly level, Ilford and Fuji could experience an upsurge in demand which, assuming they could cope with it, should help secure their futures insofar as film supply is concerned.

The downside for the film user might be that strengthening what is already an oligopoly could push film prices upwards as there would be less competition. This could also happen if either or both of Ilford or Fuji incurred additional incremental costs in order to respond to any increase in production. None of this takes into account any variations in the cost of raw materials such as silver.

All quite worrying and, as mentioned before, here's hoping that Kodak manages to get itself back on course.

Alan · « **Reply #144 on:** January 05, 2012, 11:58:53 AM »

hmm on a side note - wasnt kodak backing LUCKY films in china?

if so where does that leave the china operation?

of has that relationship been severed long ago?

Author Topic: The Price of Film! (Read 49461 times)

astrobeck