Author Topic: FP-100C discontinued (Read 16948 times)

Bryan · « **on:** February 29, 2016, 05:26:08 PM »

This sucks! http://fujifilm.jp/information/articlead_0384.html

Translation:

Quote

Notice of instant color film "FP-100C" discontinued

February 29, 2016

FUJIFILM Corporation

Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (President: Nakajima Naruhaku) is, the instant color film "FP-100C", will be sold lasts our stock.

Fujifilm, in order to continue to provide instant color film "FP-100C", so far have had continued corporate efforts, sales volume has declined significantly from year to year, more is a situation that can not be produced . For this reason, we will be forced to sell the end as described below.

This instant color sales of film "FP-100C" is will end, Fujifilm will continue to developing systems that offers access to the photographic film to continue while the review and production efficiency also product line up future .

We will continue our continued support to the Fujifilm product, you look forward to your patronage, thank you.

original_ann · « **Reply #1 on:** February 29, 2016, 05:28:53 PM »

This is terribly frustrating. I just went ahead and ordered 50 boxes from B&H but NO idea where I'm going to store it.

jharr · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2016, 05:32:52 PM »

Well, I was never a huge fan of FP-100c, but I am sad to see the end of the peel-apart era.

imagesfrugales · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2016, 07:42:02 PM »

Pink says: it's just anther brick in the wall. But a huge one. The rescued negs were a fun to play with. RIP FP-100c.

I don't buy any last supply, they don't keep well.

Be careful with that axe Eugene ....

Fluminian · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2016, 07:51:47 PM »

Quote from: imagesfrugales on February 29, 2016, 07:42:02 PM

Pink says: it's just anther brick in the wall. But a huge one. The rescued negs were a fun to play with. RIP FP-100c.

I don't buy any last supply, they don't keep well.

Be careful with that axe Eugene ....

Sad to hear of Fuji FP-100C departure, but happy to read about Syd Barrett and post Syd Barrett Pink.

Chalky · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2016, 07:58:14 PM »

so annoying, stocked up too, personally I think it ages really well.

inevitable though really, surprised it lasted this long... see the prices going up everywhere already!

Indofunk · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2016, 08:21:58 PM »

Oh, GREAT. I just got to love my Polaroid 100 and now I can't use it?

(For less than the cost of my rent, that is)

limr · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2016, 09:16:31 PM »

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Francois · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2016, 09:39:41 PM »

Oh shoot...

hookstrapped · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2016, 11:05:45 PM »

tkmedia · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2016, 01:00:38 AM »

My avatar is me dropping fp100c

soeren · « **Reply #11 on:** March 01, 2016, 09:29:59 AM »

Well then I won't waste money on a pol-back for my RZ.

lharby · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2016, 09:30:21 AM »

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

Kai-san · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2016, 10:45:20 AM »

Fuji is killing off an entire film format without batting an eyelid. They are not losing Money on this film, they are just not earning ENOUGH! Fuji is not committed to film anymore, they will kill off one film after the other until there is nothing left. Well, if Fuji don't need us, we don't need them. We should spend our money with companies that are committed to and enthusiastic about film. I am now trying out slide films from Rollei and Agfa to replace Fuji films, and when Ferrania starts up I will support them. There is plenty of B&W films to choose from and for C41 we have Kodak and Agfa ++. Goodbye Fuji.

Adam Doe · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2016, 03:10:52 PM »

I for one will be looking inward for peace. Gonna find a new happy place (I think it's Ilford).

Fuji Instant Temple by adoephoto, on Flickr

02Pilot · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2016, 09:36:16 PM »

Quote from: Adam Doe on March 01, 2016, 03:10:52 PM

I for one will be looking inward for peace. Gonna find a new happy place (I think it's Ilford).

Fuji Instant Temple by adoephoto, on Flickr

We now have a clear winner in the "Picture Most Likely to be Introduced as Evidence at a Competency Hearing" category.

Adam Doe · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2016, 09:48:48 PM »

Quote from: 02Pilot on March 01, 2016, 09:36:16 PM

We now have a clear winner in the "Picture Most Likely to be Introduced as Evidence at a Competency Hearing" category.

Ha! Made my day.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #17 on:** March 02, 2016, 07:38:38 AM »

Not like it wasn't expected but I was hoping later rather than sooner

What was that tag going around again? #FujiNotFilm

Chalky · « **Reply #18 on:** March 02, 2016, 09:30:50 AM »

love that picture :-)

yeah gutted it has happened, prices going crazy already

lots of interesting chat about campaigns to save the machinery on the facebook polaroid packfilm users group...

lharby · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2016, 10:58:08 AM »

Not sure if it will help, but there is a petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/fujifilm-save-fujifilm-fp100c-instant-films?recruiter=341327943&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

I still find it odd that although perhaps there is not as much polaroid sold as in the heydays of instant cameras, fuji released only a few pack films which fit so many different polaroid models, not to mention all the adapters out there (Bronica, Mamyia etc). I would have thought that the sales of pack films would be higher now than in recent years.

moominsean · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2016, 02:08:18 AM »

From multiple sources, Fuji of America says that it has not been discontinued here, only in certain regions. It's inevitable some day, but maybe not today!

Bryan · « **Reply #21 on:** March 03, 2016, 02:59:01 AM »

Quote from: moominsean on March 03, 2016, 02:08:18 AM

From multiple sources, Fuji of America says that it has not been discontinued here, only in certain regions. It's inevitable some day, but maybe not today!

Does that mean they are still making it or not?

Bryan · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2016, 03:55:08 AM »

I just found the answer to my own question. This is from Fujifilm USA.

Quote

As you may have heard, Fujifilm has finalized its production of FP-100C Color Instant Film. While this was a difficult decision, it was necessary in order to remain sustainable in today’s market. Going forward, the supply of FP-100C will be available until the inventory is exhausted.

http://www.photographybay.com/2016/02/29/fujifilm-fp-100c-ends-production-peel-apart-film-is-officially-dead/

limr · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2016, 01:44:25 PM »

Quote from: Bryan on March 03, 2016, 03:55:08 AM

I just found the answer to my own question. This is from Fujifilm USA.

Quote
As you may have heard, Fujifilm has finalized its production of FP-100C Color Instant Film. While this was a difficult decision, it was necessary in order to remain sustainable in today’s market. Going forward, the supply of FP-100C will be available until the inventory is exhausted.

http://www.photographybay.com/2016/02/29/fujifilm-fp-100c-ends-production-peel-apart-film-is-officially-dead/

jharr · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2016, 06:42:45 PM »

Well, as long as they don't discontinue Kodachrome, I'll be okay.

Adam Doe · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2016, 11:13:35 PM »

Ah well. As much as it saddens me to see pack film go the way of the dodo, I am not at all surprised. Especially not after watching FP 4x5, 100B and 3000B disappear from production. It's a bump in the road, not the end of the world. My desire is to make pictures and to create them with film. And I will continue to do so, long after the last of my instant shots has been taken. I get a lot of joy out of shooting 35mm, 120, 4x5 and pinhole. I will continue to buy film, but I won't buy any more from Fujifilm for personal use. I will buy my son Instax when he wants it, but for myself, I will put my money toward purchasing film from companies that don't seem to regard film as a dying proposition (Ilford, Ferania, Cinestill and the offerings of cinema film from the FPP). On the bright side, panic-mode and hair trigger internet purchasing reflexes, fired by previous announcements of discontinuations from Fujifilm have left me with a decent stock of pack film, so as long as it lasts, I will continue to have fun with it.

Late Developer · « **Reply #26 on:** March 04, 2016, 08:40:15 AM »

Quote from: Adam Doe on March 03, 2016, 11:13:35 PM

Ah well. As much as it saddens me to see pack film go the way of the dodo, I am not at all surprised. Especially not after watching FP 4x5, 100B and 3000B disappear from production. It's a bump in the road, not the end of the world. My desire is to make pictures and to create them with film. And I will continue to do so, long after the last of my instant shots has been taken. I get a lot of joy out of shooting 35mm, 120, 4x5 and pinhole. I will continue to buy film, but I won't buy any more from Fujifilm for personal use. I will buy my son Instax when he wants it, but for myself, I will put my money toward purchasing film from companies that don't seem to regard film as a dying proposition (Ilford, Ferania, Cinestill and the offerings of cinema film from the FPP). On the bright side, panic-mode and hair trigger internet purchasing reflexes, fired by previous announcements of discontinuations from Fujifilm have left me with a decent stock of pack film, so as long as it lasts, I will continue to have fun with it.

Adam, I feel for peel apart pack film users, I really do. However, as an outsider on this issue, there does seem to be some degree of inevitability about the decision Fuji made and it's really disappointing that they have thrown fuel on the fire of those who get off on trying to convince us all that film is dead. It isn't and, like yourself, I'm going to boycott Fuji film in favour of Ilford, Kodak, Bergger and others that can be bothered to walk the hard miles with us.

I have various rolls / boxes 35mm and 120 fuji film in the fridge and, much as I like Provia and Velvia, I'm seriously thinking of offering it on here to anyone who wants it. It's also somewhat ironic that Fuji uses the "Fujifilm" brand on their digital cameras, given the fact that they - more than any other mainstream film manufacturer - have pulled the rug from under us, of late.

hookstrapped · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2016, 09:37:40 PM »

Maybe the New55 guys can get Fuji to give them the manufacturing equipment. Or maybe they can ship it to the Ferrania guys or Impossible Project people.

I can only hope such scheming is in the works.

___

On another angle to this, I can understand the disappointment, which I share. But I don't really get the Fuji hate. I mean, they provided some great film for a long time, long after film was pronounced dead. This was rather inevitable and if you accept that, they can be viewed as holding out longer than expected.

Ezzie · « **Reply #28 on:** March 04, 2016, 10:09:58 PM »

Those expensive pack film conversions seem silly now. My conversions are with detachable backs. The next step is to adapt Instax Wide backs instead.

But Instax is still not Pack film. FP100C may be just another film, but it is the last of a breed. Making millions of camera redundant. Permission to say oh cock!?

Francois · « **Reply #29 on:** March 04, 2016, 10:20:10 PM »

Well... they obviously don't care since they didn't make most of them...

jharr · « **Reply #30 on:** March 04, 2016, 11:31:52 PM »

Quote from: hookstrapped on March 04, 2016, 09:37:40 PM

Maybe the New55 guys can get Fuji to give them the manufacturing equipment. Or maybe they can ship it to the Ferrania guys or Impossible Project people.

I thought I read somewhere that the IP guys thought it was a shame, but had no plans to manufacture peel-apart. I could have dreamed it though.

tkmedia · « **Reply #31 on:** March 05, 2016, 04:27:35 AM »

from what i figured they stopped producing the film ages ago and kept the film stored but took "film" manufacturing offline. Remember it could take at least a year for coated film to be ready. They still had the chemicals and other components ready to be made. Kept the finishing equipment so the packs could still be produced until now.

Kai-san · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2016, 04:14:05 PM »

Any serious company has an item in their budget called Goodwill. Less serious ones may have as well, but use it to bribe politicians and large clients. Goodwill should be used to keep up a level of service to the customers that may not be financially rewarding, but will ensure a loyal following of your brand. Fuji had a profit last year of $630 million and a profit margin of 40%, something other companies can just dream of. They could very well have afforded to keep thousands of film buyers happy with products that were in fact top class. Instead they chose to increase their profit margin. As for the talk of hate I cannot be bothered to spend time and energy on hating anybody. But if we want to ensure that film is available in the foreseeable future we should not be putting our money in Fuji's coffers.

lharby · « **Reply #33 on:** March 11, 2016, 09:00:42 AM »

Announcement here:

http://savepackfilm.net/updates/the-journey-begins

Florian Kaps is flying to Japan to meet with Fuji bosses.

lharby · « **Reply #34 on:** March 11, 2016, 09:30:39 AM »

Also, just browsing Impossible Project site, they make 10x8 Polaroid style sheet film in colour and b/w.

https://shop.the-impossible-project.com/shop/film/8x10inch

How different can the technology be to produce that compared to packfilm?

Chalky · « **Reply #35 on:** March 11, 2016, 11:21:08 AM »

form what I've read about Japenese business the meeting itself is a success...

Impossible 8x10 is integral not peel apart so different from polaroid old 8x10...

Kai-san · « **Reply #36 on:** March 11, 2016, 04:30:23 PM »

If anybody could save pack-film it would be Florian Kaps, the man behind Impossible. I have signed the petition at savepackfilm.net to support the effort. I understand the meeting is to take place on the 17_th of March, so there is still time to drum up some support.

Bryan · « **Reply #37 on:** April 22, 2016, 08:54:15 PM »

Doc is pissed!

http://the.supersense.com/blogs/news/120507459-save-packfilm-travelog-no-18-up-and-down

Francois · « **Reply #38 on:** April 22, 2016, 09:54:30 PM »

Well, that sucks...
But somehow, I had the feeling that their decision was taken from the start and no matter how much negotiating anyone will do will change that.
Thing is, Fuji is a huge company and the very strict hierarchy of the Japanese will prevent any other businessman to talk president to president.
What they probably did was check the value of Impossible and compare it to their value, which prompted them to send some drone staff to the meeting.

Now, here's my guess about what's to come. They probably decided to scrap the line to produce some sort of pocket printer that's hooked-up to the telephone via blue tooth. Instant film would be competition in their own market.

Besides, they probably can't comprehend that the CEO of a company can go to work wearing jeans and a T-shirt...

SLVR · « **Reply #39 on:** April 23, 2016, 02:35:50 AM »

Im pretty sure if it doesnt have an xtrans sensor fuji doesnt care.

sadly I believe they will slowly kill off all their film lines.

Francois · « **Reply #40 on:** April 23, 2016, 01:27:47 PM »

I think their real motto should be: we'll always support film photography for as long as we feel like it.

Kai-san · « **Reply #41 on:** April 23, 2016, 04:13:11 PM »

I had a faint hope that they might have the decency to let somebody else take over the machinery, but not even that. I've purchased my last Fewgee product.

Indofunk · « **Reply #42 on:** April 23, 2016, 09:20:09 PM »

Are these guys for real?

http://www.catlabs.info/we-will-make-packfilm

Francois · « **Reply #43 on:** April 23, 2016, 10:36:52 PM »

I don't know... only time will tell.
The packs themselves are not too complicated, nothing a good plastics company can't do.
The origami inside the packs is a bit tougher, I'd have to really waste a pack to figure it out and take some measurements.
The transfer process could be made by Impossible, they have enough technology to do it.
The big problem is the machine to make the sheets with the pods, the one that assembles the whole thing, folds the paper and inserts it in the cassettes.

Bryan · « **Reply #44 on:** April 23, 2016, 11:09:02 PM »

That will be nice if they can pull it off, they sound pretty confident. I just wonder what the quality will be, FP-100c had great colors. Maybe they will do black and white.

Indofunk · « **Reply #45 on:** April 23, 2016, 11:26:18 PM »

Honestly, I just want something that's reasonably affordable that I can stick into my packfilm camera. Doesn't have to be as high quality as FP100C was, although something slightly better than IP would be nice

Aksarben · « **Reply #46 on:** April 24, 2016, 03:46:42 AM »

Class action lawsuit. I'll sign. They have provided a camera that they now will stop film for that particular camera effectively making all those Fotorama FP-1 Pro and other cameras worthless, as well as Older Polaroid that people paid good money to use with their film. Some are being sold at very high cost for their ability to create excellent photos (manual shutter speeds, aperture, flash, etc) and they will be same as bricks in very short time.

~~Problem is that these pack films, the Fuji FP-100C film, cannot be frozen~~ like color and black and white film extending the life indefinitely. They can only be refrigerated to slow down the aging process. Seen several instances, myself included, that it can be frozen without harm.

It is those that have bought cameras and were relying on this film that have standing (standing is a person that has lost because of something), and there are plenty. It might be a whole lot cheaper to continue the manufacturing than to give the world the middle finger and cut all production.

Aksarben · « **Reply #47 on:** April 24, 2016, 04:19:20 AM »

CatLABS is fairly innovative. They have made darkroom equipment for years. JOBO This recent pack film camera was made or redesigned by CatLABS. http://www.ebay.com/itm/282009588579?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

limr · « **Reply #48 on:** April 24, 2016, 06:35:46 PM »

Doc hinted at this in a March 21 update: http://the.supersense.com/blogs/news/115790851-save-packfilm-travelog-no-10-instant-miracle

A company who will work to save pack film AND has a cat logo...love them!! If they can pull this off, I will be one happy film-wastering fool

Indofunk · « **Reply #49 on:** April 24, 2016, 06:40:02 PM »

Quote from: limr on April 24, 2016, 06:35:46 PM

Doc hinted at this in a March 21 update: http://the.supersense.com/blogs/news/115790851-save-packfilm-travelog-no-10-instant-miracle

A company who will work to save pack film AND has a cat logo...love them!! If they can pull this off, I will be one happy film-wastering fool

WOAH. Supersense is a vinyl AND film house? I think I'm in love