Topic: CatLABS X FILM 80

[Bryan]

Has anyone here ordered this new film from CatLABS?  It’s supposed to be like Panatomix-X, I do like Panatomic-X so I ordered a few rolls to try it out.  Right now it’s only available in 120.  The price is reasonable at $5.55/roll.  It sounds like they will be making it available in sheet film as well.  They say it can be pushed to 800.

https://www.catlabs.info/product/catlabs-x-film-80-120-bw-negative-film

[John Robison]

Since you just don’t whip up a film in the kitchen, what rebranded film is this. They don’t show country of origin on any of the photos of the box. But there aren’t that many factory’s worldwide that can make film so I guess I could ask them.

[Bryan]

Since you just don’t whip up a film in the kitchen, what rebranded film is this. They don’t show country of origin on any of the photos of the box. But there aren’t that many factory’s worldwide that can make film so I guess I could ask them.

They say it’s not a re-branded emulsion but it is made by one of the few companies that still make film. 

[John Robison]

Since you just don’t whip up a film in the kitchen, what rebranded film is this. They don’t show country of origin on any of the photos of the box. But there aren’t that many factory’s worldwide that can make film so I guess I could ask them.

They say it’s not a re-branded emulsion but it is made by one of the few companies that still make film.

So does that mean they went to a company such as Ilford, and said;
‘We would like to sell film under our name. It should have these characteristics. Can you engineer this film for us?’
The price seems too cheap for that to be the case. Not saying that’s not possible. Maybe the folks in China who make lucky brand film or one of the Russian film companies would contract to make such a film.
Just curious mind you, not a challeng e.

[Francois]

Maybe they just repurposed one of the formulations on Photrio/APUG?

I know that for the price, it seems to be quite affordable... or at the very least in line with the rest of the market.

[Kai-san]

Not many ISO 80 films around, the Rollei Retro 80S is the only one I can think of. If the X80 is as good as that I might consider buying some.

[Bryan]

So does that mean they went to a company such as Ilford, and said;
‘We would like to sell film under our name. It should have these characteristics. Can you engineer this film for us?’
The price seems too cheap for that to be the case. Not saying that’s not possible. Maybe the folks in China who make lucky brand film or one of the Russian film companies would contract to make such a film.
Just curious mind you, not a challeng e.

That's how I understand it, it's a custom coating job.  I remember Berger was having their film coated the same way, maybe Inoviscoat or Foma.  There must be a large minimum quantity to have it done that way.  That's probably why they start out with one format, to test the waters before they invest in another run for a different format since the base material thickness is different. 

[tkmedia]

it is finished by shanghai.

[Francois]

Mmmmm.......
I guess comparing the development times between both is in order....

[Bryan]

My film just showed up, I’ll try to shoot some soon.  I may have to see how it does in beer.