An upset Ilfordite

[fotojack]

The end of an era continues! Do I hear this correctly that Ilford's fiber gallerie gloss Grades 1 and 4 are all but gone?! Even the Grade 2 paper feels thinner! And the Multigrade paper emulsion's contrast curve has shifted. What's going on?! Any suggestions on another brand to replace this one? Agfa?

 

[Eric Rose]

Forte

 

[Les McLean]

Forte

But be prepared for inconsistencies from batch to batch

 

[Black Dog]

But be prepared for inconsistencies from batch to batch

I second that. Also give Retro Photographic a call and try the Foma/Slavich papers.
PS-Maco/Cachet also.

 

[jovo]

But be prepared for inconsistencies from batch to batch

AAAARRRRGGGGG!!!! I was really happy with the Forte paper I've been using and just opened a box of 100 sheets of 8x10. It's so different from the last package that I don't even know where to begin. Muuuuuuuch longer exposure to achieve not even the same values I was obtaining from the same negative...and the paper seems exceedingly flat, even with grade 5 filtration. I was about to post a plaint about it, but, Les, you've offered an explanation I can believe but wish I weren't reading. I'd much prefer to have been overlooking something in my own technic that I could have had an "AHA!!" about and gotten back to work. glooooooooom.

 

[esanford]

upset ilfordite

Ilford is in receivership. They are probably going to drop all of their photographic process materials and focus on digital products... I believe that this is one of the last great companies selling decent products... especially papers. Consistency was one of their trade marks... I suggest that you take out a loan and pack the freezer with all of it you can find. The next best thing is Oriental Seagull. I can't imagine that they will last much longer. I have no experience with Forte, Bergger et. al.

 

[Neil Souch]

It seems the problem at the moment is you just can't obtain Ilford's items even if do you have the money. So maybe when / if they do become available again there will be a lot of panic buying and items will be difficult to source again! I think we must all face the fact that supply problems wiil be there for a good while, even if they can carry on.

I second the quality of Oriental Seagull - great paper and it lith prints well too.

Neil.

 

[FrankB]

Ilford is in receivership.

The traditional photographic division of Ilford (not the digital division(s) which are separate entities) are in administration, currently producing materials and looking for a buyer.

They are probably going to drop all of their photographic process materials and focus on digital products...

As the divisions are separate entities, in order to do this that division would have to completely close.

Sure, it's a possibility, but why a probability? It's also a possibility that they may get bought and production (on some level) will continue. Let's not nail down the coffin lid while the occupant is still breathing (albeit with life-support!).

If they did close, all assets would obviously be sold off. This would include the patents and formalae for their film, paper and chemical products. As they are some of the best around I would imagine that they would be snapped up quite briskly and that 'Lucky Delta 100' (for example) may subsequently make an appearence.

The next best thing is Oriental Seagull. I can't imagine that they will last much longer.

Again, why not? Ilford are having (major) problems for historical reasons and because their business was scaled for a bulk demand which no longer exists. If other suppliers have scaled their businesses correctly then they could easily last as long as they like on quite low demand.

If Ilford do close (I hope it won't happen, but it may) then their 60% of the world market will have to be split amongst the other players. Even allowing for some customers bailing out, that's still a very big increase for all the other suppliers.

The industry is having a bloody awful time of it. Let's not sing it any worse than it is.

We've got the digital camp to do that for us...

 

[jovo]

'Lucky Delta 100' (for example) may subsequently make an appearence.

LOL!

 

[esanford]

Ilford

Frank unfortunately I am going to have to disagree with you. I spoke with the Ilford rep in Paramus NJ last week, and he confirmed that all of Ilford's traditional darkroom products are at risk. To your point, digital is so ubuiquitous, no company in its right mind would make that kind of investment in a failing traditional photographic business. He informed me that maintaining paper and chemistry is in jeopardy. He did not mention film (since I don't use Ilford films, I did not ask him)... Currently, all of the Ilford you want can be purchased from:
B&H Photo in NY http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home

.. and at Calumet out of Chicago http://www.calumetphoto.com/ctl?PAGE=Controller&ac.ui.pn=home.Home&ns=1

Both are very reputable and ship internationally

 

[jim kirk jr.]

All of this is a sad reflection of the "throw away" mentality of many societies on the planet,irregardless of any inroads made with recycling.After all photography with film,any film,requires a commitment at some level.Even those that never have and never will develop there own film know that they need to try to make every image count.In digital you just delete what you don't want,even while making the images,hence,just throw it away along with any real commitment.Just an opinion of a disgusted consumer.sorry for the ranting.

Jim

 

[FrankB]

Frank unfortunately I am going to have to disagree with you.

No worries. One of the nice things about APUG is that members can disagree without decorating the forums with each other's intestines!

I spoke with the Ilford rep in Paramus NJ last week, and he confirmed that all of Ilford's traditional darkroom products are at risk.

I have no issue with that.

To your point, digital is so ubuiquitous, no company in its right mind would make that kind of investment in a failing traditional photographic business.

You may well be right, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion. Let's wait and see.

My attitude is "hope for the best, prepare for the worst". I already have a very large pile of Ilford materials on their way (from the retailers' warehouses as Ilford currently aren't shipping backorders). Hopefully when they're gone I'll still be able to obtain fresh supplies of my favourite materials.

We shall see.