Back into Shanghai GP3 again

Snapshot · May 1, 2014

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Wow, no offense guys but I would never pay anything close to three dollars a roll for this film. I used to be a big user and was a big proponent of it but that was when I pick it up for about $.75 a roll when I used to travel to Beijing quite frequently to visit my wife's family. At almost $3a roll I'd rather get FP4 or HP5 which are just over four dollars a roll from B&H. I still have about 30 or 40 rolls I think expired 2009 2010 and the backing problem of the number showing through in the film is starting to become more and more prevalent and yes I stored it frozen so this stuff will not last long unless you can prove that they change the backing. Great film, beautiful film but I wouldn't pay three bucks for it. Between the two I go for Ilford stuff even for a dollar+ more every time.

I can appreciate the sentiment, Richard. However, as I reside in Canada, the cost of branded 120 film is often over $8 CDN per roll. I have found pro packs, however, for around $34 CDN (final cost) but I have to travel downtown, which is an ordeal and non-free proposition. Regardless, this means the cost of a roll of film is from $7 to $8 per roll. I do order from B&H but factoring the cost of delivery, taxes, duty (which applies to Ilford and Fuji film imports) and exchange rates make this order only nominally cheaper. At best, I can get it shipped from B&H to me at a little more than $6 CDN per roll. At around $3 CDN per roll delivered to my door (and almost 50% savings), Shanghai GP3 presents a compelling value proposition for me. I can imagine it being the same to others as well.

Richard S. (rich815) · May 1, 2014

No offense either way guys, just wanted to share my perspective, and yes, I was really lucky to have the great wife and the opportunity to grab this film so cheaply. Good to hear there's indications it's better or different now. And if the price for your circumstance makes sense I fully understand. So that said I might grab 10-20 rolls as a curiosity if a bulk order happens.

TheToadMen · May 1, 2014

Don't now what prices are in the US, but I can get Fomapan B&W film overhere in Europe for 3.17.
Maybe also an option for you guys?
Bert from Holland

JW PHOTO · May 1, 2014

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
No offense either way guys, just wanted to share my perspective, and yes, I was really lucky to have the great wife and the opportunity to grab this film so cheaply. Good to hear there's indications it's better or different now. And if the price for your circumstance makes sense I fully understand. So that said I might grab 10-20 rolls as a curiosity if a bulk order happens.

Rick,
You're a darn good photographer and I would appreciate your own opinion on this stuff. For me, it seems like a very nice film, but I do worry about QC issues cropping up after I really get it dialed in. I really would like you to try this stuff since you also used the older batches. I think either the Chinese manufacture of this film has finally got it right or the Chinese are importing it from outer Mongolia or where ever. Rick, since you didn't say whether your wife had a single sister I think I'll start visiting the Chinese restaurants in my area looking for a single gal with parents still in China. Sure would be easier if I could speak Chinese! Guess I'll have to read a ton of those fortune cookies to learn the lingo. Kidding aside, pick up a few rolls and tell us what you think. JW

Ko.Fe. · May 1, 2014

Last time I purchased pack of 5 T-MAX in Toronto downtown it was close to 50CAD. Might be cheaper to order from B&H next time. Or buy one roll locally.
I use 120 film in very small numbers, 20 rolls of GP3 took one year, still have last one.
At beginning it was OK film. At the end numbers at the paper back deteriorated and it was very difficult film to use in my vintage folders.

Snapshot · May 1, 2014

TheToadMen said:
Don't now what prices are in the US, but I can get Fomapan B&W film overhere in Europe for 3.17.
Maybe also an option for you guys?
Bert from Holland

If the price is in Euros, it would be about $4.85 CND, without factoring delivery, duty (as it is from Europe) and potentially taxes at the border. If that is in US dollars, then it becomes a viable option. I just need a site the will sell Fomapan to us Canadians.

TheToadMen · May 1, 2014

Snapshot said:
If the price is in Euros, it would be about $4.85 CND, without factoring delivery, duty (as it is from Europe) and potentially taxes at the border. If that is in US dollars, then it becomes a viable option. I just need a site the will sell Fomapan to us Canadians.

It's Euro 3.17 but with 19% VAT (taxes) included. You don't have to pay the VAT (outside of EU), so it wouldn't be much more in US dollars I guess.

Snapshot · May 1, 2014

Ko.Fe. said:
Last time I purchased pack of 5 T-MAX in Toronto downtown it was close to 50CAD. Might be cheaper to order from B&H next time. Or buy one roll locally.
I use 120 film in very small numbers, 20 rolls of GP3 took one year, still have last one.
At beginning it was OK film. At the end numbers at the paper back deteriorated and it was very difficult film to use in my vintage folders.

If you buy from B&H, they will will have an option to use Purolator, which will your order it through customers and pay applicable taxes. By way of example, if you order 5 pro packs (25 rolls) of T-Max 100 in 120 format, the total will be $141 US or about $158 CDN. That works out to $6.32 CDN a roll. Not bad when you compare it to Canadian retailers.

Henry's charges $7.99 CDN a roll plus tax for the same film. However, Vistek is selling T-Max 400 in 120 format for $6.09 CDN plus tax or $6.88 CDN per roll. That's the best deal in town currently that I am aware of at the moment. Downtown Camera was selling Fuji Acros pro packs at $30.50 CDN plus taxes as well but that was a few months ago.

However, the best deal for us Canadians is on Amazon.ca, where you can by Tri-X at $25.59 CDN for a pro pack, which is $5.64 per roll after taxes and includes delivery. I use to buy Fuji Acros at $22.94 CDN (taxes and shipping included) for a while but they raised the price to $41.17 CDN plus taxes as of March of this year, doubling the price.

Snapshot · May 1, 2014

TheToadMen said:
It's Euro 3.17 but with 19% VAT (taxes) included. You don't have to pay the VAT (outside of EU), so it wouldn't be much more in US dollars I guess.

That VAT being removed would help. I'll have a look around and see who can deliver to Canada.

TheToadMen · May 1, 2014

This is were I ordered mine: http://www.thephotoshop.ie (from Ireland). Mention you want no VAT (for outside of EU) and ask an estimate for shipping costs.

Snapshot said:
That VAT being removed would help. I'll have a look around and see who can deliver to Canada.

MattKing · May 1, 2014

Snapshot said:
If the price is in Euros, it would be about $4.85 CND, without factoring delivery, duty (as it is from Europe) and potentially taxes at the border. If that is in US dollars, then it becomes a viable option. I just need a site the will sell Fomapan to us Canadians.

How about APUG advertiser Argentix.ca: http://www.argentix.ca/AllBWfilms.php?=SID&mqry=sp01 ?

Ko.Fe. · May 1, 2014

Snapshot said:
If you buy from B&H, they will will have an option to use Purolator, which will your order it through customers and pay applicable taxes. By way of example, if you order 5 pro packs (25 rolls) of T-Max 100 in 120 format, the total will be $141 US or about $158 CDN. That works out to $6.32 CDN a roll. Not bad when you compare it to Canadian retailers.

Henry's charges $7.99 CDN a roll plus tax for the same film. However, Vistek is selling T-Max 400 in 120 format for $6.09 CDN plus tax or $6.88 CDN per roll. That's the best deal in town currently that I am aware of at the moment. Downtown Camera was selling Fuji Acros pro packs at $30.50 CDN plus taxes as well but that was a few months ago.

However, the best deal for us Canadians is on Amazon.ca, where you can by Tri-X at $25.59 CDN for a pro pack, which is $5.64 per roll after taxes and includes delivery. I use to buy Fuji Acros at $22.94 CDN (taxes and shipping included) for a while but they raised the price to $41.17 CDN plus taxes as of March of this year, doubling the price.

I didn't even know what Vistek still sell film. Thanks!

Snapshot · May 1, 2014

MattKing said:
How about APUG advertiser Argentix.ca: http://www.argentix.ca/AllBWfilms.php?=SID&mqry=sp01 ?

Thanks, this is great.

JW PHOTO · May 1, 2014

Ko.Fe. said:
Last time I purchased pack of 5 T-MAX in Toronto downtown it was close to 50CAD. Might be cheaper to order from B&H next time. Or buy one roll locally.
I use 120 film in very small numbers, 20 rolls of GP3 took one year, still have last one.
At beginning it was OK film. At the end numbers at the paper back deteriorated and it was very difficult film to use in my vintage folders.

What problems did you run into with your old folders? It works great in my Rollei's and I have run it in two old folders without problems so far. The dots and numbers show through the red window just fine, but I do worry about stocking up to much of the GP3 film in case the dreaded "number bleed" shows up. So far I have no complaints other than the cheap masking tape. JW

analoguey · May 1, 2014

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
No offense either way guys, just wanted to share my perspective, and yes, I was really lucky to have the great wife and the opportunity to grab this film so cheaply. Good to hear there's indications it's better or different now. And if the price for your circumstance makes sense I fully understand. So that said I might grab 10-20 rolls as a curiosity if a bulk order happens.

The quality is better, else I'd have been the first to abandon the brand -wouldnt even have re-ordered.

But the new batch has been fun - and is some ways, the curling has meant that if got any dust on, I could just wash it off -with little or no effect on the negative.
I had issues with Delta 100 on that but not this.

On price difference, its about 1/2 or less delivered here compared to Delta 100 - which is my fav film -but that's not as much a criteria as the film delivering good images.

Had an Indian Foma dealer but that chap refuses to return phone calls or reply to emails, not much help there.

Sent from Tap-a-talk

Snapshot · May 13, 2014

As a follow-up to my earlier postings, I have developed several more rolls of Shanghai GP3. I've also developed rolls with a 02/2016 expiry and they are also devoid of any defects. As it stands and after 10 rolls, the film appears to have no issues with it.

JW PHOTO · May 13, 2014

Snapshot said:
As a follow-up to my earlier postings, I have a number ofl more rolls of Shanghai GP3. As it stands and after 10 rolls, the film appears to have no issues with it. I've also developed rolls with a 02/2016 expiry and they are also devoid of any defects.

No issues! Well, what do you think? It's not Kodak Plus-X or Ilford FP4+, but it ain't to shabby. JW

Snapshot · May 13, 2014

JW PHOTO said:
No issues! Well, what do you think? It's not Kodak Plus-X or Ilford FP4+, but it ain't to shabby. JW

Actually, it's a pretty decent film. I have no problems with it and considering its cost, it's good value for the money. I get great tones and nice grain with it. I haven't tried it with Rodinal and I'm hopeful it will be just as nice.

Athiril · May 13, 2014

Sorry for being away for a while. It's around as sharp as FP4+ is with my lenses, so it is definitely in that class as opposed to flat grain films.

I usually rate mine at box speed, and it looks pretty good. I used to use Rodinal with it, but started with Xtol replenished at 24 degrees C and 5m 45s, and it looks pretty good.

The original purpose of buying it direct from China with express shipping was to check for film damage on the way for the next order, so I could get access to other films. The pic below is my latest small order, but I have had many more propacks come in as well, a decent stash now, also got in 400X 120

Snapshot · May 14, 2014

Athiril said:
Sorry for being away for a while. It's around as sharp as FP4+ is with my lenses, so it is definitely in that class as opposed to flat grain films.

I usually rate mine at box speed, and it looks pretty good. I used to use Rodinal with it, but started with Xtol replenished at 24 degrees C and 5m 45s, and it looks pretty good.

The original purpose of buying it direct from China with express shipping was to check for film damage on the way for the next order, so I could get access to other films. The pic below is my latest small order, but I have had many more propacks come in as well, a decent stash now, also got in 400X 120

I have a couple of questions. What times do you use with Rodinal, presuming a 1+50 dilution? Also, I am presuming that since you are checking for shipping damage, you have a source for films in China. Where are buying films and how do the prices compare?

wilper · May 14, 2014

Snapshot said:
I have a couple of questions. What times do you use with Rodinal, presuming a 1+50 dilution?

I have gravitated towards 1+50 dilution of Rodinal for 20min at 20C for Shanghai GP3. I only scan my negatives, so I don't know how fit they are for darkroom printing.

I have a samples from a couple of rolls on http://photofying.wordpress.com/tag/shanghai-gp3

As for numbers and spots I have had faint impressions on a few rolls, but it has only been really visible in the less exposed parts of the frames. The problem has not been as bad as with the horrible horrible Ultrafine Plus film where every other roll was absolutely ruined.

Athiril · May 14, 2014

Snapshot said:
I have a couple of questions. What times do you use with Rodinal, presuming a 1+50 dilution? Also, I am presuming that since you are checking for shipping damage, you have a source for films in China. Where are buying films and how do the prices compare?

I'll send you a pm, but it's an online market of a lot of different sellers, which is why I use a domestic shipping forwarder, they check the items before sending and pack them together for express shipping and take paypal for the items.

It's more pricey than what you would pay in the U.S. for some stuff (but where are you going to get E100G and E100VS and 400X elsewhere?). Most of the Fuji stuff though is very competitively priced.

Can't remember what I used to use with Rodinal, there was 1+50, and also 1+100 stand.

JW PHOTO · May 14, 2014

wilper said:
I have gravitated towards 1+50 dilution of Rodinal for 20min at 20C for Shanghai GP3. I only scan my negatives, so I don't know how fit they are for darkroom printing.

I have a samples from a couple of rolls on http://photofying.wordpress.com/tag/shanghai-gp3

As for numbers and spots I have had faint impressions on a few rolls, but it has only been really visible in the less exposed parts of the frames. The problem has not been as bad as with the horrible horrible Ultrafine Plus film where every other roll was absolutely ruined.

You have a beautiful white, fluffy dog! Are you getting the numbers bleeding through on the latest (2016) batch of film? I've checked my negatives from my (2016) batch very close and see no numbers bleeding through. Oh, I don't even want to talk about that junk 100 ISO 120 Ultrafine film. The Ultrafine 100 in 120 should be given away and not sold. And it should only be given to people you don't like! JW

wilper · May 15, 2014

I think it is 2014 film that I'm shooting now, I ordered 100 rolls through Holgadget.com last summer and I am still making my way through it.

JW PHOTO · May 15, 2014

wilper said:
I think it is 2014 film that I'm shooting now, I ordered 100 rolls through Holgadget.com last summer and I am still making my way through it.

Is the what you have still in the red wrapper or has it been changed to the silver wrapper? I'm worried about the keeping properties due to the number bleed-through. My fresh stuff doesn't have it, but I'm wondering if it will creep in during long term storage? Time will tell I guess. JW

Back into Shanghai GP3 again

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