Bad News About Ilford

[mobtown_4x5]

Does anybody have an opinion on what Foma or Forte product would be the closest replacement for Tri-x?

Matt

 

[Les McLean]

Does anybody have an opinion on what Foma or Forte product would be the closest replacement for Tri-x?

Matt

I tested both Foma and Forte films a few years ago for a UK company who considered importing them, at that time it was hard to say which was the worst film. Granted it was some time ago but unless they have been greatly improved I wouldn't waste time exposing them and chemistry developing them. If the main film manufacturers do stop production and this is all we have I despair. Matt, IMO there is no replacement for TriX but try Fuji Neopan 400, it is the nearest that I've used.

 

[TPPhotog]

Went over to Jessops today and did my usual re-stock of Ilford supplies plus some additional supplies which I will keep as backup if the worst comes. Surprise surprise no-one there had heard the news about Agfa or Ilford so I guess that shows their commitment to film

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Les, the Fortepan 400 of a few years ago was indeed nothing to write home about, but try the new ClassicPan 400 available in Europe from fotoimpex.de (made in the Forte plant, but may or may not be equivalent to the current Fortepan 400) or as J&C Classic 400, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've posted some test shots in this thread:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008niK

 

[titrisol]

According to Ilford USA is bussiness as usual.

 

[Jorge]

According to Ilford USA is bussiness as usual.

Yeah, until they cannot get more film from the UK.....

 

[Leon]

Les, the Fortepan 400 of a few years ago was indeed nothing to write home about, but try the new ClassicPan 400 available in Europe from fotoimpex.de (made in the Forte plant, but may or may not be equivalent to the current Fortepan 400) or as J&C Classic 400, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've posted some test shots in this thread:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=008niK

thats good news for me David ... I have just ordered a 10 pack for testing with pyrocat HD and perceptol as a alternative (note not replacement) to HP5. It has been reviewed in teh UK Balck and White Photography magazine this month with good things said.

have you tried the 200 speed?

 

[Francesco]

The last people you want to ask when doing due diligence is the company auditors, finance people, etc. themselves. No one saw Enron coming because they made the mistake of calling them for assurances. What are they going to say: "Oh no, we have cooked the books, management is embezzling gizillions, and it will go belly up soon". I think either Ilford is finished or will be broken up in a fire sale.

Alternatives are: Efke PL100, Classic 200 and Classic 400. Nice prices too!

 

[Les McLean]

I've been told that Ilford will continue to manufacture, although whether it would be both film and paper was not specified.

 

[titrisol]

Press Release from ILFORD USA

ILFORD IMAGING USA INC
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
AS ILFORD RESTRUCTURES BUSINESS WORLDWIDE

Paramus, NJ (August 25, 2004)-- The accounting firm Grant Thornton announced Monday the appointment of partners Mark Byers, Malcolm Shierson and Les Ross as joint administrators of our UK parent company Ilford Imaging Limited and joint administrative receivers of our UK affiliate Ilford Imaging UK Limited.

The announcement pertains to those two UK companies alone. The Swiss business, including the ILFORD production facility in Marly, is solvent and continues to conduct business as usual. Similarly, Ilford Imaging USA Inc continues to do business as normal.

"The US entity is operating in a business-as-usual fashion, and is continuing to accept and deliver on its orders as we evaluate how the changes at the UK companies might affect us", said Ward Phillips, President of ILFORD Imaging USA Inc.

"We are taking every action and precaution to maintain ongoing operations with our customers. At the same time, behind the scenes, we will be working with our related companies in the ILFORD group to improve its performance and strengthen the outlook for the future", Phillips further stated.

The ILFORD group was founded in 1879 in the UK, and more recently it has developed into the world's leading supplier of dyes for inkjet photo printers and is the second largest manufacturer of inkjet photo paper.

###

 

[TPPhotog]

DOH!! With everything going on I forgot to read Black and White Photography magazine this month other than the very good article by Les McClean on mounting I'll have a read up on their findings as well.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I haven't tried the Classic 200 speed myself.

 

[127]

Went over to Jessops today... Surprise surprise no-one there had heard the news about Agfa or Ilford so I guess that shows their commitment to film

You're doing better than round here - In the Bournemouth shop you're lucky to find someone who even know who Ilford are. On the odd occasion I've bought film there most of the assistants insist that the formats I've asked for doesn't exist (until someone else finds it for them). I usually stomp around a bit, swear at that manager about the dreadfull service, and lack of choice.

The last time I was there I also stocked up on Ilford surplies - I bought the shops entire inventory of Ilford Fibre paper: THE WHOLE BOX (100 sheets).

I look forward to the time when Jessops set up another of their "specialist centers" - for photography! I don't see Jessops surviving much longer - once they've transitioned everyone to digital, they're just a more expensive alternative to PC World and Staples.

Ian

 

[Lee Shively]

This is my first post here although I've been lurking for several months, soaking up knowledge and opinions. I wish my first post could have been under more positive circumstances but, unfortunately, I have been deeply saddened by the news of Ilford's plight.

I am not a professional. I worked as a news photographer for 15+ years before burning out. I dropped out of photography for around 8 years after that. When I started again, I dabbled with scanning my older slides and making inkjets. I thought it would be cool to do the same with black and white but I quickly learned the results were not satisfying. I also discovered that working with photos on a computer screen was not for me. I set up my darkroom again and started printing with silver and chemicals. I am not interested in doing photography for pay. My only goal is the satisfaction I get from making a nice picture I can hold in my hand. Not a virtual photograph--a real photograph.

For the last two years or so, HP5+ and Pan F+ have been the only film I've used in 35mm and 120. I worked out a processing system that produces results that please me. I've been printing my negatives on Ilford MG Warmtone and MGIV. I haven't been much interested in experimenting with other films and papers (other than a little infrared) because I like knowing how materials will respond.

The point of this is that I am not a typical "photographer". Apparently many on these forums are not typical either. We are not into the digital conundrum of continuous hardware upgrading or the instant gratification or the lack of tactility. My view is that many here are into the craftsmanship of the photograph. To this end, we are in the minority and the majority drives the marketplace.

I do photography because I love it. I discovered it 30-odd years ago and it was love at first sight. It is my religion, my sport, my hobby, my enjoyment, my obsession. A very important part of my life may be having to face a major adjustment. I don't freaking like it.

So, anyway, this is my sad way of saying "hello".

 

[TPPhotog]

Ian, We are quite lucky around here as far as actual equipment is concerned as Mifsud are only 20 minutes drive away down at Brixham.

Alas Jessops are the only "darkroom supplier" left near here so I use them for all my chemicals and papers as well as film. I quite often clear Jessops out of their Ilford films but happily they can get what I want in within 2 or 3 days.

I very much agree that unlesss you go in knowing exactly what you want you do tend to be snookered (put politely). For some reason today they seemed to have all sorts of Ilford papers both fibre and RC in stock, plus their own errrm brand, but Agfa paper which I wanted to try was no where to be seen.

Tony

 

[TPPhotog]

... The point of this is that I am not a typical "photographer". Apparently many on these forums are not typical either. We are not into the digital conundrum of continuous hardware upgrading or the instant gratification or the lack of tactility. My view is that many here are into the craftsmanship of the photograph. To this end, we are in the minority and the majority drives the marketplace.

I do photography because I love it. I discovered it 30-odd years ago and it was love at first sight. It is my religion, my sport, my hobby, my enjoyment, my obsession. A very important part of my life may be having to face a major adjustment. I don't freaking like it.

So, anyway, this is my sad way of saying "hello".

Lee, Welcome here from another who "burnt out", I think you have summed-up why many of us are here beautifully. Great to have you on-board

 

[JHannon]

Well said Lee, welcome to APUG.