Can anyone give me any prediction or insight on if there will be affordable/accessible 35 mm color film

[MattKing]

In addition to the factors enumerated in that excellent timeline from Agulliver, another complicating factor comes from the current relatively tiny amount of production. Whereas in its heyday, Eastman Kodak was likely to order from specialist component suppliers sufficient quantities to be considered a preferred customer entitled to preferential treatment, the size and frequency of their current orders means that in many case their orders get added to a long queue, amongst many other waiting customers, to be filled when the supplier is able. 6 month or more lead times for some things are not unusual, and as those orders sometimes have to be paid for when placed, the situation has a not inconsequential effect on their (Eastman Kodak's) capital needs.

 

[NB23]

Two 3$ half capuccinos somehow more acceptable

 

[NB23]

Does anybody think that complaining about the cost of film on Photrio will cause film prices to go down? Here is a hint: it won't. Film prices will continue to increase over time. The only question is when you will cry uncle, which will vary with your financial circumstances and your level of devotion to film photography.

With a Leica or a Rolleiflex, air-photography is a totally acceptable form of art.

 

[Don Heisz]

With a Leica or a Rolleiflex, air-photography is a totally acceptable form of art.

Lots of people get by using their cell phones to take pictures through the waist-level finder of their tlr.

 

[NB23]

Lots of people get by using their cell phones to take pictures through the waist-level finder of their tlr.

Same as air-guitar with sound coming out of mouth.

Ling ling ling liiiing “solo” tring twiiiiiinnngg

 

[flavio81]

And that won't happen if the manufacturers are paying attention. They're much better off with their consumers complaining about high prices while buying up every roll they can produce, than they would be after over-investing and winding up with a bunch of unsold master rolls or newly installed production capacity standing idle.

In other news, silver nitrate and collodion prices seem remarkably steady...

Yes.

 

[Don Heisz]

At present, though, many of the people who are "buying up every roll" are engaged in a fad, which seems to be at a height right now. And, in the meantime, the high prices that those people are willing to pay are causing genuine loyal holdouts to switch to something else. When the fad dies down, those sales will drop off the face of the planet.

 

[koraks]

Demand is demand, whether it's a "fad" is a matter of semantics more than of economics. By labeling this a fad you're attempting to draw this rebate into an ethical realm that I predict will not do it any good.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I was a little surprised by this thread. I have a freezer full of 35mm C41 film (well, not quite that much, but at least 30-40 rolls.) But I haven't shot 35mm in over a year, mostly doing sheet film and 120 film. I went onto B&H, and in 35mm all they have in stock are the special effects film. But in 120 and sheet, and the standard films are available. Prices are up a bit from a year ago--I'd say about a 20% increase. 5 roll propacks were $50 last year, now they're $60. Even Fuji Pro 400H is in stock, despite Fuji discontinuing it.

So right now, it seems the best option for color shooters is to shoot medium format. I'm assuming that 35mm sales increase has outstripped expectations. I suppose I should scalp my rolls, but instead, I decided to take my MZ-S instead of my ETRSi on vacation next week to try to burn some of these rolls. I'll bring the 4x5 for B&W, though Utah redrock really begs for color.

My photographing has been down during Covid so now I am getting more active again.

 

[Don Heisz]

Demand is demand, whether it's a "fad" is a matter of semantics more than of economics. By labeling this a fad you're attempting to draw this rebate into an ethical realm that I predict will not do it any good.

That's incorrect. Demand that is the result of a fad is demand that you can expect to dry up and blow away. Done much Hoola Hooping lately? What about your Pet Rock? Or the Roller Rink? All those things marginally exist now, nowhere near as prominent as when they were fads. "Fad" denotes a situation where something is popular for reasons akin to fashion and typified as temporary and volatile - it doesn't denote an particularly ethical situation.

 

[AgX]

Demand is demand, whether it's a "fad" is a matter of semantics more than of economics.

That is a shortsighted view to the issue.

As one might be drawn to substantial investments into scaled-up (and thus cheaper per part) production, bulk purchases of component, R&D on new products and so on...
Only to realize thereafter that it just was a FAD.

 

[Minolta93]

One option, and I'm serious about this, is to get an Olympus Pen F. Suddenly you're getting 72 exposures per roll and your film costs are halved!
Plus you can make b!thcin dyp and tryptchs.

Instead of complaining about film costs while slurping down a $6 cappuccino, get creative.

I can assure you I do not "slurp" $6 cappuccinos. Hell, I would rather skip a meal and buy film with the money I saved. Half frame seems like a good idea anyway.

 

[AZD]

Fad or not, it’s nice to have a near limitless supply of empty cassettes for my bulk loading. One of the local shops will give them to me if I get there before the garbage goes out.

It makes for an interesting bit of film use garbology. Pretty much everything from Kodak and Fuji is represented. Lots of Fuji, ColorPlus and Gold 200. A surprising amount of Portra 800. A good number of single use 400 and 800, maybe 20% of the total. The occasional XP2 or special effects film. A few ancient expired house brands, presumably from some junk drawer. Winner there is a Walmart/Polaroid cassette that looks like it has been through a sandstorm or two.

It seems that any color film that can be found is being used, but I do think there’s a faddish component to it all, as told by the high number of single use cameras. I would expect that to settle out within 2-3 years maybe? I guess we’ll see what the market looks like after that.

 

[AZD]

And another random cassette observation… Kodak single use spools have a jagged crown-like end, and brands the cassettes Kodak. Fuji uses spools with an inner spline, no branding. One of the Fuji 400 cassettes is a Panda, indicating possible Kodak manufacture. I’ve heard about the 200 speed Kodak/Fuji rebranding, did I miss something about 400?

 

[koraks]

That is a shortsighted view to the issue.

No, it isn't. See my earlier remark about agility.

 

[pentaxuser]

I can assure you I do not "slurp" $6 cappuccinos. Hell, I would rather skip a meal and buy film with the money I saved. Half frame seems like a good idea anyway.

Me neither but if the only way colour film will stop accelerating in price and eventually drop in price from its current dizzy heights is for others to skip a meal like yourself then I can only hope there are millions out there with that kind of dedication to colour film

pentaxuser

 

[AgX]

No, it isn't. See my earlier remark about agility.

Well, even by extensive search I could not find it.

Demand, or rising demand, only is without issues if one satisfies it with given means. Anything else bears risk.
Of course one now can argue about risc being inherent part entrepreneurship.

 

[BMbikerider]

It seems impossible this is the dead end ;")

For me anyway it isn't the lack of film, I still have a fair amount in the fridge with a long expiry date of mid 2024. My problem is getting colour print developer that does not go off in 2-3 weeks of mixing. I use a NOVA processor and for all the time I have been colour printing (about 28 years) I have used Kodak Ektacolour but there is simply non in UK (I believe the Chinese company that made it has gone out of business)

I have tried Tetenal several times, but the quality isn't there and it lasts about a month then goes bad. Adox with their new RA4 has an even shorter shelf life than Tetenal. I managed 2 weeks before a new batch started to give a strong yellow cast that could not be dialed out. Even an unexposed piece of paper had the yellow cast.

The only possible other contender is FUJI but their kits are expensive in UK and if that goes wrong too I will be throwing good money after bad. I will give it another month and if the situation doesn't improve, I will close down my colour side of the darkroom and concentrate on B&W.

My usual supplier for all materials is of the opinion that both Kodak and Fuji are in competition with each other to see who can have the worst business plan almost to the point of wanting to go out of business. They are both truly dreadful.

 

[MattKing]

rs) I have used Kodak Ektacolour but there is simply non in UK (I believe the Chinese company that made it has gone out of business

Still in business, but struggling mightily to get components for manufacture, and then to get product made and shipped through COVID shutdowns and disruption.

 

[Paul Howell]

Of course it not just film, I tried to buy a SUV, better brands and models long wait list, 6 to 8 weeks. Here in my in area most lots are charging 35% over MSRP. Then there is baby formula, at least I'm not trying to feed a baby.

 

[mooseontheloose]

I just checked the stock at Yodobashi here in Japan - compared to B&H there is still quite a lot of colour film (both negative and positive) available, but it is PRICEY. $30 for a single roll of Portra 800, $25 for Ektar. Fujicolour and Superia around $15/roll. A five-pack of Portra 400 goes for $130. Black and white films are slightly better (and more available - fewer on backorder), but still double what the prices are in the U.S.

FWIW, I have a lot of (mostly discontinued) film in my film fridge, especially the original Acros and Provia 400x, so I'm not overly worried yet, but since I rarely keep a lot of stock of my most-used films (HP5+ and Delta 400) I may stock up on those next payday, just to stay ahead of any supply (and possibly price increase) issues.

 

[Nitroplait]

There is a lot of frustration expressed in this thread which I certainly understand, but it is also for most parts reasonably easily remedied by building 2-3 year worth of stock - and maintaining it by continuously topping up when materials become available.
It takes a lot of stress out of the equation but, depending on usage, can require a bit of investment to establish.
If the cost element of color film is the main issue, there are luckily many less expensive ways to enjoy photography.

 

[BMbikerider]

After I typed that last night I have consciously made a decision to give up (possibly temporarily) colour printing. I much prefer B&W anyway. I will be getting rid of all my colour bits and pieces with the exception of my Nova processor and my DUKA safelight. They will not deteriorate unlike the paper and film which I will sell of (not the safelight) If after a couple of years the situation doesn't improve the Nova will go as well (I think I may have the only new and unused DUKA bulb as well so that is fine for B&W as well)
For colour - if I need it I can always use the electronic medium anyway, It's not the same but it will do.

 

[Minolta93]

Me neither but if the only way colour film will stop accelerating in price and eventually drop in price from its current dizzy heights is for others to skip a meal like yourself then I can only hope there are millions out there with that kind of dedication to colour film

pentaxuser

Well... Maybe I oversold myself a little. I should say I'd rather skip a meal out, given that a burger at many places now costs fifteen dollars. I'm not skipping home cooked meals for film, although I could probably do with eating a bit less anyway. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

 

[Paul Howell]

After I typed that last night I have consciously made a decision to give up (possibly temporarily) colour printing. I much prefer B&W anyway. I will be getting rid of all my colour bits and pieces with the exception of my Nova processor and my DUKA safelight. They will not deteriorate unlike the paper and film which I will sell of (not the safelight) If after a couple of years the situation doesn't improve the Nova will go as well (I think I may have the only new and unused DUKA bulb as well so that is fine for B&W as well)
For colour - if I need it I can always use the electronic medium anyway, It's not the same but it will do.

I made the same decision, the total cost of color had reached the price point that I would rather spend the money on black and white.