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Clone or Rebranded Films

altair

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
392
Location
Kuala Lumpur
Format
Multi Format
I've read somewhere (probably here) that Kodak Ektacolor Pro 160 is actually Kodak Portra 160 NC, but repackaged/rebranded for certain markets. This got me wondering, what are other repackaged/rebranded films? E.g Arista=Efke, etc? Is there any for Tri-X or TMax?
 
I don't know exactly how you'd want to classify this, since the products are not advertised by the manufacturer's name. Freestyle sells two Arista Premium films in 35 mm format, a 100 and a 400 speed film. These are by all accounts, re-labeled Plus-X and Tri-X with different rebate markings. You'll also find Legacy Pro 100 and 400 speed films that are supposed to be re-labeled Fuji Neopan (Acros 100 and Neopan 400) products in 35mm.
 
fschifano: Thanks so much, you're very helpful. I think the Arista film is what I'm looking for..I take it that Arista Edu Ultra 100 is essentially Plus X?
 
No, the Arista Edu Ultra, I believe, is Foma. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Only the Arista PREMIUM is re-branded Kodak, Tri-x and Plus-x, at least by most accounts. I use the Arist Premium and can tell no difference between them and the Kodak labelled films. And what a price!
 
Arista Premium 100 and 400 are Plus-X and Tri-X respectively. The entire Arista.EDU Ultra line, films and papers, are re-branded Foma products. Legacy Pro products are supposed to be re-branded Fuji products.

AFIK, no one is re-labeling TMax films.
 
1) Arista Premium 400 cassettes have a bar code which 'resembles" the bar code for 400TX. (first digit is different which is a film makers free choice code. I don't have any of the 100 to compare with 125PX.

2) ARISTA EDU Ultra films are FOMA. the edge print says ULTRA rather than FOMAPAN.

3) the first ARISTA EDU (Not Ultra) was FORTE film.

4) Arista Profesional (ling time ago) was Ilford.

5) A strong hint on Legacy Pro, is that I bought a bulk roll, and it came on a 100Ft "daylight" spool, when I finished loading it, I noted that the spool was stamped "Fuji Film" ("daylight" Spools are not really useable in daylight BTW)
 
I've ordered bulk quantities (100 packs) of 36 exposure Arista Premium 100 and 400 and the bulk boxes are exactly identical to 100 packs of Kodak films down to the "KP"part of the code on the side (which I guess stands for Kodak Products). As for Foma and AristaEdu Ultra the Foma website in the Czech Republic states that branded Foma film might be stamped "Ultra" as well. I have used branded Foma and found it stamped "Ultra".
 
Thanks all for the very informative replies..can't wait to try out Arista Edu Ultra..only problem is, it's virtually impossible to get it retail here in Malaysia
 
altair said:
Thanks all for the very informative replies..can't wait to try out Arista Edu Ultra..only problem is, it's virtually impossible to get it retail here in Malaysia
Click to expand...

'Arista' is a house brand of Freestyle, in Hollywood, CA. You'll have to mail order for it, just like everyone else who doesn't live in Hollywood. Fortunately, they do excellent mail order.

Mike
 
Whenever the Arista brands go up for sale, I break open the piggy bank and see how much room I got in the fridge, because its about to get filled back up. I love that they are able to rebrand films like they do. Not sure how well it works out with them financially, but I am glad that they do it!
 
Hey, if they didn't make money doing it, they wouldn't do it. If they drop it, it's a lead pipe cinch that the ROI isn't favorable.
 
Two things that have kept me from being films from Freestyle:

a) They don't accept PayPal.
b) Their shipping cost to international locations like Malaysia seems to be fixed, even for a handful of rolls..i.e shipping cost for 5 rolls of Arista Edu Ultra 35mm $33 via USPS Priority Mail, and the same goes for 15 rolls. I know that these quantities can be shipped much more economically via USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box which costs just $15. They don't seem to have that option though.
 
Two things that have kept me from being films from Freestyle:

a) They don't accept PayPal.
b) Their shipping cost to international locations like Malaysia seems to be fixed, even for a handful of rolls..i.e shipping cost for 5 rolls of Arista Edu Ultra 35mm is $33 via USPS Priority Mail, and the same goes for 15 rolls. I know that these quantities can be shipped much more economically via USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box which costs just $15. They don't seem to have that option though.
 
Save up and buy enough film to make the shipping worth it. Buy lots, shoot lots...

Not too clear on international shipping, but would there be fees incurred because of customs and taxes?
 
TSSPro: I've thought of that, i.e buy enough so that the high cost of shipping is justified. Thanks for pointing it out anyway David. AFAIK, films & cameras don't get taxed upon entry into Malaysia. Never been taxed on my numerous ebay purchases before
 
Find a couple of photo friends, do a combined order, and store the film in the refrigerator.

I have been shooting Rollei Retro 100, but am nearing the end of my 100' roll. The film is no longer available in N. America, but is available through Maco Direct in Germany. My intent is to buy more than I need and re-sell the rest to shooters here in the U.S. to recoup part of the shipping expense.


Steve
 
steve, that sounds like a good plan. Freestyle here I come! Well, maybe not now..perhaps on payday more likely.
 
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