Iceland B&W film availability?

[Mick Fagan]

Will be in Iceland for 6 weeks and while I will endeavour to carry enough film, there is the possibility I may be a bit stretched.

135 B&W Kentmere would be my first choice, with Ilford FP4+ or HP5+ my second and third choice.

Will be spending time in various parts of the island, but the first five days and the last 4 days will be in Reykjavík, if that is any help. I'm assuming B&W film will probably only be available in Reykjavík anyway.

Traversing the island counter clockwise, with 10 different places we are staying at, the last two weeks we will be coming down to Reykjavík staying closer and closer to Reykjavík, with a remote possibility a drive into Reykjavík and back out for film may happen. We will have a hire automobile, so we are able to do things independently.

Will be there from the start of May, to the middle of June.

Mick.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I've always taken my own film and developed it upon returning.

However, I did find this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Iceland/comments/3h8z9n/buying_film_in_iceland/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Iceland/comments/1ctycf/camera_film_shops_in_reykjavik/

 

[Mick Fagan]

Hmm, thanks for that link. Although it is 3 years old, the link to Beco was active, it looks to me as though they may have film there. If those film prices are correct and they include any and/or all taxes, then Iceland film is about 37% cheaper than Australia.

I understand where you are coming from about bringing in and taking out film, but it is possible I may be running a bit short as on our flights to Europe, then to Iceland we have some interesting places to burn film. It may be that I land in Iceland with a depleted bit of film stock and knowing that I can purchase some there if needed, is a comfort.

We hit Germany after Iceland, so film there is not an issue as I know of film places I can walk to from where we will be staying in Tübingen and Munich. Film in Germany is a bit cheaper again.

I assume from your address line that you live somewhere in Norway, although I am not sure about that. If so, Iceland is only a hop step and jump away by comparison.

Mick.

 

[MattKing]

If those film prices are correct and they include any and/or all taxes, then Iceland film is about 37% cheaper than Australia.

So you could pay for your trip with film savings?
Have a great trip Mick.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Oh Matt, if only.

That said, I often hear about very expensive film prices, especially from USA residents, then they visit Australia and no longer wonder why many people in Australia purchase their film from overseas.

I have been told by every person I have met or corresponded with about Iceland, that it is an incredibly expensive place. It is an expensive place, certainly one of the more expensive places in the world that we have found with regard to transport, accommodation and clothing (wet weather clothing). Film though, if those prices I saw are correct, is, in the case of Ilford FP4+ 135 far cheaper than here.

We are looking forward to our usual method of travel, which is to go slow and take our time. For those times when the weather may be a bit too bad to venture far outside, or if one of us is a bit crook, then we have our travel Scrabble to look forward to.

Mick.

 

[Paul Howell]

A roll of TriX 35 exp is more than $14.00 U.S in Australia? Last time I was in Iceland I made sure I brought enough 35mm to carry me for the 2 week stay, about 15 rolls of Foma 200 and 20 Tmax 400. COSTCO is opening a branch in Reykjavik, if it is open you may be able to a deal on Color if they carry it, the local COSTO carries Fuji 200 and 400.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Paul, you may just be surprised at how expensive a roll of Tri X is in Australia. Vanbar, which is one of the biggest photographic retail suppliers in the country, are currently listing it at just under $13 USD; quite a few other places are more expensive. Last week I ventured into a store where Tri X was retailing for $19.99 AUD which equates to $15.34 USD. It seems to me, that Kodak film in this country is priced to not sell.

This is quite a reversal from the days when Kodak film products were almost always keenly priced and much lower than Ilford; with Fuji film about in the middle. I'm talking B&W negative film here. Currently I see Ilford film cheaper by far in this country, something I never thought I would see as it has been more expensive than Kodak as far as I can remember. I am mildly surprised to also see Ilford film cheaper than Kodak films in various parts of the world

As for Costco, never been inside one and I have a problem in understanding why I should pay to enter a store to maybe, just maybe, purchase something. I have no idea why someone would belong to a Price Club; no wonder they changed their name.

As I am away for a couple of months, carrying enough film may be problematic, not impossible; I have done it a few times. It is, however, nice to know, that if needed, I could purchase film that I know, like and understand, locally.

Mick.

 

[faberryman]

I would hate to spend half a day running around trying to find film. If you can't carry enough film, perhaps you could send some ahead to your hotel in Iceland.

 

[Paul Howell]

At those prices I am surprised that anyone shoots film in Australia, talk about dedication. I forgot that COSTCO is a membership, they are popular here, but I don't buy in such big lots that it makes sense for me to join. You will love Iceland.

 

[gijsbert]

When I went last October I decided to bring enough film myself since it was hard to find and pricey compared to Canada.
And yes it was expensive, especially dining out, I hope you've found some good prices.
Still, I had a blast, I did route one in 9 days, a bit too quick but it was still amazing, hope to go back some time soon!
Have a great time!