ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited ULF Film

This is great news.

Is there going to be a European distributor?

 

Simon,

Will I be able to order some 14x17 HP5+ from a dealer here in the UK?

Happy Christmas,

Andrew

 

I did ask this last week in another post, but with no response. I would not buy UK made film from the US and pay postage and import duty.

Barry

 

I agree with Barry.
I'm in Italy and I have the same question:
there will be an Italian distributor(???????) for ULF films?
I really don't want pay extra money for shipping and duties for a trip coast to coast thriugh the Atlantic ocean.
I hope that an European distributor will be create to fulfil all the demands of Old Continent photographers. It could be simple, realiable and have a very interesting economy save for the "new" Ilford company.
Hope for good news...
Buon Natale

 

Whilst it seems to be worth while for Ilford to make this available in the USA, I cannot see that there is a viable market in the rest of the world.

 

I hope you are not right Dave. I don't believe it would be that difficult to hive of a percentage of production and make it available through a European distributor.

Barry

 

The difficulty would not be in the hiving off, it would be in the distributor selling the stuff.
If you check the web link given you will see that it is to be made as a single batch against firm orders placed through a small group of USA dealers. The orders must be placed very soon.

 

This may be an opportunity for Ilford to start selling direct within Europe - that would solve duty and import problems for the EU countries. I doubt that any European distributors would even want to stock ULF for the handful of potential clients that exist.

It would mean that Ilford will have to guesstimate the demand, but I would expect they will cut and package more ULF than they have orders for in any case; there are bound to be people who underestimated their film needs, and new ULFers in need of film. Anyway, all is conjecture until they say what their intent may be...

Cheers, Bob.

 

Ilford could at least survey potential purchasers, as they did in the US. They may be surprised. I would be happy to place a large annual order with a nominated European supplier for 5x12 HP5+

At the current time, Kodak and other make ULF film is cheaper than Ilford's from the US.


Barry

 

If it means anything, I get just as many visits from Europe than from the US on my ULF photography website, so I don't think that there is less of a market for ULF film in Europe than in the US...

PJ

 

To be fair, Ilford gave European ULF-ers the same opportunity to stand up and be counted - I don't remember the survey being restricted to the US only. I kept mum because I have an oddball format (12x15) and until I know my camera and holders are working properly I'll be saving money with paper negs and the cheaper E.European film. So I knew I'd be missing the boat anyway this time round.

I have no problem with ordering film from the US - I do it all the time in 4x5. But it would be nice to have a supplier within the EU.

In the end though, ULF is a niche within a niche. Ilford can't afford to be sentimental, and the most active buyers of film do seem to be in the USA.

 

The poll did not specify which country it wanted votes from. I voted and made it clear I resided in the UK.

I also order film from the US (J&C). However, I would not want to pay for the shipping and import duties into the US, and the return shipping and import duties + vat, back into the UK.

I don't expect Ilford to be sentimental, they are a business there to make profits for their shareholders. However, I feel it would be very short sighted of Ilford to ignore the small(?) profit to be made by supplying Europe with ULF film. The goodwill would ensure that we ULF users would continue to buy their other materials.

Barry
UK

 

Barry

I understand your frustration, if a product was made in my country I'd expect to be able to buy it there too.

With all the new arrangements going on has anyone in the UK thought to ask Ilford if they would supply it ex factory, where you would have to pick it up in person. I can't see how that would upset UK or US distributors.

just a thought

Clayton

 

Hi Clayton,

I guess my frustration is showing! I agree and I would happily drive the 240 miles or so to collect the film.

I suppose it's still early days and the possibility of a European supplier is still there? I'll see what Ilford say when they return from their holidays.

Ilford has consistantly said they would not deal directly with the public, so I suspect any chances are through an existing Ilford dealer. I will speak to Silverprint and Robert White after the holidays. Just maybe?

Regards and all the very best for the New Year.

Barry

 

Hi Barry

good to hear from you again!

I can understand Ilford not wanting to deal with the public but I would also think a niche within a niche may require a different approach. I find it hard to believe they treat their fellow countrymen this way.

Maybe through Apug you can convince them the numbers are there to do it or at least use a local distributor.

have a great New Year

Clayton

 

Simon,

Any reason you will not be offering 4x10 film as part of this program? Surely, there are more 4x10 shooters out there than 5x12, 6.5x8.5, 7x11, etc. Those are all wonderful formats, but few, if any, cameras are being made in those sizes these days. There are at least four brands of 4x10 cameras currently on the market (with possibly another one showing up in 2006). 4x10 holders are more readily available new (and for a lot less money) than the other "non-standard" formats. So, why no 4x10 Ilford film? Ilford used to offer FP4+ and HP5+ in 4x10 as standard catalog items. I know I can cut down my own from 8x10 (I could also cut down my own 7x17 from 14x17), but I'd much rather buy it pre-cut to save time and reduce dust problems.

Kerry

 

Kerry,

I asked the same question - and never got a clear reply - just information from the last time (I guess many years ago) when 4x10was aregular item.

I do shoot the other formats you mentioned... I hope tha Ilford/Harman opt to continue serving the weird sizes (7x11, 5x12 and 6.5x8.5) and add 4x10.

I have placed my order for the 3 formats and I hope that we can indeed continue to get film cut to rder every 6 mos or so. 4x10 would be the cheery on top. Let's see if we get a reply...

Steve

 

Steve,

In addition to 4x10, I'm about to start dabbling in 7x17. Just today, I traded a lens to a friend for two 7x17 film holders and a box of 7x17 HP5+, I now have some lenses, film, holders and half a camera (I'm "building" my own 7x17 based on an ARCA-SWISS monorail - similar to my 4x10, but super-sized) for 7x17. All I need now is a 7x17 back and bellows and I'll be in business. I'd really like to standardize on one black and white film for both 4x10 and 7x17. Since I have the HP5+ in 7x17 I'm going to give it a try, but I think I may actually prefer FP4+ (I shot FP4 years ago in 11x14 and really liked it). It does seem ironic that I will be able to get both these Ilford films in 7x17, but not 4x10 - especially since they were once standard catalog items in the 4x10 size.

Besides Steve and I, are there any other 4x10 shooters out there who would like to see Ilford add the 4x10 size to this production run?

Kerry

 

Kerry,

I shoot other formats besides those listed... I guess I am a format junkie... and there isn't an anonymous group or meetings to cure this ill ;-)

I shoot 7x17 and FP4 I am looking forward to having access to all these sizes in FP4... I am however disapointed that 4x10 has been excluded... considering that it is a camera in production today, and your two recent articles etc...

Let's see if Ilford/Harman hears others voice their desire for 4x10 as well!

Cheers!

Steve

 

Simon,

Thanks for investigating the option on 4x10!

Steve

 

Don't forget--220 is ULF too! 6x144!

 

My name is André MOUTON, from France. My company, TAOS PHOTOGRAPHIC ( www.taosphotographic.com) is fully involved in large format photography. I have asked to Ilford to distribute some ULF sheet films for the EU community. I would be pleased to know if some of you would be interested by which specific formats and would agree to support me in my approach.