Ilford Sheet Film Interest Poll

[wfwhitaker]

While we're waiting for Ilford to get back to us on the details of ordering sheet film this time around I thought it might be interesting to take a poll of readers' interest with respect to format. This only looks at which formats for which you might be interested. It does not take into account which emulsion or how many boxes/sheets of what you may be interested in. And it certainly does NOT commit you to order. This is merely a show of hands by format out of simple curiosity. I've tried to cover as many formats as possible (the poll allows a maximum of 10 choices).

Please note well: This is NOT an order form! When Ilford (or anyone else, for that matter!) announces the details, no doubt there will be instructions then on how to order through your favorite reseller.

 

[Scott Peters]

Certainly 7 x 17 and 8 x 10 for sheet film.

 

[big_ben_blue]

13x18 and 8x10 is what I would consider in addition to the options in the poll.

 

[Charles Webb]

Seems very strange to me that 5x7 is so much in demand, by todays users. 5x7 has been pretty much a dead duck for the past fifty years by the majority of image makers. I believe it is far more popular today than it ever was in the past. I am pleased to see it rediscovered, and it's rise to a never before known level.




Charlie....................................

 

[Jerevan]

I am using 13x18 cm, so I voted 5x7. Bought some Ilford Ortho in 13x18 size a few days ago to try out, but I could only afford one box (25 sheets). It was about the same price as 50 sheets of Kodak Tmax 100 or 100 sheets of Fomapan 100, just to give an idea. But 25 sheets is enough to figure out if I like it. If I do, I am in deep financial troubles...

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I noticed two significant absences from this list:

8x10 and 12x20. After 5x7 and 6.5x8.5, those two sizes would be highest on my list of films to stock.

 

[colrehogan]

Well, I use 5x12, 8x10 and when I order some, I plan to get 6.5 x 8.5.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

Certainly 7 x 17 and 8 x 10 for sheet film.

13x18 and 8x10 is what I would consider in addition to the options in the poll.

I noticed two significant absences from this list:

8x10 and 12x20. After 5x7 and 6.5x8.5, those two sizes would be highest on my list of films to stock.

Well, I use 5x12, 8x10 and when I order some, I plan to get 6.5 x 8.5.

Folks, the special order period is for sizes/emulsions that Ilford doesn't normally sell as stock items. You can get any 8x10 Ilford film from dealers any time. In 5x7, only Delta 100 is not a stock item and, if you're in the US, Badger will sell you some right now:

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1995

Badger also still has some 11x14 FP4 Plus in stock:

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2046

Personally, I'm going for more 6.5x8.5 FP4 Plus.

 

[smieglitz]

I am using 13x18 cm, so I voted 5x7. Bought some Ilford Ortho in 13x18 size a few days ago to try out...

I was not aware that Ortho Plus was available in anything but 4x5 and 8x10. Do they make 5x7 and 11x14 Ortho Plus?

Joe

 

[Colin Graham]

5x12 but I can always cut it down from 10x12 or 12x20....

If I have to... :->

 

[Rolleiflexible]

What happened to 3.25 x 4.25? I know several people hoping for an offering in that format ... myself included ....

 

[Rlibersky]

How about 2 1/4x3 1/4

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

I voted for 7x11 and 7x17, but I'm definitely interested in two more sizes not on the list - 4x10 and 14x17.

Kerry

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've added various other requested formats to the poll, except for the common formats (sorry, I can't conveniently change the order of the items).

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

I've added various other requested formats to the poll, except for the common formats (sorry, I can't conveniently change the order of the items).

David,

Thanks, but since I already voted (for 7x11 and 7x17), it won't let me vote again. So, my votes for 4x10 and 14x17 won't get tabulated.

Kerry

 

[kjsphoto]

5x7, 8x10 and 11x14

 

[Justin Cormack]

I am shooting half plate (6.5x4.75 inches) right now which isnt on the list. Its not a long term thing though, will get a modern camera this year. But recently discovered a second film in this size (Acros of all things) so I havent had to cut yet.

 

[wfwhitaker]

David, thanks for adding the additional format options to the poll. Had I known that was in your moderator's bag of tricks, I would have contacted you first!

Kerry et al - this poll is anything but scientific. It's just a show of hands, as it were. I doubt it is an accurate representation of the whole market. Nevertheless if the format(s) I'm interested in shows a poor response, it may suggest that I need to give that one an extra "push", which usually means "money". In an ideal world the format we want is sitting on a shelf just a mouse-click away. Until then...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Okay, I've gone back and added votes for all those who already voted and mentioned in the thread that they wanted a format that I added after they voted. Since this isn't an open poll, I can't guarantee 100% accuracy on that, since I don't know for sure whether they voted before asking for other formats, so just consider this approximate.

 

[photo8x10]

5x7, 8x10 I usually use this format, 7x17 and 8x20 I'm planning to buy one of them....

Stefano

 

[Rob Vinnedge]

David, thanks for adding the additional format options to the poll. Had I known that was in your moderator's bag of tricks, I would have contacted you first!

Kerry et al - this poll is anything but scientific. It's just a show of hands, as it were. I doubt it is an accurate representation of the whole market. Nevertheless if the format(s) I'm interested in shows a poor response, it may suggest that I need to give that one an extra "push", which usually means "money". In an ideal world the format we want is sitting on a shelf just a mouse-click away. Until then...

Good point. It would be interesting to know the quantities of each format. I sold an expensive Technika in order to invest in the last offerings by Ilford and Kodak. I, for one, am planning to order another $1500-$2000 of the 14X17 and 16X20 FP4 this time around ( and from now on whenever they are offered). I'm hoping Ilford considers that significant enough to continue the formats.

 

[jonw]

I just got a super buy on an 11x14 Kodak Empire, have lined up a couple more filmholders, thus I am now looking to load up on some 11x14!

 

[Sal Santamaura]

I'm really confused by the number who voted for 5x7. Since Delta 100 is the only Ilford film one can't get in that size as a stock item (among those emulsions offered in sheets at all, i.e. not Delta 400), why would 5x7 need to be part of the special order period? As I noted last month

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Badger sells single boxes of 5x7 Delta 100, albeit in "limited" quantities. B&H's minimum could be met if 39 of the 42 who voted 5x7 (as of the moment I type this post) purchased one box and the last three bought 2 boxes in a pooled order.

Please explain! Considering 5x7 as such a unique animal when it's readily available can only discourage newcomers lurking from moving into the format. Thanks in advance.

 

[Curt]

8x10.
8x10 could be cut down to 2 5x7's
8x10 could be cut down to 4 4x5's
8x10 could be cut down to 8 2 1/4 x 3 1/4's

5x7.
5x7 can be contact printed for an exquisite print.
5x7 can be enlarged to make a highly detailed print.


The film I would most desire if only one was available? 5x7

or 8x10.

Roll film won't make the long term cut. . . because the equipment is too complex and won't be repairable due to the loss of the people with knowledge to do it and the parts to do it with. Sad, I enjoy the use of 120 to no end. Just how many Mamiya 645 bodies can I get over the next 3 decades? They will run out, of course I have several Graphic roll holders, but that's me and just how common are they? Not enough to keep the film alive so good by to 120, my favorite roll format. 35mm will be the last roll film.

Sheet film will be the last film to survive as it was the first it will be the last. As long as a sheet of good size is available it can be cut down to fit the smaller sizes. In the end give me a big sheet and I can use all of my sheet film sizes.

 

[Tom Hoskinson]

The film size I would most desire if only one was available?

8x10!!!