Interesting news about Fujicolor Pro

clayne · Mar 20, 2010

rayonline_nz said:
The NZ GST is going to be increased to 15% from 12.5% ...

I was searching the net, Auckland Camera has a roll of Provia 400X for $39.95 a roll.

Sigh. Meanwhile my Kiwibank interest rates have dropped to the floor. I remember when I was rolling a nice 8.5% APR in an Online Call. Those were the days. Now it's around 3%. Still much better than the US, but barely meets inflation. Still have the money there though.

If you ask me, I have a feeling there's some gaming going on with those film prices and NZ<->JP's trade deals. It's not in a vendor's best interest to recommend sustainable products. They'd rather sell new toys.

sepiareverb · Mar 21, 2010

It is truly unfortunate that color photography is so completely dependent on corporations run for stockholders. I'll miss all these films, and it isn't likely I'll be switching to another film but rather shooting digital for color. If my B&W films went away I could still handcoat plates and paper (and would).

2F/2F · Mar 21, 2010

sepiareverb said:
It is truly unfortunate that color photography is so completely dependent on corporations run for stockholders. I'll miss all these films, and it isn't likely I'll be switching to another film but rather shooting digital for color. If my B&W films went away I could still handcoat plates and paper (and would).

You'd throw in the towel on analog color completely before using a similar Kodak product?

sepiareverb · Mar 21, 2010

2F/2F said:
You'd throw in the towel on analog color completely before using a similar Kodak product?

It seems the writing may finally be on the wall for color analog. As much as I love shooting & wet printing color film there have just been too many things lost in the last month for me to consider acclimating to a change without the nagging doubt that it will go. I've been tagged as a spoil sport for saying so in another thread, but sorry- I'm done. I've not come to this decision easily- believe me I've been thinking about it a lot over the last few days, and even ordered some other films in anticipation- but the reality for me is (don't worry you need not come along) that it is time to pack it in. Too many doubts to commit resources to any new project when I'm not sure I'll have the materials I want to finish the current one. I really don't believe that Kodak will be making anything analog in five years time.

I've not liked the Kodak offerings in C-41 for a while now. I shot tons of stock images on the E100 films- VS & SW especially. The Ektapress line was OK and I liked some of the films Kodak had ten or fifteen years ago, but the current Portra line doesn't do it for me. I've never gotten along with how the newer Kodak print films render red. I've tried them all (save the current Portra 800). After Agfa Ultra went away I settled in on the Fuji Line, and managed to make that work despite the change in color. I'll shoot the last roll or sheet of B&W if I can, and I know I'll be printing B&W until I can't see to do it, but I think I'm done with analog color sad to say.

2F/2F · Mar 21, 2010

Well, the way I see it, might as well use it while it is here.

MacBeth charts and controlled lighting are out friends. I do not see the vast difference in images between Fuji and Kodak films that others see. Differences, yes. Noticeable, yes. Differences that make it worth going digital instead, when quality color neg materials are still in existence? No way!

clayne · Mar 21, 2010

Couldn't agree more with 2F. The difference here is mainly one of color rendition. The difference between film and digital, on the other hand, is a whole different world. The materials are here. Use them or you're just enabling the situation to continue.

Portra films are great anyways.

kristopher_lawrence · Mar 21, 2010

clayne said:
Couldn't agree more with 2F. The difference here is mainly one of color rendition. The difference between film and digital, on the other hand, is a whole different world. The materials are here. Use them or you're just enabling the situation to continue.

Portra films are great anyways.

Agreed. We cannot afford to loose more analog colour products. USE IT!

K

sepiareverb · Mar 21, 2010

clayne said:
Use them or you're just enabling the situation to continue.

Right. Better to use color materials that don't match my needs just because they're analog until I can't use any of them anymore than to just cash it in and concentrate on using the color materials I'll have to be using soon enough. I'm not telling anyone they have to switch- just saying that I've hit the tipping point with this latest news. And no, I'm not grinning ear to ear about it- I'm pissed. But acknowledging that got the me a finger waving in the other thread.:rolleyes:

The reality is that the individual user has zero impact on any of this- and I really can't believe all of the folks here who wet print color could make a difference in the eyes of Fuji or Kodak. they're corporations, beholden to the stockholder and the almighty $ and Yen. Just like trying to save water by not letting the tap run while you brush your teeth- what you and I "save" in a year is wasted by industry in seconds. We live in a world where the largest users are the ones who dictate what is or isn't available.

If what is left works for you that's great and I really do hope those materials are around for as long as you need them. I wish it were so for me but it just isn't anymore. I'm not intending to force anyone else to make the same decision.

Photo Engineer · Mar 21, 2010

If every individual here as APUG members had bought one box of 8x10, 100 sheet Endura, I would bet it would still be on dealers shelves. If those same had bought the RA kits, they would be there too. Add to that 220 films and B&W paper back a few years ago.

A group of individuals can make a difference. The problem is that the same small few number of members make a huge number of posts. And, they are spending more time here than out there with a camera.

PE

clayne · Mar 21, 2010

sepiareverb said:
Right. Better to use color materials that don't match my needs just because they're analog until I can't use any of them anymore than to just cash it in and concentrate on using the color materials I'll have to be using soon enough. I'm not telling anyone they have to switch- just saying that I've hit the tipping point with this latest news. And no, I'm not grinning ear to ear about it- I'm pissed. But acknowledging that got the me a finger waving in the other thread.:rolleyes:

If Kodak discontinued Tri-X and Fujifilm discontinued Neopan, you bet your ass I'd be using Ilford Delta, FP4, and HP5 in a jiffy. Your needs are apparently one of "cold" vs "warm" color casts - as that's pretty much the end of the road differences between Portra and Pro line of films.

The reality is that the individual user has zero impact on any of this- and I really can't believe all of the folks here who wet print color could make a difference in the eyes of Fuji or Kodak. they're corporations, beholden to the stockholder and the almighty $ and Yen. Just like trying to save water by not letting the tap run while you brush your teeth- what you and I "save" in a year is wasted by industry in seconds. We live in a world where the largest users are the ones who dictate what is or isn't available.

If what is left works for you that's great and I really do hope those materials are around for as long as you need them. I wish it were so for me but it just isn't anymore. I'm not intending to force anyone else to make the same decision.

See, but you're huffing off to digital (don't think you are avoiding the corporates game there by any measure) because of proposed discontinuance notices where adaptation is easily done. I think it's ridiculous.

Photo Engineer said:
A group of individuals can make a difference. The problem is that the same small few number of members make a huge number of posts. And, they are spending more time here than out there with a camera.

PE

Well said, PE, and I agree. Personally, I buy and use plenty of materials.

hrst · Mar 22, 2010

sepiareverb said:
I think I'm done with analog color sad to say.

Yes, I can clearly see it.

Hobbies should be fun, and if you find yourself depressed over your hobbies, then better let them go. And, no one really wants to be a nagger.

Good luck with your irrational but honest decision.

2F/2F · Mar 22, 2010

If digital is better for you than analog, go for it.

It is not better than analog for me, unless working in certain situations. I use digital (and film, when digital was not around) for photographing news journalism. I use it for weddings and low-quality product work intended for the Web. I use it for things with which speed and turnaround time are the most important considerations. When these things are not, I use film, because: 1. the pure, raw quality (both objectively and subjectively measured) is better to me in almost every case, 2. the quality to dollar ratio is insanely more favorable to me with analog, 3. the process is insanely more enjoyable, and 4. I already know the processes and have the equipment, and they leave nothing to be desired that digital could satiate.

I do not use film because it is analog. I use it because it is my preferred medium.

Ken N · Mar 22, 2010

2F/2F said:
I do not use film because it is analog. I use it because it is my preferred medium.

Amen, bro!

railwayman3 · Mar 22, 2010

2F/2F said:
I do not use film because it is analog. I use it because it is my preferred medium.

That sums it up for me too!

If the time comes that I can no longer get film, I shall turn to other hobbies.
I've tried the digital way, and it's OK for quick snaps and instant prints of the family, but not, for me at least, a serious or rewarding interest.

mikebarger · Mar 22, 2010

If the time comes that I can no longer get film, I shall turn to other hobbies.
I've tried the digital way, and it's OK for quick snaps and instant prints of the family, but not, for me at least, a serious or rewarding interest.

I'm in this boat too.

Mike

sepiareverb · Mar 22, 2010

clayne said:
Personally, I buy and use plenty of materials.

Me too. Just out of the darkroom for a quick cup of coffee and to check my mail.

B&Wpositive · Mar 22, 2010

B&H restocked on 800Z

End of last week, B&H sold out of 800Z. I was wondering if they were getting more in. It was even marked "discontinued" for several days online.

As of today, they have over 500 rolls back in stock.

guyjr · Mar 22, 2010

Looks like 220 only, which suits me just fine. Thanks for the heads up!

marylandphoto · Mar 23, 2010

B&Wpositive said:
End of last week, B&H sold out of 800Z. I was wondering if they were getting more in. It was even marked "discontinued" for several days online.

As of today, they have over 500 rolls back in stock.

Fuji seriously needs to get their act together and come clean on what's available and what isn't. This is beyond unreasonable.

rayonline_nz · Mar 23, 2010

marylandphoto said:
Fuji seriously needs to get their act together and come clean on what's available and what isn't. This is beyond unreasonable.

Maybe 800Z is on reserve thus they need to enquire with Fuji before certain if they can get some. Maybe a staff member misunderstood.
My view that is it cut but Fuji is not saying.

sepiareverb · Mar 23, 2010

This was in my inbox today:

Thank you for contacting FUJIFILM North America Corporation. Please
allow us to assist you.

We regret to inform you that the Fujifilm PRO160S, 160c, and Pro800Z
films are being discontinued and will no longer be in production.

We sincerely hope that this information has been beneficial to you. If
you should have any further questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact us in the future. It would be our pleasure to
assist you again.

Thank you for your interest in FUJIFILM products and services.

Respectfully,

Name, Imaging Support Team
Contact Center
FUJIFILM North American Corporation

MikeSeb · Mar 23, 2010

We sincerely hope that this information has been beneficial to you.

Well? Was this information beneficial to you?

Maybe to Kodak....

sepiareverb · Mar 23, 2010

MikeSeb said:
Well? Was this information beneficial to you?

I'm afraid to tell them...

marylandphoto · Mar 23, 2010

I am going to spare this website and its users the profanity, obscenities and bile that would result from a post by me on this...

Scott_Sheppard · Mar 23, 2010

marylandphoto said:
Fuji seriously needs to get their act together and come clean on what's available and what isn't. This is beyond unreasonable.

Fujifilm USA has to do no such thing, We as photographers are very lucky that these fine companies make film at all. If you are doing a project and need film then BUY IT and don't relay on others to stock what you need. If you need film then BUY IT NOW - Nothing lasts forever !!

Do you think that P&G will tell you when they don't have a certain kind of TIDE any more ? HELL NO !!

If people are upset about what Fuji has decided to make or not make then thats a bummer but don't keep bitching about it here online, GO SHOOT SOME FILM !!!

It seams to me that all the people bitching here online about what Fuji & Kodak has discontinued don't really soot any volume anyway so...

This is starting to sound like a bad country song.... My film left and took the cow and the kids as well... COME ON PEOPLE !!

The only way you are going to get the attention of these manufactures of FILM is with your $$.

Now everybody put your MONEY together and buy say $150,000 worth of ONE kind of film and they will make it for you NOW ~~

Remember... its all about the BLOODY MONEY !! - Welcome to Capitalism !

Scott

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