Is there a way to cut down on film costs?

ADOX Fotoimpex

Partner
Partner
Joined
Nov 20, 2005
Messages
887
Location
Berlin
Format
35mm RF
........(Rodinal seems to have reappeared from ADOX. At 1:50 it goes a long way).....

There is a shortage of high quality Paraminophenol in Europe. We are getting much less than we ordered. Since we are unwilling to sacrifice on quality by switching to the lower grade, supply will remain challenging for the coming weeks. Prices have also dramatically risen. Rodinal ingredients now cost twice as much as they did last year. We are trying to keep necessary adjustements within reason and we still have stock of some of the other chemicals used but in general those raw matrial price increases are something we have never seen to this extend since we do business. However the costs per film are still unbeatably low with Rodinal. Even after the increases.
 

maltfalc

Member
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
108
Format
35mm


i'm cutting down 10x12 hr-u with a modified thrift store paper cutter with foam strips at 99mm on one side and 125mm on the other. $90 CAD on ebay, including shipping and customs from the states.
 

mshchem

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
14,690
Location
Iowa City, Iowa USA
Format
Medium Format

Better available at a higher price than not at all. Rodinal is an extraordinary product, keeps well, quick to prepare. I have a package of Adox XT3 I am ready to mix up next.

I have noticed that the Kodak 35mm color negative films seem to be impossible to obtain mail order (online) I suspect part of it is the odd concept of "free shipping". We all know that is nonsense. B&H who are great people to deal with, but 2 day FedEx shipping with a $50 order is not a sustainable business model. I do love it though!
 
Last edited:

Don_ih

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2021
Messages
7,799
Location
Ontario
Format
35mm RF
i'm cutting down 10x12 hr-u with a modified thrift store paper cutter with foam strips at 99mm on one side and 125mm on the other. $90 CAD on ebay

What speed does it end up being?

I was shooting the Carestream stuff at iso400 when I had Diafine to develop it in. Unfortunately, my Diafine died and I think I fogged my remaining xray film (accidentally left the box open when I turned on the light).
 

maltfalc

Member
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
108
Format
35mm

most people meter at 50-100.
 

Paul Verizzo

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
1,643
Location
Round Rock, TX
Format
35mm

The Kodak Tri-X and Plus-X Arista Pro films were a short term blip about eight years ago.

The only way to cut film costs, as always, is to bulk load. And look for deals with the large purveyors.

Making your own? Really?
 
  • Paul Verizzo
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread - and I'll go back further if necessary
  • Mr Bill
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread - and I'll go back further if necessary
  • Paul Verizzo
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread
  • Sirius Glass
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread - and I'll go back further if necessary
  • Paul Verizzo
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread - and I'll go back further if necessary

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,085
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Back on topic please.
Even the Breatharians have an environmental impact.
 
  • Sirius Glass
  • Deleted
  • Reason: off topic disruption to the thread - and I'll go back further if necessary

GregY

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2005
Messages
3,425
Location
Alberta
Format
Large Format
"The only way to cut film costs, as always, is to bulk load." Paul, you're making the assumption based on 35mm.
I use far more 120 and a substantial amount of sheet film......more than 35mm.
 

cjbecker

Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2010
Messages
1,386
Location
IN
Format
Traditional
My way was too start shooting 4x5 more often. If i take a 35mm camera out, i will use the whole roll, take a 120 camera out, use the whole roll, take a 4x5 out with one holder, shoot 2 sheets. Typically get about the same amount of keepers.
 

Paul Verizzo

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
1,643
Location
Round Rock, TX
Format
35mm
"The only way to cut film costs, as always, is to bulk load." Paul, you're making the assumption based on 35mm.
I use far more 120 and a substantial amount of sheet film......more than 35mm.

You are correct, of course. Looked at it from my usage perspective. I do shoot some 120, but infrequently and mostly for "grins."
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,389
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
You are correct, of course. Looked at it from my usage perspective. I do shoot some 120, but infrequently and mostly for "grins."

I grin when I shoot 120 film.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…