Kodacolor 100. New

[Alan Edward Klein]

My theory...

Alaris wanted to get rid of Pro Image 100 and ColorPlus 200 and that opened the door for EK.

Alaris never was too keen on those two films. ColorPlus was the film that probably had the longest supply issues back when EK was generally struggling to meet demand for film. Pro Image 100 was never made available in single boxes (5-packs only). I think that Alaris established that there is not enough market/price differentiation between ColorPlus 200 and Gold 200 and decided to streamline their film range with Gold and Ultramax as their only consumer films (with probably slightly higher price since they wouldn't be cannibalised by Pro Image and ColorPlus anymore).

I can't shake the feeling that the introduction of Kodacolor 100/200 is a result of tension between KA and EK. The former chasing the highest margins and the latter also needs to look at growing the volume (especially after upgrades to their film production lines).

Lets hope EK can capitalise on this and that someday they can also market their pro line directly again. Sadly, I won't contribute much since I really don't like ColorPlus 200 and Pro Image 100 and Kodakcolor 100 will probably be something very similar if not the same.

I believe that tension resulted in better cooperation. The new owners of Alaris, an American firm located in California, no longer have to deal with British retirees from Alaris concerned about their pensions.. They can focus on expanding profits and work directly with Eastman, another American firm located in New York. I believe Alaris has offices feet from Eastman in Rochester, New York, Eastman's original facilities. They can make it a win-win relationship making themselves more competitive in the market.

Color Plus had the biggest backlog because it was one of the most popular films. I think Gold and Color Plus are 1st and 2nd best sellers, I seem to recall reading. I don't think that Alaris would have chosen Color Plus as one to drop, especially if EK were going to distribute a similar or identical film themselves at a similar price. Joe Public in Wal-Mart or wherever won't even be aware of Kodak-Alaris and will just see the familiar Kodak logo on a cheap 200ISO colour film and think "cool, that's what I want."

Exactly. The $9 price is terrific for Joe Public. It puts a dent in other manufacturers' plans to compete with Kodak color film with lower prices. Meanwhile the rest of us "experts" can buy their pro film at higher prices.

 

[mshchem]

They are all just trying to survive. Good to see a familiar brand. Looks to be good product.

If I had a wish it would be bring back the pre-paid processing mailer with the film. Labs in LA, Chicago and Rochester, maybe Toronto and Vancouver.

For $24.95 USD, experience the complete retro 70's experience, get back negatives, 2x3 glossy prints and scans (online)

Kids don't know what they are missing.

 

[MattKing]

Gone?! Were they ever listed? On which page?

I don't remember ColorPlus 200 or Pro Image 100 having a place on Kodak Alaris web pages, ever. Do you have a link to such page (on https://web.archive.org)?

FWIW, if the Kodak Alaris websites resemble the Eastman Kodak websites, the content one sees will or will have varied depending on the geographic market one views it from. So it may have been the case that ColorPlus 200 or Pro Image 100 will have been seen by some, and not by others.
The Kodak Alaris site referencing film has changed its name for me. So revamps have apparently been happening.

 

[BrianShaw]

They are all just trying to survive. Good to see a familiar brand. Looks to be good product.

If I had a wish it would be bring back the pre-paid processing mailer with the film. Labs in LA, Chicago and Rochester, maybe Toronto and Vancouver.

For $24.95 USD, experience the complete retro 70's experience, get back negatives, 2x3 glossy prints and scans (online)

Kids don't know what they are missing.

One can still get that experience at The Darkroom in San Clemente, CA. Although prepaid is via credit card or PayPal separate from the film purchase. Very minor difference.

 

[xtol121]

@MattKing i can confirm that the new kodacolor is on the same thin estar base as kodak gold and others.