News of Kentmere?

Jack Lusted

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And I'm rather fond of the Fineprint Warm Tone.
This, I understand, was the one that was causing problems (along with POP). So I'm eager to know more.

Jack
 

Simon R Galley

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Dear All,

Have not forgotten......I am just waiting for some final information, will post end of this week or beginning
of next.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :
 

PHOTOTONE

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I just got a shipment from Freestyle (film and neg sleeves), and got a print-out enclosed indicating that Kentmere Kentona, Bromide, Fineprint and Select VC have been discontinued, in addition to Fotospeed Lith FB matte and semi-matte, of course various Forte papers (we knew that), but there are some Foma sizes and product discontinued also. I don't know if this means just FREESTYLE is discontinuing, or if Harman is discontinuing.
 

PHOTOTONE

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I should update, since I called Freestyle.

All but 8x10 and 11x14 in Kentona is discontinued. All Kentmere Bromide FB Glossy, Some sizes of Kentmere Fineprint VC FB Warmtone and Neutral Tone Finegrain, and some sizes of Kentmere Select VC Lustre and Glossy. The Freestyle customer service person said (after I inquired) that their private label paper that is sourced from Kentmere is also discontinued and will be replaced with another paper in the Fall.
 
OP
OP

Tom Kershaw

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If Freestyle have their facts straight then this is somewhat disconcerting news, especially as I've just started working with Kentona, use Fineprint, and plan(ed) to try Bromide. Harman buying Kentmere and then discontinuing a majority of Kentmere products does seem rather odd so I'll reserve some judgement; perhaps there is a technical or material supply issue.


Tom.
 

PHOTOTONE

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Freestyle did say that they would continue to carry all Kentmere product that was available. So they are not (by themselves) electing to discontinue Kentmere just from their operations. But, from the looks if it, almost all Kentmere paper products except for the largest sellers are being discontinued.
 

Uhner

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Bruce Osgood said:
I'm curious, where did you get to? Are the alternatives that bleak?
Click to expand...

Oh, I switched from Emax to Kentona because I had easier access to Kentona, not because I was dissatisfied with Emax. So it is really not that big a deal for me.
 
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OP

Tom Kershaw

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It still seems odd considering Harman's stated support for the Kentmere range at the time of acquisition.

Tom.
 

PHOTOTONE

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Tom Kershaw said:
It still seems odd considering Harman's stated support for the Kentmere range at the time of acquisition.

Tom.
Click to expand...

Odd or not, just go to the Freestyle website, and you will see that all the Kentmere product I mentioned is in the "special closeout" section. As well as other items. Plus I have the words over the phone from Freestyle, plus the 8.5 x 11 two sided print out listing all the close-out products.

Plus I have the verbal info that Freestyle will continue to carry all the Kentmere product that is available. Whatever that is.
 

PHOTOTONE

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Tom Kershaw said:
I wasn't necessarily questioning whether the products had been discontinued, but why.

Tom.
Click to expand...

Well, considering the world economy, would be one reason. Another would be that Harmon can't effectively manufacture them on their equipment? Such as the POP paper.
 

PHOTOTONE

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Hopefully Simon Galley will chime in here soon with the Official version of what is going on.

I believe (but am not sure) that Freestyle is actually the official importer of Kentmere paper products.

Update:

I see that Wynit shows all the Kentmere products on its page.
 
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Mark Layne

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When I said some time ago that Kentona was discontinued I was ridiculed. Seems they have an overstock of a couple of sizes but guaranteed they ain't gonna make it again.
Mark
 

canuhead

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That's odd. When I search the site for 11x14 gr 3 bromide, it comes up with the usual product page. Can't seem to find the closeout page. Is there a link for this ? I'd be seriously peeved if bromide went south as it was my paper of choice.
 

PHOTOTONE

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canuhead

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Thanks Phototone. If Kentmere bromide is being discontinued, then I really do hope there's a better replacement in the pipeline and that we find out soon. I hope we hear soon from Simon on this issue.
 
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