Perceptol lives! [And more news from Ilford representative!]

[CraigK]

I have a new hero.

His name is Simon.

 

[Soeren]

Man this is the best thread yet on APUG
Simon, Welcome to APUG and thanks for the updates on Ilford.
Glad to hear things are up and running at Ilford.
I'm looking forward to see the solution to the AGFA situation since I'm a Rodinal devotee. Ilford Rodinal ? Hmm

 

[Rob Skeoch]

This is great news.
HP5 in large sheets for me.
Love your WTFB paper.
-Rob Skeoch

 

[Oren Grad]

I get the message about ULF and LF sheet film, the simple answer is we can do it, we have some info on the sizes needed, its getting our distributors to stock it, they are great guys, who care, but we do realise they have stock turns to think about, I will do some more work next week on this and report back, QUESTION : would FP4+ and HP5+ suffice ?

Simon - thanks very much for participating here. Re ULF and other odd sheet film sizes, we're aware that inventory turnover is an issue. Steve Coomber and colleagues at Ilford USA have been canvassing interest with a view to organizing special orders once or twice a year. We are all eagerly awaiting an update as to whether this will be possible, and if so, when it will happen and what the procedures will be.

 

[Nick Zentena]

and perhaps some other low volume products, but with very low volume,

Is there any chance Ilford would be willing to run special group purchases? There are various products people would be willing to commit to in advance if Ilford was willing to make them. It would be nice if everything was available from the local shop but it's better to have access to the product by pre-order if that's the only way possible. Personally I'd be willing to wait until Ilford had pre-sold a whole product run if need be.

Some very nice items are sitting on shelves.

For me

Perforated 70mm [I'd live with 100' or longer rolls no need to put it into 15' cans. Not that I would complain about 15' cans -)]

220 film.

 

[Terence]

fP4 and HP5 in LF (4x5, 5x7, 8x10 and 8x20) would hold me over. My wish list, however, would include Pan F as well. SFX in 120 or 70mm perforated (or the traffic camera film) would be even better. We've lost Kodak and Konica IR films, and the Maco just doesn't cut it for me.

The postcard stock would be great as well. I've never actually used anything but Ilford papers, so can't even really compare them to others.

Thanks for participating here, Simon.

 

[smieglitz]

...QUESTION : would FP4+ and HP5+ suffice ? ...

Welcome Simon,

I am concerned that Ilford Ortho Plus will disappear. It is one of the few remaining orthochromatic continuous-tone films that has great utility in both the darkroom and in the camera. Can you comment on its status?

I would love to see it offered in sheet sizes other than 4x5 and 8x10, ideally in 11x14.

My understanding is that the film is essentially the FP4+ emulsion without the added panchromatic sensitizers added during manufacture. If so, I would hope the Ortho Plus emulsion would be available as long as FP4+ continues.

Thanks for any information and again, welcome.

Joe

 

[Fintan]

Dear Simon,

Thank you. Well, in these times when analog photographers hear, day after day, things which are not in theire favour, having company who continue to support them, and even to have oportunity to speak directly with someone from inside of that company, and when that person take photographers seriously, that is great thing. I used Ilford products before, and now, after yours posts here Simon, I am firm in my belif that my choice of Ilford is good choice. Simon, and Ilford-Harman, thank you again.

Agree with these sentiments totally. Thank you Simon.
I'm just about to melt my credit card re-stocking my darkroom and fridge for 2006. Given your posts here I've decided to make this an Ilford only order.

 

[BarryWilkinson]

I get the message about ULF and LF sheet film, the simple answer is we can do it, we have some info on the sizes needed, its getting our distributors to stock it, they are great guys, who care, but we do realise they have stock turns to think about, I will do some more work next week on this and report back, QUESTION : would FP4+ and HP5+ suffice ?

Simon.

Simon,

Thanks very much for your positive note on the future availability of LF & ULF film.

It seems, from your comment, that apug members should consider forming local buying groups? We could then place larger orders on your distributers which, in turn, should encourage them to look more favourably in raising these orders with you. Perhaps paying up front would help?

I would be extremely pleased to see FP4+ & HP5+ continue to be available in 5x4 and 10x8. I will soon be looking for 5x12 film, not a common format in the UK, but has an increasing following in the US.

Great to meet you here.

Barry

 

[Jorge]

I get the message about ULF and LF sheet film, the simple answer is we can do it, we have some info on the sizes needed, its getting our distributors to stock it, they are great guys, who care, but we do realise they have stock turns to think about, I will do some more work next week on this and report back, QUESTION : would FP4+ and HP5+ suffice ?

Once more, welcome to APUG Simon!

This year, Clay Harmon, a member of this site asked Kodak if they would do a special run for T max 400 in 12x20. He was told flat out NO! Many of us ULF shooters would kill for a tabular grain 400 film. If you guys are willing to do a special run of Delta 400 in 12x20 I think many of us would jump at the chance.

Personally, if you guys had Delta 400 in 8x10 I would switch to it, might as well help Kodak along the road to their digital conversion and help you guys. Reciprocity is a big consideration in the 8x10 and above formats, so IMO the Delta 400 film would be in demand for many by many of us.

That is it for me and my wish list...

 

[Mongo]

Just to echo what Jorge has said: If Delta 400 was available in 8x10, I'd be shooting it. In fact, I'm sure you'd find many photographers who would jump at the chance to standardize on one film or at least on one family of films across film sizes and to do so with a company they believe will support them in the future. I can't help with ULF film (I'm not there yet), but for 8x10 Delta 400 would be a very welcome addition.

Be well.
Dave

 

[colrehogan]

Simon,

Thanks very much for your positive note on the future availability of LF & ULF film.

It seems, from your comment, that apug members should consider forming local buying groups? We could then place larger orders on your distributers which, in turn, should encourage them to look more favourably in raising these orders with you. Perhaps paying up front would help?

I would be extremely pleased to see FP4+ & HP5+ continue to be available in 5x4 and 10x8. I will soon be looking for 5x12 film, not a common format in the UK, but has an increasing following in the US.

Great to meet you here.

Barry

Yes, I posted on the Ilfopro forum that I will also be looking for 5x12 film. FP4 & HP5 would be good. There are several other 5x12 users (and 10x12 users) who frequent this forum (one of the 5x12 users is in New Zealand) and we're continually monitoring the film availability situation as we hear about it.

 

[hogarth1x]

I'd like to add my voice to those requesting Delta400 in sheet film sizes. In my case, 5x4. If I had access to it, I would certainly test it.

I also would like an even higher speed film - say a true 800 speed. Delta800 perhaps?

The longer I work in LF, the more I see the need for speed.

 

[Christopher Nisperos]

I'd like to add my heartfelt thanks to Simon Galley —and Ilford-Harman— for their efforts in sustaining their excellents products in this waning market. They have proven that they really care about their customers.

That's not to say that other companies don't care (I cite Kentmere). But let's not forget that this is at least the SECOND time in photo-product history that Ilford have shown their deep committment and allegiance to the black and white traditional user. Galerie paper —ostensibly, the first premium paper specially aimed at the fine art printer (and whose creation resulted from the same kind of market input Simon is today accumulating from us)— was launched in 1973 (?) as Kodak was abandoning us to produce an "all RC" line. Galerie was a paper which had been on Ilford's back burner for awhile, and Ilford introduced it to respond to market pressures incited by Popular Photography writer, David Vestal in the U.S., and the father of France's first photo gallery, Jean Dieuzaide, when it looked as if FB paper would disappear forever.

EK only changed their mind after a brilliant Ilford sales and marketing assault which at the time (in the U.S.) included a paper surface sampler with photos by Ansel Adams, Morley Baer, Al Weber, et al. (Needless to say, that sampler is now a collectors item). I have no sales figures to prove it, but I believe that Kodak never regained it's share of the market and, in any case, many of us turned our backs on them from then-on anyway. A reflective relationship.

That year, thanks to an Ilford introductory promotion, I photographed during the entire summer on HP3 or HP4 (can't remember which) and bought 500 sheets of 8x10 Galerie on which I printed till the wee hours, night after night. The smell of FB paper —like a perfume— still reminds of that time! (hear violins, anybody?)

It would seem, my friends, that Ilford genuinely cares about us. I'm very happy to be among those who want to show Ilford that the feeling is mutual.

=====
My wish list: postcard paper (!), FP4+, HP5+, and DELTA 400 in ALL popular sheets sizes. I use mostly 4x5 and 8x10. Sometimes 5x7 and SOON 11x14 (pretty please!)
Please do not discontinue 120 rollfilms or I'll jump. Not necessarily off a bridge.. but I WILL jump!
An easy to mix BROWN TONER. Even a stinky Hypo-Alum like IT-2 would do.

 

[PaulH]

P.S.--I'd be really interested in Delta 400 in sheet sizes (shooting 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14").

Me too! And 8x20 rather than 11x14.

 

[Guillaume Zuili]

To Simon,

Thank you. To be close to us. To support us. In these years of digital onslaugh, it's good to have you.
I mourn Agfa, but now I know there is a futur.

What about an Azo kind of paper ?

Best regards,
GZ

 

[noblebeast]

I want to throw another vote in for postcard paper - I was just introduced to it and enjoying its possibilities when it was taken away.

Other than what the others have requested, I want to see Pan F+ continue in 35mm and 120, the Deltas and FP4+ and HP5 in those sizes, and the fine chemicals as well. Some exotic fiber-based papers would be nice, with surfaces and tones that mimic some of the older, now defunct papers would be nice (this is a wish list after all).

Thank you, Simon, for stopping by and taking us seriously.

Joe

 

[ajuk]

Hi as a business Student I do think Ilfords pages on it products may need some inprovment, maybe Somthing simalar to what Ilfords German site has http://www.ilford.ch/marly/de/prod/f_nb.asp

I hope R&D can carry on so Film and Chemistry can continue to inprove.

Keep up the good work

 

[waynecrider]

I was a shooter of Delta 400 in 4x5, (now shoot it in 120) and would like to see it return.

 

[Peter Schrager]

Delta 400

Delta 400 in 8x10 also
Peter

 

[gnashings]

WOW! This thread is pure gold!

Welcome Simon, with open arms!

You being here is just another factor that holds me in the belief that Ilford is the company that deserves my dollar! Your commitment is very much appreciated and I am sure reflected in where the money is spent in this market segment. I think you will find this sight to be pretty darn close to a pulse reading on the North American traditional photography market (and to some extent world-wide) - both for hobbyists and pros, and a very grateful bunch for all your efforts!

Waiting for Perceptol to show up in Canada, for Delta 25 (definitely!), and for the quarterly reports of your fine company to show that this is a very viable venture for you guys!

Thanks again,

Peter.

 

[eggshell]

Dear Simon,

I was wandering if Ilford has ever thought of removing the middleman (distributors & dealers), at least for LF/ULF film products. In this age of internet, you should not have much of a problem reaching out to this niche market. My thinking is that prices can be kept low or maintained, possibly leading to higher sales from current and new entries into LF photography. Price increases could also lead to people switching to digital or falling out altogether. With higher film sales, paper sales could improve too. Several years ago, I purchased a few batches of photo materials for a commercial job from a film/paper factory and was amazed at the very low prices I paid for these materials. I reckon retail prices have links with dealers' high operating cost, though recommended selling prices are possibly set by Ilford. I'm sure Ilford has thought this through or has difficulties doing so, but thought I'll try a little luck. I may be naive about my suggestion, but I see it as a win-win solution for all. Thanks for dropping by.

 

[Ole]

What a wonderful thread to come home to after a weekend away!

And the really good news for me - Postcards in Pearl surface, and FP4+ in 120, 4x5", 5x7", 18x24cm and 30x40cm seem to be possible again!

 

[Simon R Galley]

An Update From Simon

Dear Ole, Eggshell,Peter,Dave,Jorge,Diane,Christopher,Joe,Ajuk,Wayne,Craig,Nick, Fintan, Thanks for all your suggestions and with apologies if I have missed anyone out.

Firstly : Reassurance: 120 is safe in all the current range :
ORTHO + will also remain in the range :

ULF and LF film definitely seems to be the APUG 'product of choice'; as always, everyone has a favourite film dependant on their own experiences,
I have deduced a 25 DELTA would be popular in both sheet and roll, 400 DELTA sheet would be a good standard addition, and so many sizes my head is spinning, I think it would be easier to supply 20" x 24" and simply supply
scissors, I did not know so many formats existed ( amazing what you learn )

800ASA film, Cannot see it I am afraid

AZO Paper, Again cannot s
Brown ( Sepia ? ) tomer, currently in feasability phase.

 

[Simon R Galley]

An Update From Simon

Dear Ole, Eggshell,Peter,Dave,Jorge,Diane,Christopher,Joe,Ajuk,Wayne,Craig,Nick, Fintan, Thanks for all your suggestions and with apologies if I have missed anyone out.

Firstly : Reassurance: 120 is safe in all the current range :
ORTHO + will also remain in the range :

ULF and LF film definitely seems to be the APUG 'product of choice'; as always, everyone has a favourite film dependant on their own experiences,
I have deduced a 25 DELTA would be popular in both sheet and roll, 400 DELTA sheet would be a good standard addition, and so many sizes my head is spinning, I think it would be easier to supply 20" x 24" and simply supply
scissors, I did not know so many formats existed ( amazing what you learn )

800ASA film, Cannot see it I am afraid

AZO Paper, Again cannot see it as a viable coating I am afraid,

Brown ( Sepia ? ) toner, currently in feasability phase.

70mm Film ( of any type ) I need more information on the market, I will wait and see what comes back.

Quick product info 10" x 8" DELTA 100 is available and is not on rundown

POSTCARD : Further information this week

Many apologies for the multi send, I told you, computers are not my thing, typing is not my thing, but the fingers are quicker than the brain and I am in a hurry.

No reply tomorrow as I am in meetings all day, but I will be on later in the week

Kind Regards, and once again thanks for the feedback and thanks for using ILFORD Photo products.

Simon.