Question About Arista

[CMoore]

I realize, in one way or another, this gets asked a lot.
.......i have no concerns about "quality". Paper would have to be pretty bad for somebody like me to complain or care.
I am really just wondering about price, although that certainly CAN involve quality.
But generally speaking, the price difference between Ilford and Arista...especially for Multi Grade RC...seems to be pretty big.
Is it mostly the cost of the paper and chemicals they use, or the country of origin and Taxes/Tariffs (i am in the usa)..... or is it a case of a "Name Brand" being able to justify higher prices just because they can.?
Does Ilford spend more time with Quality control, customer service, R & D.?
I am not saying one is better than the other, or that one is over-priced, just simply curious.
I tend to spend more money and buy Ilford.
Probably because i started with Ilford, and i use their film, and they seem to be a pretty Straight-Up group of people.
Again, i have bought Arista and have no complaints what so ever.
Then again, i am just a hack Street Photographer and Hobbyist.
I am not selling or displaying my "work".
Thank You

on a side note, i have, just recently, started buying FB Paper from Ultrafine. At this point i have not yet used enough of it to have any kind of opinion.

 

[David Lyga]

You have situations whereby the brand name is incorporated into the cost. With a 'no name' like Arista (Freestyle Sales) you get a true bargain, in that none of the cost is taken up with a sexy name. I think that you will find Arista to be the equivalent of something more profound like Ilford. Have no worries, just save money. - David Lyga

 

[jim appleyard]

You also have the issue of wholesale. A paper company may give a discount to someone like Freestyle and sell more units of paper than under their own brand name. In the end, it's all supposed to work out to make a profit. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

I believe Arista is Fomabrom 111/311 repackaged. The prices are identical on the Freestyle website. FWIW, I really like the Fomabrom 111 graded papers and use the 111 VC as well. The VC fiber paper is significantly cheaper than my other choices and compares well to move expensive premium papers (like Adox MCC 110)

Best,

Doremus

 

[mgb74]

When you buy Ilford, you're paying for their R&D, their quality control, and yes, their name. Use the Arista and Ultrafine paper and, if no obvious issues, enjoy. Then treat yourself to a student pack of Ilford and see if you think there's a difference.

 

[CMoore]

Sort of as i thought...Thank You

 

[cmacd123]

Arista's current paper and Film are equivalent to the FOMA (Czech) products with similar specs. Eastern Europe is still a place where products can be manufactured for a bit less. (although the advantage is not as great as it used to be.) Both lines are quite workmanlike.