Quickload.... Fuji change their mind!

[Thingy]

It appears that Fuji have decided that they are not going to withdraw their QL film after all, according to a major importer of their film in the UK. (Sound of cussing from people who've sold off their QL film holders at dramatic discounts...)

The link below provides more information.

http://www.lf-photo.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1699

It looks like they've had a Velvia 50 moment....:rolleyes:

 

[lilmsmaggie]

QUOTE=Thingy;975167]It appears that Fuji have decided that they are not going to withdraw their QL film after all, according to a major importer of their film in the UK. (Sound of cussing from people who've sold off their QL film holders at dramatic discounts...)

The link below provides more information.

http://www.lf-photo.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1699

It looks like they've had a Velvia 50 moment....:rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

:munch: Is this truly true, or are we being teased?

 

[pentaxuser]

It seems incredible that there's a case for reversing a decision on QLs but no such hope for 120 Neopan 400.

pentaxuser

 

[lilmsmaggie]

Well, stranger things have happened. Despite several people pooh-pooing the idea, I sent Fujifilm Japan/USA, an email via their web sites asking them to reconsider. I'm sure others may have done the same. Besides, it only takes a moment or two of one's time to compose a civil note to the company explaining the virtue of keeping such a product available to the LF 4x5 community. Especially when you consider that 4x5 is generally the jumping off format for first-timers.

I also suspect that Polaroid's announcement to re-enter the film market and The Impossible Project's introduction of Polaroid-type film: Dead Link Removed , may have had something to do with Fuji's decision to rethink their strategy.

Who knows ...

 

[Thingy]

[

QUOTE=Thingy;975167]It appears that Fuji have decided that they are not going to withdraw their QL film after all, according to a major importer of their film in the UK. (Sound of cussing from people who've sold off their QL film holders at dramatic discounts...)

The link below provides more information.

http://www.lf-photo.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1699

It looks like they've had a Velvia 50 moment....:rolleyes:

:munch: Is this truly true, or are we being teased?[/QUOTE]



I am seeking confirmation from Robert White & Fuji UK. I will post further details when I know more.

 

[Ektagraphic]

Fuji needs to make up their mind with their products....

 

[keithwms]

The economic climate being what it is, it doesn't surprise me one bit that these decisions are being revisited on month by month timescales. It is an unfortunate roller-coaster ride for the faithful, that is too bad. Suffice it to say that Fuji is hearing plenty about all this.

 

[mark]

I would rather a company change its mind due to public demand for a product, than one that stands anally by their decision to disontinue no matter what the public says.

 

[degruyl]

Personally, based on observations in the market, I would not be at all surprised if 4x5 is increasing in popularity (after a marked decrease, to be sure, but still an increase). I would also not be surprised if fuji cut all film production. I would expect a Kodak style announcement, though.

I am surprised at the ham-handedness of handling this. It is almost as if an american is running fujifilm.

 

[keithwms]

I doubt very seriously that this in any way reflects overall growth of the 4x5 sector or the QL product line.

What Fuji may be realizing is that they can keep this product line afloat long enough to transfer it to another company working in a more favorable climate for the product, such as in China. No firm would wish to buy/license Fuji's technology if they had to start from scratch. Fuji may not be able to profit from quickloads and various other film products, but I am quite sure that a Chinese firm could get another decade of profit from them, esp. if they don't need to front the cost of (re)developing the manufacturing process. I hope Fuji realizes that in time.

 

[JohnArs]

Fuji has to realize thad many like me stocked up Readyloads from Kodak after Kodak did say they stoped the production.
As soon all this Readyload user have there freezers empty they would start to buy Quickloads including me!
At this point Fuji gets an increase of 30-50% of there Quickloads sales which is still not to bad for them!
And many would then switch to Fuji Films because for me I do not like to have to many different films!
I shoot in the studio just normal Films not Quickloads and also out of the car I use normal filmholder, most of the time. But for waking I really prefer the Ready/Quickloads!

Fuji did maybe hear my cry!!!!
I really hope so for Fuji, Armin

 

[SWphoto]

....

I am surprised at the ham-handedness of handling this. It is almost as if an american is running fujifilm.

Nice to see your first post is designed to ingratiate yourself with us troglodytes. :rolleyes:

 

[nickandre]

Fuji has done that before with their Single 8 movie film stocks.

 

[Dirk-san]

Mind you, QL was never announced as discontinued in Japan. What may be happening is that they re-open global distribution for the product, realising, errr, they may sell more of the stuff than in Japan alone.

 

[keithwms]

Dirk what portion of their sales is in China, do you know? Do you fill many orders to China?

 

[cdholden]

Thanks for the insight.

I am surprised at the ham-handedness of handling this. It is almost as if an american is running fujifilm.

Your first post was a big hit.
I can only hope your future posts are as enlightening.

 

[goodfood]

I still saw large amount Fuji QL in store two month ago at Tokyo. The price about two and a half more than sheet film.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

I found out from Robert White in the UK that they are expecting a shipment of QL film (Neopan Acros) from Japan next month -- and it sounds like they are anticipating getting more beyond that date.

Hmm ... Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Thingy]

UPDATE

No but that would be superb news.

Hi
I can confirm that this is true, I was told by a very well known UK dealer/importer over the Easter weekend.

I am wondering if this was an April fool, or if the reply I received today from Fuji UK simply means that the availability of QL film is ceasing in the UK market only?

From: DarronHartas <darron@wpsmedia.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Enquiry from Fujifilm Professional Online Shop
Date: 7 April 2010 11:57:48 GMT+01:00
To: Thingy

Hi Thingy,

Fuji UK confirm that they are ceasing production.

Darron

On 6 Apr 2010, at 18:04, Thingy wrote:
I have heard a rumour that Fuji are reversing their decision to stop producing Quickload film. I should be grateful to know if this is correct?

Does this mean that Fuji in Japan are reversing their decision but that their film will only be obtainable through Robert White, in future?

UPDATE FROM ROBERT WHITE...

Dear Thingy

Thank you for the email. As far as we were aware Fuji were continuing the QL film for the Japanese market but were stopping worldwide sales. Although I have not heard of any further development it is not inconceivable that they have decided to change their stance. We have heard no news from Fuji UK.

Jon

Are there any Japanese speakers who could check with Fuji in Japan?

 

[railwayman3]

Fuji needs to make up their mind with their products....

That is so true, not only with Quickloads but also with their 35mm and MF offerings...they are a sponsor here, yet fail to take the opportunity to make any contributions or postings which might help or support we loyal analogue users. :confused:

 

[Joanna Carter]

OK folks, don't get too excited about Fuji's "change of heart". To the best of my knowledge, yes, Fuji UK said there would be some shipments of Quickload film around Spring this year but, after that, no more.

Although, having spoken to Robert White today, it would appear they have another story that may or may not be correct either.:confused::confused:

 

[donbga]

OK folks, don't get too excited about Fuji's "change of heart". To the best of my knowledge, yes, Fuji UK said there would be some shipments of Quickload film around Spring this year but, after that, no more.

Although, having spoken to Robert White today, it would appear they have another story that may or may not be correct either.:confused::confused:

Fuji QLs ain't coming back:

http://www.japanexposures.com/2010/02/26/fujifilm-to-reorganize-film-lineup/

 

[Dirk-san]

Still readily available in Japan, no signs of discontinuation. I know they are currently making new QL Acros...

 

[domaz]

The most exciting news seems to be that Acros will be in 20-sheet boxes now. No more silly 10-sheet boxes.

 

[Thingy]

The most exciting news seems to be that Acros will be in 20-sheet boxes now. No more silly 10-sheet boxes.

Acros has been available in 20 sheet boxes of 5x4, from Germany, since last October. Have 5 boxes in my freezer!