Satisfactory news from IlfordPhoto

moviemaniac · Nov 2, 2012

I just got a box with several different 120 Ilford films in the mail - they're my go-to supplier for b&w because I could rely on them in the past, can rely on them now and will rely on them in the future. They've had their difficulties in the past, took the necessary actions - now see how well it turned out.

I actually sent them an email yesterday too, congatulating and thanking them for their commitment.

John Wiegerink · Nov 2, 2012

Upper management is the answer

If you ask the question about companies like Eastman Kodak not making it in today's market you'll get between 1 and 100 answers as to why. My answer is upper managements vision of the future. No vision - no future! Simple as that. Others will say it's profit margins. Some companies are not happy making a small profit and drop products simply because there isn't enough profit. Greed also fits into that profit thing to a large extent. I'm going to miss the yellow Gods products, but I don't feel the least bit sorry for them. I do feel sorry for all the hard working employees that got the shaft, but not Kodak as a company. Long live Ilford! This is all just an opinion of course, but one that is based on some real life facts.

pentaxuser · Nov 2, 2012

Even as we speak Simon Galley and his war room staff( It's a bit like the war room in Dr Strangelove - I know as I have been to Mobberley) are sticking Union Jack flags in all the states where he has conquered the market and a very big union Jack Flag is in his hand which is poised over Rochester and I don't mean the small town in the English county of Kent

Sounds far fetched but both Romney and Obama are in daily contact with him. Despite Ilford's open communication policy, he can't tell you this as he has been sworn to secrecy for the time being but I am under not such constraint from the CIA. It doesn't even know of me. Well, not until now

pentaxuser

This message sent from a safe house known only to the wife

Argenticien · Nov 2, 2012

lxdude said:
Or overhyped products that are the gee-whiz-wowee thing until the next one they bring out in a year or two.

Yeah sorry, forgot to enumerate that as (d) in my list of annoying corporate behaviours. I suppose in the film world, the manifestation of that behavior would be to release every year or two another strange LOMOgraphy-targeted emulsion with intentionally dodgy quality. I'm of two minds about that, because on the one hand it's Annoying Corporate Behavior (d); but on the other hand, it could be quite a revenue stream that would help subsidize their production of proper film for the rest of us. Anyway Ilford could do only so much of that even if they wanted to, because it would mostly want to be C41, not black & white.

--Dave

aleksmiesak · Nov 2, 2012

I honestly do not see any point in Ilford getting their hands into color anything. They have success with what they're doing so why fix something that isn't broken. One of the problems of Kodak was having too many pots on the stove. KISS has worked so well for ilford (we all know it's not all that simple...) and congrats for proving everyone wrong by doing things your way! Love you guys and keep it up!

John Bragg · Nov 2, 2012

The news is good indeed. I have returned to Ilford as my main film manufacturer recently in order to have a reliable supply of quality film that will be available for the long term. I love using TRI-X, but Delta 400 is my new favorite. It suits me and my way of shooting completely. Best film I have ever used, and the irony is that if Kodak hadn't been in trouble, I would have never tried it ...... Thanks Kodak, I think.

John Wiegerink · Nov 2, 2012

John Bragg said:
The news is good indeed. I have returned to Ilford as my main film manufacturer recently in order to have a reliable supply of quality film that will be available for the long term. I love using TRI-X, but Delta 400 is my new favorite. It suits me and my way of shooting completely. Best film I have ever used, and the irony is that if Kodak hadn't been in trouble, I would have never tried it ...... Thanks Kodak, I think.

It's sad that we have to dump a company just to make sure we have a reliable source, but as my buddy Clint would say, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do" and that's what many of us are doing. It's kind of like pumping water into a sinking ship and wondering if it's going to sink or not. Well, it's certainly not the kind of action that's going to help keep Kodak and their film line afloat. Fuji Across and Delta 100 are two of my favorite films, but for speed I have always liked TRI-X. When TRI-X goes I will shed a tear as I did when I couldn't get Verichrome Pan film anymore.

Paul Howell · Nov 2, 2012

I have a recollection that when Harman bought Ilford they stated that they intended to be last man standing. I think Harman has the most extensive line up of B&W films and papers, very good quaility control and knows how to communicate with customers and will be last man standing. I still perfer Txi X and Tmax 400 but I now HP 5 and PF 4 in MF and 4x5 and like the fact that I buy a box of 25 sheets at a time. Can Ilford expand into color, or would they want to good question.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 2, 2012

aleksmiesak said:
I honestly do not see any point in Ilford getting their hands into color anything. They have success with what they're doing so why fix something that isn't broken. One of the problems of Kodak was having too many pots on the stove. KISS has worked so well for ilford (we all know it's not all that simple...) and congrats for proving everyone wrong by doing things your way! Love you guys and keep it up!

Agree 100%. With mini labs closing and practically gone and frankly digital being a much better alternative to color than B&W (IMO) I think color would be a wrong direction.

BradleyK · Nov 2, 2012

ME Super said:
I hope it includes a B&W true infrared film. Infrared is just...wow...

+1. the only product missing from a line-up of stellar products! So guys, how about true infrared, available in sizes 35mm to 8X10 (although, in a pinch, 120 would be just duckie).

MartinP · Nov 2, 2012

John Wiegerink said:
Fuji Across and Delta 100 are two of my favorite films, but for speed I have always liked TRI-X.

You could eventually get something from HP5+, but have a look at Ilford Pan400 if it's available in your area of the world. D76 1+1 and you might just be rather pleased. At EI400, it seems to me much more TriX-like than HP5+ is, though admittedly I haven't tried any pushing or pulling with it yet.

John Wiegerink · Nov 2, 2012

MartinP said:
You could eventually get something from HP5+, but have a look at Ilford Pan400 if it's available in your area of the world. D76 1+1 and you might just be rather pleased. At EI400, it seems to me much more TriX-like than HP5+ is, though admittedly I haven't tried any pushing or pulling with it yet.

I've never tried Ilford Pan400 or even seen it in my area. I shoot almost zero 35mm and use mainly 120 and 4x5 so it's almost impossible for me to buy film locally anymore. Most of the old camera stores in my neck of the woods are gone with only one left. That one has a very, very limited supply of 120 film on hand. The last time I was in the store I could only get Ilford Delta 100 and Delta 400(they were out of FP4+ and HP5+. They did have some T-max in 120,but that's about it. They don't seem to want to have to much film in stock for some reason. So, for me it's usually Freestyle, B&H or Adorama. If I can find some Pan400 I'm going to try it. Thanks for the tip. JohnW

StoneNYC · Nov 2, 2012

John Wiegerink said:
I've never tried Ilford Pan400 or even seen it in my area. I shoot almost zero 35mm and use mainly 120 and 4x5 so it's almost impossible for me to buy film locally anymore. Most of the old camera stores in my neck of the woods are gone with only one left. That one has a very, very limited supply of 120 film on hand. The last time I was in the store I could only get Ilford Delta 100 and Delta 400(they were out of FP4+ and HP5+. They did have some T-max in 120,but that's about it. They don't seem to want to have to much film in stock for some reason. So, for me it's usually Freestyle, B&H or Adorama. If I can find some Pan400 I'm going to try it. Thanks for the tip. JohnW

Tell them to buy some and you will guarantee a certain amount bought to make them see the worth?

~Stone

The Noteworthy Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

h.v. · Nov 2, 2012

Certain stores may not carry things, but if you ask, they can order for you at no extra charge.

Anyways, I am very positive about Ilford and its future. They seem to be doing the right things in order for film to be viable in this day and age. I'm actually starting to see little if any gap in price between Ilford and Kodak or Fuji. Ilford used to be slightly more expensive, but its prices have remained steady while the others have risen.

Also, Ilford is the only film company whose products are consistently available locally. All the pro shops carry the whole Ilford range (sometimes not SFX, but otherwise no issue) in 35mm and 120. Edmonton is a small market, so I'm guessing this is even better in places like Toronto or Vancouver or Montreal (yes, I know...many stores have closed, but there still is a decent amount from what I've seen).

Kodak and Fuji (except for Superia) are so inconsistent with their offerings. One shop is so all over the place. You'll find Fuji 400H in 35mm, but not Fuji 160S. On the other hand, they'll have Kodak Portra 160, but not 400 in 35mm. So if you want pro neg colour, you'd have to go Fuji for 400 ISO and Kodak for 160. Then you'll find the 160S in 120, but not 35mm or the Portra 400 in 120 but not 35mm. Then you'll find Neopan only in large format and Acros nowhere to be found. Ektar disappears for months, only to reappear at $3 more per roll. The other shops are more Kodak-centric, so you'll find a decent selection of the 3 Portras, Ektar, Tri-X, and Tmax, but Fuji? Good luck if you want something other than Velvia or Provia, you'll have to order and wait (but at least the cost per roll is cheaper than the inconsistent store which may or may not have what you need).

Kodak Gold is now rare to find. This is fine, because I was more of a Superia person myself, but I never was able to give Gold a fair shake because it has disappeared so suddenly. I managed to snag Gold 200 in 35mm 36 exp for over $10. Ridiculous, but for one roll of hard-to-find stuff (that I'd never order online in bulk anyways), it is ok as it'll probably be the last Gold 200 I'll use.

So, I still buy Fuji and Kodak (leaning more Fuji lately because of Kodak's situation) just for colour, but B&W? Not worth the hassle when you have a fantastic company that is committed long term to film. When I stop procrastinating and finally start doing my own B&W developing, the amount of C-41 I go through will probably drop drastically.

StoneNYC · Nov 2, 2012

h.v. said:
Certain stores may not carry things, but if you ask, they can order for you at no extra charge.

Anyways, I am very positive about Ilford and its future. They seem to be doing the right things in order for film to be viable in this day and age. I'm actually starting to see little if any gap in price between Ilford and Kodak or Fuji. Ilford used to be slightly more expensive, but its prices have remained steady while the others have risen.

Also, Ilford is the only film company whose products are consistently available locally. All the pro shops carry the whole Ilford range (sometimes not SFX, but otherwise no issue) in 35mm and 120. Edmonton is a small market, so I'm guessing this is even better in places like Toronto or Vancouver or Montreal (yes, I know...many stores have closed, but there still is a decent amount from what I've seen).

Kodak and Fuji (except for Superia) are so inconsistent with their offerings. One shop is so all over the place. You'll find Fuji 400H in 35mm, but not Fuji 160S. On the other hand, they'll have Kodak Portra 160, but not 400 in 35mm. So if you want pro neg colour, you'd have to go Fuji for 400 ISO and Kodak for 160. Then you'll find the 160S in 120, but not 35mm or the Portra 400 in 120 but not 35mm. Then you'll find Neopan only in large format and Acros nowhere to be found. Ektar disappears for months, only to reappear at $3 more per roll. The other shops are more Kodak-centric, so you'll find a decent selection of the 3 Portras, Ektar, Tri-X, and Tmax, but Fuji? Good luck if you want something other than Velvia or Provia, you'll have to order and wait (but at least the cost per roll is cheaper than the inconsistent store which may or may not have what you need).

Kodak Gold is now rare to find. This is fine, because I was more of a Superia person myself, but I never was able to give Gold a fair shake because it has disappeared so suddenly. I managed to snag Gold 200 in 35mm 36 exp for over $10. Ridiculous, but for one roll of hard-to-find stuff (that I'd never order online in bulk anyways), it is ok as it'll probably be the last Gold 200 I'll use.

So, I still buy Fuji and Kodak (leaning more Fuji lately because of Kodak's situation) just for colour, but B&W? Not worth the hassle when you have a fantastic company that is committed long term to film. When I stop procrastinating and finally start doing my own B&W developing, the amount of C-41 I go through will probably drop drastically.

I have a bunch of GOLD that I use to test cameras with, I don't care about using it up because its IMHO junk... It's the equivalent of APX/Advantix quality... If you compared the two you might find more grain and discoloration in the Gold.

Anyway I'll give you everything on a 2:1 trade for any other film (preferably B&W or 3:1 trade for 120

I probably have 8 or 10 rolls in 400, 800 Maybe some 200?

~Stone

The Noteworthy Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

h.v. · Nov 2, 2012

^ Ha, thanks for the offer! But nah, I'm not really interested in Gold. I just thought it'd be nice to try it out again for fun because I haven't used it since getting back into film. From what I have seen anyways, Superia is better, like what you're saying, it isn't the best film. I'm ok with my one roll, I'd rather spend my money on Ilford than Kodak Gold (or even the Portras or Tri-X would be better money spent) anyway.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 2, 2012

I've found Gold 200 a very nice film. Scans beautifully. Still have some in the freezer along with some 100. Got some very rare Gold 100 in 120 rolls too though I'm pretty sure the 100 in 120 is not quite the same emulsion as the 35mm. The Gold 400 and 800 I think are crap.

The only time I've ever seen Ilford pan was in a store in the Budapest airport back in the late 90's. I picked up a few rolls. Not bad stuff but very coarse and grainy for the speed IMO. I believe it was never officially imported in the states and is mostly found in eastern Europe and some parts of Asia.

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 2, 2012

Gold 200:

SF, Castro Contax G2 45Planar Gold 200 03-2006 03 by rich8155 (Richard Sintchak), on Flickr

SF, Castro Contax G2 45Planar Gold 200 03-2006 08 by rich8155 (Richard Sintchak), on Flickr

MartinP · Nov 3, 2012

The Pan400 I mentioned is only available in 135 and 120, so there would be no sheets to search for unfortunately. It seems to be a film for "lower priced" markets, but it is different to HP5+ and to Kentmere400 so perhaps the restricted availability is to avoid segmenting the market for HP5+, or something like that?

From 35mm I have had pretty much grain-free 9 1/2" x 12" prints, at normal viewing distance. To get that I just followed the exposure and developing instructions from Ilford exactly, no need for adjustments, though I just used five rolls I bought in Istanbul, and was surprised by how it looked. There do seem to be Asian sellers on fleabay with the 135 size rolls.

snay1345 · Nov 3, 2012

I just developed my last Kodak roll of TriX today. I ordered 25 sheets of Hp5 4x5 and 20 rolls of HP5 in 35mm this morning. I have cut all ties with Kodak film. If only I could get ilford developer shipped to Japan I could be done with Kodak chemicals as well.

StoneNYC · Nov 3, 2012

rich815 said:
I've found Gold 200 a very nice film. Scans beautifully. Still have some in the freezer along with some 100. Got some very rare Gold 100 in 120 rolls too though I'm pretty sure the 100 in 120 is not quite the same emulsion as the 35mm. The Gold 400 and 800 I think are crap.

The only time I've ever seen Ilford pan was in a store in the Budapest airport back in the late 90's. I picked up a few rolls. Not bad stuff but very coarse and grainy for the speed IMO. I believe it was never officially imported in the states and is mostly found in eastern Europe and some parts of Asia.

The color in those pictures is nice. I tend to shoot in low light level areas and so I get a lot more grain with GOLD. It's a consider film after all, it isn't going to be like EKTAR which is what I prefer. Wish they made that in 400

~Stone

The Important Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 3, 2012

StoneNYC said:
The color in those pictures is nice. I tend to shoot in low light level areas and so I get a lot more grain with GOLD. It's a consider film after all, it isn't going to be like EKTAR which is what I prefer. Wish they made that in 400

~Stone

The Important Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I shoot most color neg film 1/2 to 1 stop under box speed as they do get grainy fast if underexposed especially in dark areas. At night or dusk I shoot Kodak 200 at 100:

SF commute
Contax T2
Gold 200
by rich8155 (Richard Sintchak), on Flickr

Argenticien · Nov 3, 2012

h.v. said:
Also, Ilford is the only film company whose products are consistently available locally. All the pro shops carry the whole Ilford range (sometimes not SFX, but otherwise no issue) in 35mm and 120.

That's what you'd expect, and the one remaining pro shop where I live have indeed become mostly an Ilford shop. But strangely, they carry only part of the Ilford range. They've got a number of papers and most of the films, and Ilfosol 3 ... but crucially not Pan F film, and not DD-X developer. (They also carry a spotty range of Kodak emulsions.) Thus, while I'd love to support my local shop, I have to place an order with Freestyle from time to time for slow film and for proper developer for fast film. (I am not having good luck with Ilfosol 3 and any ASA 400 or faster film. If it can be done well, someone tell me how ... but Ilford's own documentation says one ought soup the faster emulsions in DD-X.) It's a bit maddening that this shop has these major gaps, but I don't complain too much because at least I've got one rather than zero pro shops, and they even still process E-6!! (They also have just enough secondhand kit to cause GAS when I'm in there buying film. Occasionally a Pentax 67 or some similar suitably sexy thing shows up and it takes all my effort to walk past without bringing it home with me.)

--Dave

Henning Serger · Nov 4, 2012

MartinP said:
I just thought it may be good to share this information here . . .

Excellent news, indeed.
I am using Ilford products since I've started as a very young guy with BW photography. I've been always very satisfied with their products.
I am glad to see that their strategy in this challenging environment is working.
And I will continue using Ilford products.

Best regards,
Henning

Simon R Galley · Nov 5, 2012

Dear All,

Read and noted all your replies and comments:

Thanks very much to all of you who purchase, use and value ILFORD Photo products. And a special thanks to all at APUG and those who contribute to it and who promote analog film & printing and share so willingly their knowledge and time. Its nice to part of a like minded worldwide community.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

Satisfactory news from IlfordPhoto

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