Shanghai GP3 100 220 - still an unfinished product?

[mshchem]

I looked up some prices, and in Canada I can buy HP5 cheaper than the GP3, both 120 size. I'll be sticking with Ilford.

Good call!

 

[Agulliver]

I looked up some prices, and in Canada I can buy HP5 cheaper than the GP3, both 120 size. I'll be sticking with Ilford.

That's fair enough. And why I only use Shanghai for unusual formats such as 127, 620 and 220. GP3 is either the only option, or it's cheaper that Rerapan (which I do occasionally use too) and less hassle than rolling my own 620.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I looked up some prices, and in Canada I can buy HP5 cheaper than the GP3, both 120 size. I'll be sticking with Ilford.

I can get GP3 a little cheaper, but prefer to pay slightly more and use Ilford Delta100 or HP5+. I have had a couple of roll of HP5+ with mottling problems, so might go back to Kodak for some films in 120. Of course, I haven't tried CatLabs or GP# high speed stuff yet.

 

[Donald Qualls]

use Shanghai for unusual formats such as 127, 620 and 220.

AFAIK, they're currently the only source for sealed rolls in these formats. I bought some 220 (shot one, haven't processed it yet), and it came in a little pouch like 120 does. I expect 620 and 127 do as well, vs. Rerapan that's just a roll inside a plastic film can, and the respooled 620 offered at B&H and FPP (I've got 620 spools, I'll respool my own as needed).

 

[John Wiegerink]

AFAIK, they're currently the only source for sealed rolls in these formats. I bought some 220 (shot one, haven't processed it yet), and it came in a little pouch like 120 does. I expect 620 and 127 do as well, vs. Rerapan that's just a roll inside a plastic film can, and the respooled 620 offered at B&H and FPP (I've got 620 spools, I'll respool my own as needed).

I'm with Don when it comes to 620, but 127 sounds like it could be a hit for Shanghai Film. Now, I have to go on eBay and buy up all the Baby Rollei cameras and other exotic twin lens 127 cameras, since folks are going to rush out and want to buy one. I think not!
I'd love to see the bigger format films lie 116/616, but might not ever see those. I have a Kodak Monitor 616 that would love a roll of film.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I may not have been clear -- if I want ISO 100 B&W for a 620 camera, I'll buy GP3, based on what I've seen recently. I can't buy film to respool for what theirs costs (though if I hated the stuff, Fomapan and Kentmere are price competitive), and theirs comes sealed like new 120. But rather than pay a $5 or more premium per roll, I'll reroll any other emulsion I want to feed to my Reflex II (or more likely trim the 120 spool to fit, since it feeds from trimmed 120 just fine).

More or less same goes for 127; Rerapan costs like respooled 620 and isn't sealed, so potentially subject to humidity induced wrapper offset and mottling if it sits in my bag or on my shelf for a while; I can recut 120 for less money than Rerapan -- but not for less than GP3, which also has correct backing for 4x6.5 and 4x3.25 cameras (which overlap frames a bit with recut 120).

 

[Henning Serger]

Pretty soon, it's going to be hard to tell who makes what.

Well, John, concerning confectioning / converting of films it is quite easy to tell which is the source (talking about the formats 135 and 120 / 220).
Because all film manufacturers are using very specific and characteristic technology and machines:
Kodak has other machines than Ilford, Fuji, Foma, ADOX and vice versa, Ilford is doing it differently than Foma, and ADOX is again doing it differently to Foma and Ilford.
If you would ask Kodak to finish their 135 and 120 films in the way Ilford does, Kodak will say "sorry, we can't". Vice versa if you ask Ilford doing it in the Kodak way.
You get the picture.
Therefore by looking at the finished product it is relatively easy to identify the factory in which the film was confectioned / converted.

Best regards,
Henning

 

[John Wiegerink]

I may not have been clear -- if I want ISO 100 B&W for a 620 camera, I'll buy GP3, based on what I've seen recently. I can't buy film to respool for what theirs costs (though if I hated the stuff, Fomapan and Kentmere are price competitive), and theirs comes sealed like new 120. But rather than pay a $5 or more premium per roll, I'll reroll any other emulsion I want to feed to my Reflex II (or more likely trim the 120 spool to fit, since it feeds from trimmed 120 just fine).

More or less same goes for 127; Rerapan costs like respooled 620 and isn't sealed, so potentially subject to humidity induced wrapper offset and mottling if it sits in my bag or on my shelf for a while; I can recut 120 for less money than Rerapan -- but not for less than GP3, which also has correct backing for 4x6.5 and 4x3.25 cameras (which overlap frames a bit with recut 120).

OK, I understand now. My GP3 from Amazon just shipped (finally) and I won't know if it's the same as what was made just prior to their plant close down for retooling. If it is, I'll be happy.
Funny you should mention your Kodak Reflex II, since I'm getting ready to head out the door with my Kodak Reflex 1A and Icarette I Horizontal camera, both 620 cameras. The reflex has respooled HP5+ and the Icarette I has Acros II. Should be a fun day! I just got the Reflex 1A off eBay and tuned it up. It's almost like new, but the Icarette shows its age and plenty of use. Years ago, I had both the original Kodak Reflex and the Reflex II, so it's going to be like a family reunion.
Both of these might just be seeing GP3 620 if the film is like the last batch I used sometime back.

 

[John Wiegerink]

Well, John, concerning confectioning / converting of films it is quite easy to tell which is the source (talking about the formats 135 and 120 / 220).
Because all film manufacturers are using very specific and characteristic technology and machines:
Kodak has other machines than Ilford, Fuji, Foma, ADOX and vice versa, Ilford is doing it differently than Foma, and ADOX is again doing it differently to Foma and Ilford.
If you would ask Kodak to finish their 135 and 120 films in the way Ilford does, Kodak will say "sorry, we can't". Vice versa if you ask Ilford doing it in the Kodak way.
You get the picture.
Therefore by looking at the finished product it is relatively easy to identify the factory in which the film was confectioned / converted.

Best regards,
Henning

Thanks, Henning. It would be interesting if somebody would buy all different brands and formats to compare and say which came from where and by whom. I'm not going to, since I only really care about the quality, not the source.

 

[Henning Serger]

Thanks, Henning. It would be interesting if somebody would buy all different brands and formats to compare and say which came from where and by whom.

That project has been in the works for quite some time, started by a very experienced prof. Irish photographer and photrio member, with the strong participation of lots of further very experienced photrio members, rff members, other very experienced photographers, prof. labs around the world.......
It will be finished next year, stay tuned.

Best regards,
Henning

 

[Sirius Glass]

AFAIK, they're currently the only source for sealed rolls in these formats. I bought some 220 (shot one, haven't processed it yet), and it came in a little pouch like 120 does. I expect 620 and 127 do as well, vs. Rerapan that's just a roll inside a plastic film can, and the respooled 620 offered at B&H and FPP (I've got 620 spools, I'll respool my own as needed).

Respool Ilford FP4+ to 620 spools.

 

[Agulliver]

Respool Ilford FP4+ to 620 spools.

That's still not a sealed roll of 620 film. The only way to get one of those seems to be Shanghai GP3. I have a small number of pretty basic 127 and 620 cameras and GP3 is the most convenient way to use them. Sometimes the cheapest too, especially regarding the 127. Though I have a lot of respect for whoever is respooling the Rerapan.

Regarding 220, I have said before I only have one camera capable of using it....a rather lovely functional Kiev 6C but it's bulky. Not something I use often. Last time was Spring 2022 but I shot Kodak Gold 120. I'll get around to shooting the 220 rolls of GP3 I've bought at some point. And from what I've seen, I'll probably enjoy the results.

 

[Sirius Glass]

That's still not a sealed roll of 620 film. The only way to get one of those seems to be Shanghai GP3. I have a small number of pretty basic 127 and 620 cameras and GP3 is the most convenient way to use them. Sometimes the cheapest too, especially regarding the 127. Though I have a lot of respect for whoever is respooling the Rerapan.

Regarding 220, I have said before I only have one camera capable of using it....a rather lovely functional Kiev 6C but it's bulky. Not something I use often. Last time was Spring 2022 but I shot Kodak Gold 120. I'll get around to shooting the 220 rolls of GP3 I've bought at some point. And from what I've seen, I'll probably enjoy the results.

I am not sold on GP3 yet, but I trust Ilford FP4+ and I will respool it just before I want to use it for now.

 

[Huss]

I am not sold on GP3 yet, but I trust Ilford FP4+ and I will respool it just before I want to use it for now.

Have you used any GP3?

 

[redbandit]

I am not sold on GP3 yet, but I trust Ilford FP4+ and I will respool it just before I want to use it for now.

I dont trust Ilford products, paper or 135mm, Im awfully hesitant about getting a roll of any ilford 120 film based on 135 results.

True, the results may not carry over, but why risk it

 

[Sirius Glass]

Have you used any GP3?

No, and I have four rolls of 120 Ilford FP4+ read for that plus a roll of 620 Verichrome Pan for the Kodak Brown Hawkeye.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I dont trust Ilford products, paper or 135mm, Im awfully hesitant about getting a roll of any ilford 120 film based on 135 results.

True, the results may not carry over, but why risk it

I have never had any problem with Ilford products.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I feel quite comfortable using ALL Ilford film products (except XP2 as I've never tried it). Who else has as many varieties of black and white film emulsions... and papers, for that matter? Happy New Year, everyone!

 

[redbandit]

I feel quite comfortable using ALL Ilford film products (except XP2 as I've never tried it). Who else has as many varieties of black and white film emulsions... and papers, for that matter? Happy New Year, everyone!

quantity doesnt mean QUALITY

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

quantity doesnt mean QUALITY

I'm well aware of that. As far as I'm concerned, Ilford is of excellent quality. Yes, sometimes crap can get through, but it can happen with anything.

 

[Sirius Glass]

quantity doesnt mean QUALITY

There is nothing wrong with Ilford's quality. You are just twisted out of shape because you had a few roll of 120 with paper problems. All the film manufactures had the same problem at the same time.

 

[Craig]

Maybe I have been lucky, but I have never had a QC failure of any Ilford product over the last 35 years. I'd certainly consider them Tier 1 quality, certainly the best for B&W products. Goes without saying better than a Chinese budget maker. If I'm looking for economy, I'll use the Kentmere products.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I, too, have never had a problem with anything with the Ilford brand on it, until just recently. Like has been said above, "shit happens”. I just Harman would get it ironed out just a little faster.
I think I have uncovered the issue with Ilford backing paper. It's industrial sabotage. Those blasted Chinese from Shanghai want to take over the film business and resorted to sabotage. See, I can float rumors too.

 

[Huss]

No, and I have four rolls of 120 Ilford FP4+ read for that plus a roll of 620 Verichrome Pan for the Kodak Brown Hawkeye.

And there we have it. Hasn't tried it, but doesn't like it. Even though hasn't tried it.

Welcome to Photrio.

 

[Sirius Glass]

And there we have it. Hasn't tried it, but doesn't like it. Even though hasn't tried it.

Welcome to Photrio.

I do not trust it based on your initial reports and lack of need of 220 film.