Shipping film in from Overseas

hoffy · Jan 23, 2009

Howdy,

Please move if this is the wrong forum.

It appears that higher grade film in Australia has become rather expensive. Films such as Velvia from what I have seen is around $20-$25 (Aprox $16us on the higher side) for 35mm 36exp.

Obviously, the temptation to buy from O/S is high.

Now, is there any inherent risks in buy film off shore and having it shipped? What are the chances of the film being unusable by the time it hits my door?

Cheers and thanks

PHOTOTONE · Jan 23, 2009

There really should be no issue with ordering film from abroad. After all, your velvia comes from Japan anyway. It is shipped to your country. In fact all film is shipped to Australia, as you have no film manufacturing company within your country AFAIK. Just order from a known, reliable vendor and you will be fine.

hoffy · Jan 23, 2009

Thanks.....ever have that feeling of "Doh"! For some unknown reason I was thinking xrays and the like....

munz6869 · Jan 23, 2009

I order Plus-X from Freestyle all the time (as Vanbar doesn't seem to want to stock it in 120 any more), and I haven't had any problems. If anything, even after postage I was (when the AU$$ was actually worth something) saving a few cents per roll...

They are very quick, and pack things well.

Marc

Kevin Caulfield · Jan 23, 2009

Well, X-rays could happen and sometimes do with mail, but in my experience importing film into Australia makes sense. B&H are usually pretty quick.

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Jan 23, 2009

I buy from abroad quite regularly and I've never had any trouble. Veliva is priced pretty horribly in Adelaide, and I must admit I've never felt rich enough to try it in 35mm. Fuji Provia 400x is even more expensive, and even a roll of black and white will be around the $10 mark. Buying from overseas can be one of the best ways to cut costs, but it was a lot better a few months ago when the exchange was a lot more favorable.

ChrisC · Jan 23, 2009

I got sick of our local prices here across the ditch recently too so bought a big supply of film from B&H before I went overseas in November. Not only was it around half the price (meaning it doesn't take many rolls before you start saving) but it arrived perfect.

hoffy · Jan 23, 2009

Thanks guys. I have been "learning" using Sensia (due to price...it doesn't hurt so much burning away a $10 film), but I was afraid of having to re-learn when I take the next step. Reducing the cost (as much as I would like to support the locals) will make that next step that little bit easier.

BTW, I suck with Sensia at the moment, so I have a long way to go!

Matthew Gorringe · Jan 23, 2009

I Buy Tmax 400 and PlusX in 120 from Freestyle all the time and never have a problem.

Marc, re: PlusX in 120. I was told by a retailer that it is discontinued and that I wouldn't be able to buy it any more. I know it's not available in sheet film sizes but of course it's still very much available in 120. Sounds to me like it's no longer being imported.

munz6869 · Jan 24, 2009

Thanks Matt - yes, that's what Vanbar said too, and having heard such misinformation in the past (probably not their fault) I hopped on the web and instantly ordered some, and have been doing so ever since. Such a shame as I'd rather spend my money here, and you can't have random camera/photo conversations or put your hands on shiny unaffordable new gear at an online shop :-(

They still sell Plus X in 135 though.... had heaps of it a fortnight ago!

Marc

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Jan 25, 2009

I figured I'd come back to this for the sake of anyone else in South Australia, since Adelaide is such a small place. Here are a few shops that stock plenty of film, chemistry and gear.

L & P Photo / Total Photographics
10 College Road, Kent Town
Loads of Film, Paper, chemistry, colour chemistry, super-8 film, Polaroid film, new and used darkroom gear, new and used cameras. Student discount, main competitor to Photographic Wholesalers.

Photographic Wholesalers
47 Hutt Street, Adelaide
Comprehensive range of Film, paper, chemistry, new darkroom gear, some used cameras. Student discount.

Photo Co Camera House
Central Markets, Adelaide
Good range of film and paper, mainly deals in new and used cameras. Incredible range of analogue gear. Student discount. Owned by a camera collector and all around knowledgeable guy.

Twin city Camera house
120 Grenfell Street, Adelaide (just near the bus stop)
Sell used cameras on commission, always interesting stuff in the window. Stock of film in the fridge.

Also, stop by Dead Link Removed
49 Wakefield Street, Kent Town
What I believe to be the last professional cibachrome/ilfochrome lab in the country.

The prices are roughly the same from place to place, but you'll see analogue is alive and well in Adelaide.

hoffy · Jan 25, 2009

Thanks. I didn't realise that Photo Co sold paper. They are closest to my work, so I will pop in during the week (maybe, its going to be HOT this week & stuffed if I am stepping out of my office...)

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Jan 25, 2009

hoffy said:
Thanks. I didn't realise that Photo Co sold paper. They are closest to my work, so I will pop in during the week (maybe, its going to be HOT this week & stuffed if I am stepping out of my office...)

Now you mention it I'm only about 90% sure, I've never purchased paper from them myself, but one of my friends apparently has...If not, there's a camera shop in City Cross Arcade that I know for sure sells paper too, and some film. I cant for the life of me remember the name, but I think it's another Camera House. Just a tram ride up to the mall and back.

munz6869 · Jan 26, 2009

I got my Rolleiflex from PhotoCo years ago - mail order with money orders and that sort of thing. Great shop.

Marc

Kevin Caulfield · Jan 27, 2009

Thanks for the info, Alex. Even though I'm in Melbourne, I get to Adelaide a few times a year and didn't realise there were so many places selling film, chem, etc.

hoffy · Jan 27, 2009

THe only thing I don't like at PhotoCo is that there film is on the shelf....Apart from that (& when its not 44 deg outside...shessh), great service (I bought my last new lens from them a few months ago...)

Shipping film in from Overseas

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency