So there's good news and bad news, the good news is Kodak got back to us faster than anticipated, the bad news is that the price is much higher than anticipated.
Since I'm the one who started this whole roller coaster in the first place, I wanted to comment.
I agree that the price is high.
I'm curious to know if price total is the final factor or the amount of boxes needed for the order (meaning, I commuted to 3= $300, so if I order 1 at $300 does that cover me?
I'll ask him if they would talk to the non Cine folks to get more advice, but I also wanted to commend everyone for offering to do it in the first place.
Here is the email response, I think it's worth reading.
"Stone;
I really did not believe I would be writing you about an update on the 4x5 Kodak Double X cinematography film before the first of the year, but I received confirmation yesterday evening. The manufacturing division of Eastman Kodak is will to try cutting Double X into 4x5 sheets. They have no experience in trying to cut cine film into sheets. Cine film has a different substrate then sheet films and this could cause problems. I can tell you as a manufacturer of cameras that doing something the very first time has a learning curve as well as risk of material waste during the learning process. Kodak has expressed these concerns as well. They believe that a significant amount of film could be lost while getting a system set up to cut this unusual film. There is also administrative time to create a new notch code and set up a new product in their system. All of this is to say that the film is more expensive then originally estimated. This first time out the cost of a 50 sheet box will be $300.00. (cash price) Although this is higher then I had estimated or hoped, I think Eastman Kodak and Kodak Alaris should be commended for their willingness to give this a try. (Just a note here, they say that if during the process of trying to make the film the waste becomes too great they reserve the right to cancel the order.)
It is now time for me to start collect the funds. I will deposit the payments in a special account, so that if the order does get cancelled I can return your money. (minus bank or credit card fees) I need the following from you: shipping address, number of boxes needed, and whether you would like to pay by check, money order, credit card, or wire transfer. After I receive the information I will email you an invoice and any other information you need to make payment. If a credit card is used there will be about a 3% fee added and for wire transfers the fee is $30.00. I do not take Paypal. I wish I did not have to put all this about the fees, but I kept the margin on the film so small that I cannot absorb the fees. If you have any questions, please email me back with them. It is a bit crazy here around the holidays, but I will try to get back to you as soon as possible. I know this can be a busy time for you as well. It is going to take some time to get all the funds collected. I will keep you updated as this order progresses.
Regards;
Keith Canham"