Transparency Films - 120 & 4x5

[Trail Images]

Having been on the transparency availability merry-go-round since the earth cooled in one version or another I'm lost. Maybe it's just me but the market seems all but gone. I thought Kodak did a major revamp and 4x5 Ektachrome E-100 was to be back in circulation in November 2025. Any newer updates to be shared here?

 

[loccdor]

https://www.yodobashi.com/category/19055/34561/53219/

This Japanese camera store has Velvia and Provia large format in stock and they will ship overseas. I had to use a VPN set to Japan to get the individual product pages to show up.

 

[Trail Images]

https://www.yodobashi.com/category/19055/34561/53219/

This Japanese camera store has Velvia and Provia large format in stock and they will ship overseas. I had to use a VPN set to Japan to get the individual product pages to show up.

Loccdor.....thank you for your help and suggested product link here.

 

[Taylor K Nankervis]

Returned on Saturday night from 2 weeks in Tokyo. Everything in Japan is mightily expensive now (especially if sushi isn't your 'bread-and-butter'!), and film in any size or flavour is the least of any expense to be worried about. Analogue photography is now approachingn the untouchable, price-wise.

Yodobashi isn't cheap or straightforward (it never has been) and they should be communicated with directly (and a heads-up that won't be easy or straightforward either!) regarding shipping to where and the costing — the end-cost could be absolutely astronomical, irrespective of what is published on their website. For example, Fujifilm is nudging close to $65 a single roll for 35mm Velvia 50 (Yen —> AUD exchange rates), even I took pause and turned away. RDPIII in 4x5/20 sheets I think is around $320 after exchange and freighting/insurance; the US situation may be slightly cheaper or more cost still, IDK.

I am not fully across the tariff situation in the US, but I think buying from Japan would incur something like 20-25% on top of the base cost?

Fujifilm is investing heavily in Instax — a gigantic money-spinner for them (the Japanese are patently crazy for Instax), but for E6/C41 film users ... bottom of the pile, and very likely at some time in the future, to be wiped out in terms of product offerings.

As an observation, Kodak's E100 in 4x5 form is available Downunder, though it is a very slow mover sales-wise due to the constant price-jacking (it went up in September in price and will go up again in March!). Fuji-san's 4x5 slim offerings are too often on long back-order. What "major revamp" of E100?? If anything, I would prefer to see more saturation from this film, although I do modulate that with a polariser; still, it is relatively anaemic and insipid against RVP and RDP.

 

[Trail Images]

Returned on Saturday night from 2 weeks in Tokyo. Everything in Japan is mightily expensive now (especially if sushi isn't your 'bread-and-butter'!), and film in any size or flavour is the least of any expense to be worried about. Analogue photography is now approachingn the untouchable, price-wise.

Yodobashi isn't cheap or straightforward (it never has been) and they should be communicated with directly (and a heads-up that won't be easy or straightforward either!) regarding shipping to where and the costing — the end-cost could be absolutely astronomical, irrespective of what is published on their website. For example, Fujifilm is nudging close to $65 a single roll for 35mm Velvia 50 (Yen —> AUD exchange rates), even I took pause and turned away. RDPIII in 4x5/20 sheets I think is around $320 after exchange and freighting/insurance; the US situation may be slightly cheaper or more cost still, IDK.

I am not fully across the tariff situation in the US, but I think buying from Japan would incur something like 20-25% on top of the base cost?

Fujifilm is investing heavily in Instax — a gigantic money-spinner for them (the Japanese are patently crazy for Instax), but for E6/C41 film users ... bottom of the pile, and very likely at some time in the future, to be wiped out in terms of product offerings.

As an observation, Kodak's E100 in 4x5 form is available Downunder, though it is a very slow mover sales-wise due to the constant price-jacking (it went up in September in price and will go up again in March!). Fuji-san's 4x5 slim offerings are too often on long back-order. What "major revamp" of E100?? If anything, I would prefer to see more saturation from this film, although I do modulate that with a polariser; still, it is relatively anaemic and insipid against RVP and RDP.

TKN, thank you for your update here.
Your very thorough outline here paints a picture that was becoming clearer by the month. As I stated in my lead in message, I've chased this transparency film issue for MANY years and worn down from it. Numerous years ago it was not only Quick Load loss but even Velvia 50 was a challenge to obtain. After buying on line from Japan directly that even became an issue with various shipping and customs issues off and on.
A few years back I gave up on Velvia 50-100 and Provia and moved to Ektachrome. Although as you stated, saturation was weaker, I found necessary PS and NIK changes to help increase the look to my liking. It was not easy after numerous years of using ONLY Velvia 50 in 35-120-4x5.
Not one to give up easy I'm in contact with B&H once again to see if they can pry an answer out of Kodak / Alaris, or whatever name they use now, to find out if they're just folding up their tent or if the "Temporarily Out Of Stock" on the B&H shelves is just that.

 

[Taylor K Nankervis]

few years back I gave up on Velvia 50-100 and Provia and moved to Ektachrome.

I use Ektachrome if I want the generally unpopular anaemic, insipid aka 'natural' look of forestry (rarely do I like it unless I bump up the saturation with a POL!). Velvia 50 / 100 is out of my financial reach now at $58/120 roll (1 roll!). Not by necessity, but sensibility: the price does not make any sense, especially when it is rising, globally, every 6 months, as opposed to supply falling (failing!) sooner. Going forward I am content to use my deep frozen stock of RVP50, RDPIII and Ektachrome for at least 12 months, then ... well, I guess it will be Sayonara, Anjin-san! when the last roll is in for processing.

 

[Trail Images]

I use Ektachrome if I want the generally unpopular anaemic, insipid aka 'natural' look of forestry (rarely do I like it unless I bump up the saturation with a POL!). Velvia 50 / 100 is out of my financial reach now at $58/120 roll (1 roll!). Not by necessity, but sensibility: the price does not make any sense, especially when it is rising, globally, every 6 months, as opposed to supply falling (failing!) sooner. Going forward I am content to use my deep frozen stock of RVP50, RDPIII and Ektachrome for at least 12 months, then ... well, I guess it will be Sayonara, Anjin-san! when the last roll is in for processing.

I still have a decent stock of 120-4x5. At this time I will pass on reading any articles listed as, "The Revival Of Analog Film Photography".
Almost impossible to find any truly "reliable manufacture updates" on those film products.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I still have a decent stock of 120-4x5. At this time I will pass on reading any articles listed as, "The Revival Of Analog Film".
Almost impossible to find any truly "reliable manufacture updates" on those film products.

Fuji are not really interested in promoting film, especially anything larger than 135 format.
They are very content with Instax, and of course with the film sim's built into their digi^h^h^h^h camera range

 

[ChrisGalway]

In the EU I find the only way to get 120 size Provia and Velvia is to either pre-order (where possible), or sign up to a "stock notification" list ... and wait and wait and wait (up to 1 year, and then be disappointed!), and then place the order within minutes of the notification. But that way I'm getting 4-6 boxes (of 5 x 120) a year, on average, just OK for my needs. The cost so far is €55-€70 a box, plus shipping, acceptable for me. (I recently declined a box at €90!).

What a farce!

 

[Trail Images]

Fuji are not really interested in promoting film, especially anything larger than 135 format.
They are very content with Instax, and of course with the film sim's built into their digi^h^h^h^h camera range

Although no high interest there at Fuji it appears they're still making it. My communications with B&H recently is on the point of it being a world wide issue and is Kodak now folding on the products too.
Many years ago in the original Velvia 50 shuffle I was able to buy 4x5 aplenty at B&H and ship it to a friend in Australia thru Fed Ex without any real problems at all. Seems like a minor problem compared to the present day issues. In more ways than just films.

 

[Trail Images]

In the EU I find the only way to get 120 size Provia and Velvia is to either pre-order (where possible), or sign up to a "stock notification" list ... and wait and wait and wait (up to 1 year, and then be disappointed!), and then place the order within minutes of the notification. But that way I'm getting 4-6 boxes (of 5 x 120) a year, on average, just OK for my needs. The cost so far is €55-€70 a box, plus shipping, acceptable for me. (I recently declined a box at €90!).

What a farce!

What's available presently in 120 I'm closing my eyes on the price at this point when ordering. But not sure at what point that will end. I was hoping to make one order after the new year for both 120-4x5 but that looks like a lost cause at this date.

 

[Franswa]

Heads up Provia 4x5 available at BH as of this post time stamp


Sorry…already sold out

 

[DREW WILEY]

I don't know why Kodak would "update" their present offering of E100. It's the endpoint of a long evolution of the Ektachrome line, and is and excellent middle of the road chrome product, and only a little bit "improved" over the previous E100G.

Having alternatives of a slightly different flavor would be nice; but it's hard to say how long the Fuji options will still be around. Their "middle of the road" offering, Provia sheet film, is unfortunately still on inferior dimensionally unstable acetate base, making it a headache if masking registration is needed. I've sure been through that stratum of Purgatory many times.

A lower contrast chrome sheet film like old time Ektachrome 64 would be a nice option; but it's not going to happen.

 

[Trail Images]

I don't know why Kodak would "update" their present offering of E100. It's the endpoint of a long evolution of the Ektachrome line, and is and excellent middle of the road chrome product, and only a little bit "improved" over the previous E100G.

Having alternatives of a slightly different flavor would be nice; but it's hard to say how long the Fuji options will still be around. Their "middle of the road" offering, Provia sheet film, is unfortunately still on inferior dimensionally unstable acetate base, making it a headache if masking registration is needed. I've sure been through that stratum of Purgatory many times.

A lower contrast chrome sheet film like old time Ektachrome 64 would be a nice option; but it's not going to happen.

Hi Drew, not sure I was clear, but it was that I heard the update to the E-100 was only some new mechanical processing thing and nothing to do with changes to the actual film itself. Anyway, I received a disappointing answer back from B&H sales. They said that they "doubted" Kodak would share with them "any" update on why the product was still in delay. B&H said their record showed their info was from clear back in September and not the November date I'd heard.
Regardless, if B&H says they "doubt" Kodak would share with them any update of product delivery, there is no way Kodak would share the update with us out here in the crowd.

 

[MattKing]

Hi Drew, not sure I was clear, but it was that I heard the update to the E-100 was only some new mechanical processing thing and nothing to do with changes to the actual film itself.

A slight paraphrase from an extremely reliable source - back in late 2018, in response to a question about when the "new" Ektachrome would be made available in 120 and sheet film versions, as well as the original 135:

"Your question about Ektachrome in other formats and speeds is an easy one. As you know, based on your past writings, that 120 film uses a different base than 135 film (thickness, etc.). It, and also sheet film, also require a pelloid layer coated on the back and a different under-coat layer to insure that the film remains flatter through various humidity conditions when the film is present in the camera. New layers mean new formulas so that the formula and how EK emulsion coat the 135 version can not be utilized as a drop-in for the other formats. As polyester base absorbs less water (moisture) from the emulsion, the coated effects on estar, and how the film dries are also different than 135. With the 135 version, two entire color layer structures (6 emulsion layers) required complete rebuilding because the present chemical companies that could supply EK had differences that were not there in the 1999-2012 version of E100G. Once EK knew a rebuild was necessary, actual improvements were “fit in” to make the film a wee bit sharper, have more stability in keeping, and for EK, improve cold store keeping of the emulsions. EK also adjusted the film’s sensitometric position so that the whites were whiter, and the colors more accurate. Coating additional layers and adjusting the layer structures for water & gel levels, and adjusting components to insure same sensitometry isn’t easy like some on Photrio might think."

 

[Trail Images]

A slight paraphrase from an extremely reliable source - back in late 2018, in response to a question about when the "new" Ektachrome would be made available in 120 and sheet film versions, as well as the original 135:

"Your question about Ektachrome in other formats and speeds is an easy one. As you know, based on your past writings, that 120 film uses a different base than 135 film (thickness, etc.). It, and also sheet film, also require a pelloid layer coated on the back and a different under-coat layer to insure that the film remains flatter through various humidity conditions when the film is present in the camera. New layers mean new formulas so that the formula and how EK emulsion coat the 135 version can not be utilized as a drop-in for the other formats. As polyester base absorbs less water (moisture) from the emulsion, the coated effects on estar, and how the film dries are also different than 135. With the 135 version, two entire color layer structures (6 emulsion layers) required complete rebuilding because the present chemical companies that could supply EK had differences that were not there in the 1999-2012 version of E100G. Once EK knew a rebuild was necessary, actual improvements were “fit in” to make the film a wee bit sharper, have more stability in keeping, and for EK, improve cold store keeping of the emulsions. EK also adjusted the film’s sensitometric position so that the whites were whiter, and the colors more accurate. Coating additional layers and adjusting the layer structures for water & gel levels, and adjusting components to insure same sensitometry isn’t easy like some on Photrio might think."

Matt, thank you for sharing this info from years back now. B&H does still has or is able to obtain 120 at this date. It's at least in stock. It is just the 4x5 that holds the mystery right now. Not sure why B&H cannot, as big as they are, obtain a projected date at this point from Kodak as the original projected September date is long past now.
Anyway, I still have some 4x5 and I'm able to use plenty of 120 at this time without worrying about the supply line.......so far.....fingers crossed.

 

[MattKing]

I don't know anything concrete about this ....
But it would not surprise me if this is one of many disruptions that may be happening because of the apparent shifting of the landscape that the appearance of what appears to be still film directly from Eastman Kodak.
If Kodak Alaris is losing their people, and Eastman Kodak has no appropriate distribution infrastructure available, it doesn't bode well for the more niche products.

 

[Trail Images]

I don't know anything concrete about this ....
But it would not surprise me if this is one of many disruptions that may be happening because of the apparent shifting of the landscape that the appearance of what appears to be still film directly from Eastman Kodak.
If Kodak Alaris is losing their people, and Eastman Kodak has no appropriate distribution infrastructure available, it doesn't bode well for the more niche products.

Matt, I sincerely hope it's only a hiccup caused by various issues at this point. However, I do not think your observations are over exaggerated either. Time will tell. Thank you for your input on this item.
Thankfully I have an excellent MF platform to continue on with, but was in hopes of using the 4x5 at times too. My shift from Velvia 50 to E-100 in post processing took a bit of time to obtain the look I like, but even that was well behind me after 3+ years now. That of course had nothing to do with the format size at all.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Matt, thank you for sharing this info from years back now. B&H does still has or is able to obtain 120 at this date. It's at least in stock. It is just the 4x5 that holds the mystery right now. Not sure why B&H cannot, as big as they are, obtain a projected date at this point from Kodak as the original projected September date is long past now.
Anyway, I still have some 4x5 and I'm able to use plenty of 120 at this time without worrying about the supply line.......so far.....fingers crossed.

B&H seems to have all Kodak films in 120 in stock.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/120-film/ci/39570?filters=fct_brand_name%3Akodak

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Ektachrome in 4x5 and 8x10 is out of stock.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Sheet-Film/ci/335/N/4093113314?filters=fct_brand_name%3Akodak

 

[DREW WILEY]

Temporary scarcity of sheet film options are probably an indicator of excess demand
which the limited coating lines of Kodak simply can't keep up with, rather than diminishing interest. The sheet film base has to be periodically coated in large volume, then cut down to its respective sizes for sale. Their coating lines also have to do other kinds of film, so they can't just do any type at any time they wish. Therefore, Ektachrome sheet film will always be a feast or famine scenario, especially with 8X10, 11X14, and 5X7, which now seem to be pooled order special cuts. But the same cycles are happening with their color neg sheet films too.

Affordability, increased mfg costs, tariff nonsense, etc. is a secondary but important issue. Cost-wise, 4X5 has become the new 8x10. Therefore, the firms which choose to stock significant amounts of sheet film have to buy it in large periodic quantities, not just a convenience box or two here and there, like a small camera shop might. That ties up quite a bit of capital. Such bulk purchases have to be done strategically, at the right time.

I spent decades as a professional buyer in different kinds of product lines than photographic, but where it was either buy smart and in well-timed volumes, or else risk going out of business over the long run. Places like B&H can't dabble in this or that;
they have to commit.

 

[Trail Images]

Temporary scarcity of sheet film options are probably an indicator of excess demand
which the limited coating lines of Kodak simply can't keep up with, rather than diminishing interest. The sheet film base has to be periodically coated in large volume, then cut down to its respective sizes for sale. Their coating lines also have to do other kinds of film, so they can't just do any type at any time they wish. Therefore, Ektachrome sheet film will always be a feast or famine scenario, especially with 8X10, 11X14, and 5X7, which now seem to be pooled order special cuts. But the same cycles are happening with their color neg sheet films too.

Affordability, increased mfg costs, tariff nonsense, etc. is a secondary but important issue. Cost-wise, 4X5 has become the new 8x10. Therefore, the firms which choose to stock significant amounts of sheet film have to buy it in large periodic quantities, not just a convenience box or two here and there, like a small camera shop might. That ties up quite a bit of capital. Such bulk purchases have to be done strategically, at the right time.

I spent decades as a professional buyer in different kinds of product lines than photographic, but where it was either buy smart and in well-timed volumes, or else risk going out of business over the long run. Places like B&H can't dabble in this or that;
they have to commit.

Drew, thank you for sharing this detailed perspective on the 4x5 and larger transparency scarcity. With that said, I'm feeling better about the issue at least on the short term at this point.

 

[Trail Images]

B&H seems to have all Kodak films in 120 in stock.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/120-film/ci/39570?filters=fct_brand_name%3Akodak

Hi Alan, you're correct. The E-100 in 120 is a solid option at this time for us using both MF & LF platforms. Just hoping the LF platform stuff returns soon. Take care !

 

[Franswa]

Velvia pro packs in stock at Freestyle as of this posting: https://www.freestylephoto.com/02303208-Fuji-Fujichrome-Velvia-50-ISO-120-Size-RVP-5-Pack

 

[ChrisGalway]

And a reasonable price too, in my opinion (it could be worse!)