It would be very strange if Alaris found improved efficiencies in handling Tri-X 135 boxes only. What's so different in moving TMax 135 boxes from A to B?
There's a much more sensible explanation for the price drop. It simply didn't sell well enough at previous price point and they need to move a bit faster now or they will face a problem with expiry dates.
Hmmm, I used to shoot 400TX years ago, but switched to HP5. This price reduction, won't make me buy any, it still is more expensive and frankly don't see the point in buying any. The same would apply for TMax 100, where I'm fine using Delta 100, if and when a reduction would take place. If there's one film I would be tempted to buy if the price was reduced, it would be TMax 400. But truth be told, I haven't shot any Delta 400, so I can't have an opinion...
I switched to Delta 400 a few years ago, when Tmax 400 became too costly. I wouldn't switch back - I find Delta 400 to be exceptionally good for what I do.
I switched to Delta 400 a few years ago, when Tmax 400 became too costly. I wouldn't switch back - I find Delta 400 to be exceptionally good for what I do.
Perhaps the relative sales volumes of the different emulsions play a role.
I expect that Tri-X still outsells T-Max 100 by a huge margin, and I'd expect it outsells T-Max 400 by a large margin as well.
And all of them are outsold by the amateur colour films by an immense margin.
Those of us who use black and white film reside in this tiny, specialized niche in the distant corner of the photographic universe.
There is a synergy between marketing, demand, efficiencies and distribution choices. And marketing and distribution to the corners of the globe costs as much or more as making the film in the first place.