Viability of Stockpiling B&W Film with Recent Ilford News in Mind

Andre Noble said:

Ilford makes some tremendous quality black and white film. But Their future of continuing same is unknown with their recent sale.

I just wanted to share with people that recently I shot and developed 50 year old roll Kodak Plus X film that I found in a hot Tijuana Camera store. To the casual eye you would not know it was 50 year old film stored outside a freezer.

If you love film like I do, just realize that stockpiling ASA 100 and 125 Ilford Film is a legitimate option if you have the resources and commitment.

But I think there will always be some company making quality B&W film... In the N. California wild fires going on now where people have minutes to evacuate their homes - they are grabbing the pets and family photos.

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I will make due with whatever is available at the time;stockpiling just kills the companies that are making film at the time because folks use their stockpile and don't buy new;That's enough to stop any company from developing new product.

RalphLambrecht said:

...stockpiling just kills the companies that are making film at the time because folks use their stockpile and don't buy new;That's enough to stop any company from developing new product.

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Interesting speculation, but since when (and why) would most companies (or people) prefer deferred income vs. immediate income? I would prefer immediate income.

In my book it's perfectly viable to stockpile film. I bought a freezer just for the purpose. As far as stocking it, I'm more of the slow and steady type. Yes the recent sale of Harmon Technology has prompted me to step up the pace a little. My problem with waiting till a product is discontinued is that I won't necessarily have the funds for a large purchase. Also with some formats stockpiling is the only options since they are only available by special order once a year.

Roger

RalphLambrecht said:

I will make due with whatever is available at the time;stockpiling just kills the companies that are making film at the time because folks use their stockpile and don't buy new;That's enough to stop any company from developing new product.

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If I am stockpiling films that are being discontinued how does that hurt the manufacturer? I only keep a small supply of five to ten rolls of current film so that I will have enough for a quick vacation or a sudden shooting opportunity.

I just don't see what the big deal is.

Stockpile your films of choice to the tune of 2-5 years worth and then replenish and rotate once or twice a year as you use it up.

This seems entirely logical to me in terms of making sure you don't get caught off guard with not enough film for a big project that is short notice, a product being discontinued or a major price increase that can often deplete stocks before the price takes effect.

This is exactly how I do it and in no way will it affect the profit and sales reports of said film makers. There is simply no reason to not do this in my opinion, I have lots of great films that are no longer made and stock of current films purchased at 20-40% lower than what they are priced at now, that lowers my overall cost profile and makes it much easier to stomach the higher prices on films like TMY2 in 4x5, Acros 100 and some Ilford films.

Anyone who thinks this is a bad idea is making that opinion based on not knowing how to do it correctly.

Yawn
I've still got ilford cine from pre the bankrupsy.

jnanian said:

yeah, really ...

here's a book on it: http://www.blurb.com/b/6465389-the-light-farm
and a website: http://thelightfarm.com

did it when i was in college ( around 30 years ago )
no internet, no help, no worries ..
from a recipie i found in an old
photography annual from 1904 ...
in my kitchen in the middle of the night
its really not as hard or time consuming as you think, and is actually pretty easy
depending on how sophisticated you want the emulsion to be ...

if you can bake a loaf of bread, or a cake, or mayonnaise or salad dressing
or mix stock chemicals to make a developer ...
or classic cyanotype chemistry you can probably make emulsion ...
===

sorry denise, i forgot FILM !

and congratulations on your new book !!!

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I'll definitely have to pick up that book at some point, looks like a great read!

I hoarded HP5 sheet film back in 2005. I won't be doing that again. I am wiser now. I do wish I hoarded 4x5 Kodak IR, though. My one big regret.

I hoarded Adox CHS 25 ( same as Efke 25 ) when it was announced the factory had closed. I bought boxes of 4x5 film, but later realized that I really need 5x7 film for my application, and the 4x5 is awkward and difficult to use for me. So the boxes still sit in my freezer. I think it can be a little difficult to know what we'll want years from now....

NedL said:

I hoarded Adox CHS 25 ( same as Efke 25 ) when it was announced the factory had closed. I bought boxes of 4x5 film, but later realized that I really need 5x7 film for my application, and the 4x5 is awkward and difficult to use for me. So the boxes still sit in my freezer. I think it can be a little difficult to know what we'll want years from now....

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Just send it to me. Maybe I will become motivated to shoot ISO 25.

The closest I've come to hoarding is twenty some odd rolls of 35mm Provia 400X. At the prices I paid for it I could have bought a lot more black and white. I'd have bought and frozen a hundred rolls if I could have afforded it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and 100% recycled electrons - because I care.

Viability of Stockpiling B&W Film with Recent Ilford News in Mind

NedL said:

I hoarded Adox CHS 25 ( same as Efke 25 ) when it was announced the factory had closed.

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Me too. And some of the CHS 100 as well, both in 120. Bought about 30-40 rolls of each. Thrilled I did. Freestyle was out of stock very soon after my order never to carry either again. Happily working my way through them.


Fern Grove Golden Gate Park, Rolleiwide, AdoxCHS25(Efke25) in Rodinal