where to get 4x5 colour negative and slide in Australia (keeping my arms and legs)

[pellicle]

Hi

fellow aussies, it seems that some stores are charging $65 for a box of 10 sheets of Provia and even getting neg such as Pro 160 is hard (then there is developing)

where are you guys getting your stuff from

 

[nickandre]

heavens to betsy. I buy from B&H.

 

[pellicle]

Hi

heavens to betsy. I buy from B&H.

so you live in Australia and buy from B&H and have it shipped to Australia? Last time I asked for even a pack of 25 sheets of negative holders it was US$38 just for them.

I just checked and found that for 10 sheets of 4x5 its US$60 (only $19 for the film). Thats AU$92

I think I said something more concise than heavens to betsy ;-)

Right now I'm in Finland but I'm thinking I'll be home in a few months, so where to get the film then?

 

[nickandre]

Heavens to betsy was a response to the outrageous price as the link was to 8x10 film that was just $15 more. You could make 40 sheets of 4x5 from that with a large paper cutter. :-D

I live in the US, but I figured they would ship internationally. I guess if the shipping was that much it would be prohibitive. I've found that when visiting camera shops you pay a premium of 100% or more for film.

 

[wogster]

heavens to betsy. I buy from B&H.

Lots of stuff is cheap in the US, but anywhere from expensive to outrageous in other parts of the world. Ordering from the US has it's own set of problems, first customs can hold whatever they want, for as long as they want. Storage at a customs facility is a crap shoot at best, if it's film and your lucky it will end up in a cold warehouse, if your not it will get cooked on top of a radiator for 2 months, until the customs agent figures out that it is in fact photographic film by X-raying it:confused:. Now add on brokerage fees, which themselves can range from reasonable to completely insane - I once got dinged $50 in brokerage fees on a $5 item. Shipping fees can also be very high, now add on customs fees and taxes and it's not uncommon to end up spending $100 on a $5 roll of film by the time it arrives at your door. Taxes in many countries are added not on the initial cost, but on the brokerage, shipping and customs fees as well.

So yeah, you order it for $50 from B&H, it's $200 by the time you get it, the box looks like it just spent 3 months in Kandahar, which makes sense since they shipped it 4 months ago, and you needed it 2 weeks after you ordered it.:rolleyes:

 

[bnstein]

Ive ordered B&W from B&H and others before with success: you want a reasonable order to make the shipping not so ouch, but not too big to make customs sit up and notice: say about $200-300 max. If worried about how long it takes you can get it via fedex or similar (more ouch), but now everything from the us has to go by airmail things come fairly quick.
Personally for B&W neg film I'm buying Shanghai off ebay and souping it in pyrocat. Its an "old technology" film, but Im very satisfied using it in 4x5 and 5x7. My last order for 100 sheets of 5x7 was about A$150 all up.

 

[Michael W]

Back to answering the question ...
Pellicle, it can be tricky buying 4x5 in Australia. One good option is to check the Sydney guy who sells on ebay as cheapshots. He's bringing the film in from somewhere & selling it cheaper than local retailers. When I researched a few months back I think his prices were around 70% of retail. Things may have changed with the currency moves.
Also sometimes you have to use a film that you weren't planning to. Someone mentioned Shanghai which I think is pretty cheap off ebay. Recently I wanted some Tri-X in 45 but ended up buying HP5 as it was significantly cheaper. It's still good film. I bought it from Vanbar who are always worth checking.

For Fuji stuff you should have a look at Japan Exposures, previously megaperls. His postage has always been more reasonable than B&H & it can be economic to buy small amounts. The AUD/yen has driven prices up recently of course but might still be better than local.

 

[pellicle]

Goldie

thanks mate

Back to answering the question ...
check the Sydney guy who sells on ebay as cheapshots. He's bringing the

sounds like a hot tip, but strangely I see that (if its the same fella) he has so far got 0 feedback items

even toolhaus is listing the same
so just checkin, is that the same fella?

Also sometimes you have to use a film that you weren't planning to....

definately. I'm planning to buy and bring back a few boxes of ADOX CHS with me as its nice stuff (I've been getting it from Germany).

For Fuji stuff you should have a look at Japan Exposures, previously
megaperls.

thanks for that one too! I'd been wondering where he went to and I couldn't remember the name. I notice that comparing his prices he's significantly over YODOBASHI in prices. For example Fuji Pro 160NC is ¥3,718 from him or ￥2,860 from Yodobashi. Service charge I guess ... shyoganai ne?

When I was working in Japan it seemed so much better buying LF film (2700 yen = 27 japanese bucks in my thinking) but despite all the 'howling' that the japanese economy is in recession I don't see our dollar doing well

Dead Link Removed

anyway ... thanks for the great pointers

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Suppliers of 4x5 in Melbourne:

CPL St. Kilda (BTW, B&W printing there is done by a Finnish Master Printer, and he's marvellous!)

Prism Colour, North Melbourne www.prismcolor.com.au)
VanBar, Carlton (www.vanbar.com.au; website doesn't show what film is actually in the shop fridge, so ring them and get update).

E6 processing at all 3 stores is pro-speed i.e. 2-4 hours. Probably agreeable to overseas orders, but the postage will cost you, and Customs will diddle and dawdle at both ends, as they are wont to do...

Sydney:
Could try VisionGraphics. They make the odd comment on their website of "due to uncertainty with film supplies..." and specify COD for all film purchases. Umma gumma.... .... ...

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Lots of stuff is cheap in the US, but anywhere from expensive to outrageous in other parts of the world. Ordering from the US has it's own set of problems, first customs can hold whatever they want, for as long as they want. Storage at a customs facility is a crap shoot at best, if it's film and your lucky it will end up in a cold warehouse, if your not it will get cooked on top of a radiator for 2 months, until the customs agent figures out that it is in fact photographic film by X-raying it:confused:. Now add on brokerage fees, which themselves can range from reasonable to completely insane - I once got dinged $50 in brokerage fees on a $5 item. Shipping fees can also be very high, now add on customs fees and taxes and it's not uncommon to end up spending $100 on a $5 roll of film by the time it arrives at your door. Taxes in many countries are added not on the initial cost, but on the brokerage, shipping and customs fees as well.

So yeah, you order it for $50 from B&H, it's $200 by the time you get it, the box looks like it just spent 3 months in Kandahar, which makes sense since they shipped it 4 months ago, and you needed it 2 weeks after you ordered it.:rolleyes:

I think ordering from the US is self-defeating and potentially very, very expensive, US air postage often costing twice/three times as much as the goods. Customs here would indeed impose GST if the order is over AUD$50.00, and the film would be subject to RapidScan security XRay (a much more hazardous form of security screening now being deployed here and very invasive, too, in terms of what it can show on humans! )

I wouldn't buy film from eBay; not unless the seller is reputable, and that means not one with zero feedback.

 

[Mick Fagan]

If you live in Australia, you are able to use one of the most generous tax systems for importing small value amounts of goods.

I purchase my B&W 4x5 film from Badger in the USA, it takes about 1½ weeks to get here.

Generally I purchase two by 100 sheet boxes of Ilford FP4+ or HP5+ at a time. With the freight and insurance costs all added, the total bill for the product is approximately 52% of the standard price in Australia.

The film has always come straight to my front door, as I have to sign for it.

I have bought film from Megaperls (Japan Exposures now) a few times and have been extremely happy with his cheapest delivery method. Time taken from Japan is usually about 2½ to 3 weeks.

Film prices in Australia are quite high, that is just the way it is.

There is no duty or GST payable, on goods that cost less than $1,000.00 AUD landed price for private consumption.

Mick.

 

[pellicle]

...and the film would be subject to RapidScan security XRay (a much more hazardous form of security screening now being deployed here and very invasive, too, in terms of what it can show on humans! )

its amazing the libertys we are having stripped away perhaps because of fragmented response, perhaps due to ignorance of the public. Airport travelers are hassled (been through Heathrow lately?) while containers carry the real worrying stuff.

sigh

 

[pellicle]

Mick

Generally I purchase two by 100 sheet boxes of Ilford FP4+ or HP5+ at a time. With the freight and insurance costs all added, the total bill for the product is approximately 52% of the standard price in Australia.

...

I have bought film from Megaperls (Japan Exposures now) a few times and have been extremely happy with his cheapest delivery method. Time taken from Japan is usually about 2½ to 3 weeks.

I wonder it that's changing? I started last night by checking with Photocontinental (I'm from Brisbane) and it was AUD$65 a box of 10 sheets of provia. The price from Japan exposures is 3861 yen, which is AUD$63 ... without postage.

Perhaps this signifies that its going to go up soon

 

[pellicle]

Hi

CPL St. Kilda (BTW, B&W printing there is done by a Finnish Master Printer, and he's marvellous!)

Prism Colour, North Melbourne www.prismcolor.com.au)
VanBar, Carlton (www.vanbar.com.au; website doesn't show what film is actually in the shop fridge, so ring them and get update).
...
Could try VisionGraphics. They make the odd comment on their

thanks for that list ... noted

nice list of gear BTW ... I recently sold my TS-E system as I don't have full frame digital and have been using 4x5 for images where I was using the TS-E's ... however if film is going to be *such* a pain in the proverbial I might have to seriously consider one and getting my TS-E lenses back :-(

I'm thinking I'll have to seriously consider a 6x12 roll film back system for my 4x5 at the very least

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Hi



thanks for that list ... noted

nice list of gear BTW ... I recently sold my TS-E system as I don't have full frame digital and have been using 4x5 for images where I was using the TS-E's ... however if film is going to be *such* a pain in the proverbial I might have to seriously consider one and getting my TS-E lenses back :-(

I'm thinking I'll have to seriously consider a 6x12 roll film back system for my 4x5 at the very least

Elsewhere on this forum I've touched on the reasons why I am hesitant to move up to large format. One reason being I can achieve such good effect with TS-E lenses in the small format, rather than the somewhat extreme movements and DoF common to LF. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also think LF would be a pain in the proverbial, weight-wise.

The second is that I am very unsure for how long sheet film will be available, however readily so as I have posted above (BTW, I do not know why Mick is importing from the US when the film is available here...). If sheet film becomes scarce, "what becomes of the broken hearted"? Do they, as so often is ruminated, move on to digital, with all its inherent serial obsolescence, shortcomings and artifice?? Will the large format brigade trust to digital what their own skill and lack of automation has entrusted to film?

I used TS-E for years on my not-100%-coverage EOS 5 without problem. TS-E lenses, like Nikon's too, are marvellous for what they can achieve (without modification of the planes) i.e. I 'swing' waterfalls around if they are not "looking directly at me"! And how time mellows prices: I bought the 24L for $5,300 in 1997 (at a time when we in Australia had 22% sales tax). All three TS-E optics now cost $1300 new and only a little less second hand (!).

I recently saw a strange gadget on eBay called a "polaroid back" for 35mm cameras! It seems to be robust in construction and replaces the back of film cameras so you can load in B&W polaroid (?) film. Most educational. I use my little digi to achieve much the same 'scene evaluation'...

Anyway boys, time I got some grub for dinna, so it's off to the supermarket I go...I'm famished from clacking away at the keyboard...

 

[pellicle]

Hi

ouh ... this is getting dangerously close to getting my butt kicked ... but

Elsewhere on this forum I've touched on the reasons why I am hesitant to move up to large format. One reason being I can achieve such good effect with TS-E lenses in the small format, rather than the somewhat extreme movements and DoF common to LF.

as a user of TS-E lenses and 4x5 cameras for some years I would agree with that to a large extent. More so when you consider the lessened effects of DoF present in LF

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also think LF would be a pain in the proverbial, weight-wise.

well my 4x5 weighs about 1.4kg ... so its not really a killer. I find more the issue is taking more than 10 sheets into the field (when doing say a 4 day hike). My camera is Dead Link Removed one

The second is that I am very unsure for how long sheet film will be
available

probably longer in places where there is demand, but developing and other
support processes will also hurt. I'm in the strange situation in Finland
where I can get C-41 developed for 2.5 euro but can't buy it easilly.

Will the large format brigade trust to digital what their own skill and lack of automation has entrusted
to film?

well perhaps not ... but I've been finding that without major investment, in drum scanning that nothing much on my film scans matches what I can capture with a 5D

I used TS-E for years on my not-100%-coverage EOS 5 without problem.

that's the viewfinder ... the film exposure area though is 100% coverage of the 36x24mm ... or in digital terms full frame

TS-E lenses, like Nikon's too, are marvellous for what they can achieve
(without modification of the planes)

but they do alter the planes ... the front plane is being moved when
tilting. I use back tilt more on larger format when taking landscapes. I did not ever see the 'looming' effect created by front tilts one would suspect should happen when using TS-E lenses ... perhaps it needs to be more in closeup to see this effect?

And how time mellows prices: I bought the 24L for $5,300 in 1997 (at a time when we in Australia had 22% sales tax). All three TS-E optics now cost $1300 new and only a little less second hand (!).

I know ... I bought mine something like 1994 ... I bought it from the USA because I didn't like the charges in Australia ... but still .

I recently saw a strange gadget on eBay called a "polaroid back" for 35mm
cameras! It seems to be robust in construction and replaces the back of
film cameras so you can load in B&W polaroid (?) film. Most educational.
I use my little digi to achieve much the same 'scene evaluation'...

of course ... preview was often required (despite the insistence from some)

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

---Quote (Originally by Poisson Du Jour)---
TS-E lenses, like Nikon's too, are marvellous for what they can achieve
(without modification of the planes)
---End Quote---

but they do alter the planes ... the front plane is being moved when
tilting. I use back tilt more on larger format when taking landscapes. I did not ever see the 'looming' effect created by front tilts one would suspect should happen when using TS-E lenses ... perhaps it needs to be more in closeup to see this effect?

In saying "modification of the planes" I meant to the mechanical change of alignment of the tilt/shift mechanisms that is sometimes asked for by users of TS-E lenses whereby the tilt and shift mechanisms are reconfigured to move on the same plane, rather than opposites: a technique that can reduce (but not eliminate entirely) the 'looming' you refer to. This change would introduce a bit more versatility (like LF), but in doing so vignetting becomes more profound (rather than very minor or non-existent in stock TS-E lenses) and also the control knobs clash — that is to say, they are all next to each other which can be quite confusing in low light. I don't know anybody who has had this TS-E modification done. My instruction books note the change can be done and reiterate the "pitfalls" I have noted here.

And here's a quck perve at the LF I am "considering" (like creating a photo, I take "forever" to consider something to the point of commitment or tripping the shutter!!).

 

[gunzel]

I've also been importing directly from the US, mostly from B&H. If you can get your order total up toward the magic $1000 limit to avoid GST the shipping costs can become quite reasonable. I've also imported a fair amount of expired film purchased off eBay quite successfully, generally the postage costs are fairly reasonable, but it pays to sort them out before bidding.

I have also dealt with Japan Exposures (megaperls) and I am very happy with their service. I suspect the reason the prices at the moment are so similar to Japan is that the film already in Australia was bought during the period of the high dollar, when it runs out it will probably go up, Vanbar are listing 10 sheets of Provia for $83 currently.

 

[SamWeiss]

And here's a quck perve at the LF I am "considering" (like creating a photo, I take "forever" to consider something to the point of commitment or tripping the shutter!!).

It is quite common, I believe, to ponder LF camera gear purchases for lengthy periods... everything is slower with LF, is it not?

Hopefully you won't be buying that Toyo CX new. There are so many used 4x5 cameras on the market that you can get a better model (used) for less than half the price of a new CX. Indeed, on eBay I notice that Toyo CX are hard to sell an are almost thrown in for free with a lens!

 

[pellicle]

Hi

In saying "modification of the planes" I meant to the mechanical change of alignment of the tilt/shift mechanisms that is sometimes asked for by users of TS-E lenses whereby the tilt and shift mechanisms are reconfigured to move

Oh .. you mean so you can tilt and shift in the same direction. Personally I never found that an issue.

I'm not someone who has only used one system here (LF or TS-E), I've until quite recently had both.

And here's a quck perve at the LF I am "considering" (like creating a photo, I take "forever" to consider something to the point of commitment or tripping the shutter!!).

nice bit of gear. Personally I prefer the axis tilts and find that for many subjects base tilts are a pain to work with (simple landscape is not difficult but products can be annoying).

If backpacking is your thing then I'd suggest a close look at the Toho of mine, I have tracked a few on ebay USA and they turn up from time to time. If I had my time again I might seriously consider the chamonix.

Still ... if you don't mind the aspect ratio I think that it'll be hard to beat a 120 roll film adaptor and 6x12 negative

 

[SamWeiss]

BTW, I don't fear for the existence of sheet film, at least anytime soon. As long as 35mm is made, sheet film will be made. What is likely to go soon is roll film in 220 format, then eventually 120. And of course, with LF you can always make your own "film" much easier than one can make their own roll film!

 

[Michael W]

sounds like a hot tip, but strangely I see that (if its the same fella) he has so far got 0 feedback items

even toolhaus is listing the same
so just checkin, is that the same fella?

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/cheap_shots_au
I meant this guy

From his current auctions
Velvia 50 exp Apr 09 $57.75 starting bid $66.50 buy it now
Astia exp Oct 09 $49.75 starting bid $57.50 buy it now

$5.00 postage if you pay by direct deposit

When I've bought from him I've made myself first bidder & hoped that no one would bid against me. Been lucky so far so I got stuff at the starting price. If he doesn't list what you want you can ask him & he'll get it in. You can also buy direct from him if you don't want to bother with ebay all the time. At least you can use those prices as a benchmark.

thanks for that one too! I'd been wondering where he went to and I couldn't remember the name. I notice that comparing his prices he's significantly over YODOBASHI in prices. For example Fuji Pro 160NC is ¥3,718 from him or ￥2,860 from Yodobashi. Service charge I guess ... shyoganai ne?

My guess is that he probably buys from somewhere like Yodabashi & on sells it. I was under the impression that he had a corporate job & this was a side line due to his interest in photography.

 

[pellicle]

Goldie

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/cheap_shots_au
I meant this guy

From his current auctions
Velvia 50 exp Apr 09 $57.75 starting bid $66.50 buy it now
Astia exp Oct 09 $49.75 starting bid $57.50 buy it now

bewdy, yer bloods worth bottlin mate!

 

[pellicle]

Hi

Elsewhere on this forum I've touched on the reasons why I am hesitant to move up to large format.

I should probably ferret that out and reply there ... but since I'm so lazy I thought I'd put this comparison to you.

If you buy a $4000 PC how long do you anticipate it to be useful or even worth that? I mean in 2000 I thought that 64Meg of ram was heaps and my P-II 266 cpu did most everything I needed ... in some ways depending on what I am doing it still does. BUT will it be worth that now?

nope

so, if the LF camera does what you would like it to then just get it. Unlike PC's they are adaptable creatures and I can (am about to) put a 120 roll back or even a scanning back onto one for not a major system change.

Granted a 1D Mk3 will perhaps be closer than many will be willing to admit to, it still costs eight (8) grand (quiet moment of respect for those with such cash).

At the risk of seeming to teeter with the systems if you look at my comparison on this page you might get some useful impressions on what the advantages may be. Please note that the scanner is an epson 4870 (meaning that better results can be had from the film than I'm getting).

As it happens I also took images with the 50mm on the 10D, this puts it on quite similar reference terms to a 5D or 1D Mk2. It nearly equals the resolution but fails to match the tonal quality of negative. Now, if I was using a full frame camera (like a 5D or better) and I put a 50mm lens on I would need to stitch together about 4 frames or so to equal the capture of the 4x5. This is do-able but brings with it issues such as subject movement which can not always tolerate such techniques.

this is why I'm still fishing around for film

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Maaaaate! You don't think my PC cost $4,000? Only $600 and it's a Pentium 4! Sorted. I'll get a wide screen and an illuminated keyboard shortly when my penthouse (lower basement...) is complete.

The adaptability of 6x4.5 hasn't escaped me with its acceptance of virtually any back. As for the EOS, that 1D Mk III was dangling around a local tabloid photographer's neck yesterday during a shoot out of transplant people (myself included), and it was an humungous beast to behold. A small-handed person, I found it a struggle, though undeniably familiar to a long-time EOS user. NO way I'd get anything that big just to make a few images!!

The contemplative nature of 6x4.5 also appeals to me i.e. it means there is no spontaneity in that big format like 35mm. I don't care. I'm pretty darned slow as it is, not wishing to waste any opportunity. Want to have a look around the store where I am speculatively eyeballing the 'big 6s'. Also second hand. No shortage of such outlets here in Oz.

Time for a swim at the beach. Be seein' ya!