View Full Version : Fuji Pro 800 Z is not dead
benjiboy
02-15-2010, 10:33 AM
I read today on on Fuji's Use Film Club site. that although they announced last September that Pro 800Z was to be discontinued, they have been surprised at the customer reaction World wide, and have decided to continue manufacturing it.
perkeleellinen
02-15-2010, 11:24 AM
It's currently priced very cheaply in the UK - cheaper than Superia 800, 400H and the 160 films. I think I like it more than Superia 800, it seems better on the skin and I like how 800Z and 400H are only 5cc magenta in difference when printing.
vitor
02-15-2010, 01:14 PM
Yes, they did announce later that they would continue to produce it.
I have bought some last month.
Chazzy
02-15-2010, 02:12 PM
How does it compare to Portra 800 in 120?
benjiboy
02-16-2010, 03:32 AM
800Z is more saturated Chazzy and more contrasty and has the fourth emulsion layer that improves it's performance in mixed lighting, whereas Kodak Portra 800 is softer in contrast, colour balance, and saturation that makes it particularly suitable for portraits in low lighting conditions. IMHO Fuji 800Z is much more suitable film for general purpose available light photography and capable of amazing results considering it's speed in low light.
Matt5791
02-16-2010, 05:19 PM
They are only continuing it in 135 - 120 has gone. Official from Fujifilm UK, because we tried to order some!
IloveTLRs
02-16-2010, 06:26 PM
It's always good news when a film escapes from the jaws of death :)
Maybe if everyone came to Japan and started buying Neopan 400 in 120 ...
2F/2F
02-16-2010, 06:35 PM
They are only continuing it in 135 - 120 has gone. Official from Fujifilm UK, because we tried to order some!
Well, fuck a duck! That was the only reason I used the film instead of Press 800!!!
benjiboy
02-16-2010, 07:09 PM
Well, fuck a duck! That was the only reason I used the film instead of Press 800!!!
After you with the duck.
Existing Light
02-16-2010, 07:37 PM
After you with the duck.
since when did the number of ducks drop so low that we have to share?
2F/2F
02-16-2010, 07:53 PM
Look, I don't care, ok...as long as I am first.
jvan01
02-16-2010, 08:53 PM
in my experience Portra 800 seems to have better underexposure latitude than 800z.
benjiboy
02-17-2010, 02:57 AM
since when did the number of ducks drop so low that we have to share? We don't have to share, it's just that in these days of bird flu at least I know where 2F/2/Fs duck has been. ;)
kraker
02-17-2010, 05:25 AM
They are only continuing it in 135 - 120 has gone. Official from Fujifilm UK, because we tried to order some!
Matt,
Could it be that that is "only" the case for the UK? Fujifilm.com still has 120 and even 220 listed, and I just received a five-pack of 120 from an order placed in Germany. Fujifilm USA still lists 35 mm, 120 and 220, and even Fuji in my country still lists these 3 confections (http://www.fujifilm.nl/fujifilm_com/126a7591c5017203fe7a526136e182b6.php?a=37d08b1de18 ee519745a9083f93dc4c1).
Matt5791
02-17-2010, 05:33 AM
Matt,
Could it be that that is "only" the case for the UK? Fujifilm.com still has 120 and even 220 listed, and I just received a five-pack of 120 from an order placed in Germany. Fujifilm USA still lists 35 mm, 120 and 220, and even Fuji in my country still lists these 3 confections (http://www.fujifilm.nl/fujifilm_com/126a7591c5017203fe7a526136e182b6.php?a=37d08b1de18 ee519745a9083f93dc4c1).
I'm not sure - but this is an excerpt from an email from the head of pro film at fujifilm UK (Yes they do have someone specifically in this role!)
Hi Matthew
Got your order. However there are some issues you should know about before it is processed...
Pro800Z 120 is discontinued.
Whether this means it is around in other parts of the world, I dont know, but I would think not.
They also tell me they have ceased production of 220 "Japan will not make any amount"
I will double check these issues though.
Matt
kraker
02-17-2010, 05:37 AM
Thanks for sharing that, Matt. I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Let us know if you receive more information (if you are at liberty to share).
perkeleellinen
02-17-2010, 07:36 AM
When 800Z was threatened with extinction last year I emailed Fuji UK to ask if this was global or not. The reply was that this was global, but of course Fuji later changed their minds. Any how, the email I got also said that Fuji UK would not risk ordering anymore of this film as they were worried it wouldn't sell:
My last order date for stock from Japan is mid Sept 2009 and
this stock would normally be due to arrive in the UK in Jan 2010. However,
I have no intention of ordering any more and taking the risk of it not
being purchased by UK wholesalers/dealers. We still have some stock left in
the UK and we will just run this out
Now, I wonder if they decided to risk ordering the 135 films but thought 120 was still too much of a risk.
I wish it was tungsten balance, or at least had a lower colour temp than other daylight films.
Matt5791
02-18-2010, 02:44 PM
When 800Z was threatened with extinction last year I emailed Fuji UK to ask if this was global or not. The reply was that this was global, but of course Fuji later changed their minds. Any how, the email I got also said that Fuji UK would not risk ordering anymore of this film as they were worried it wouldn't sell:
Now, I wonder if they decided to risk ordering the 135 films but thought 120 was still too much of a risk.
I'm going to phone and find out for certain.
Matt
Tom Kershaw
02-18-2010, 03:22 PM
The situation with these Fuji films seems even more confusing than with Kodak. Last Autumn the British Journal of Photography published news that Fuji 800Z would continue to be manufactured.