CyberGraphics now represents Ilford in the Japanese market

[firecracker]

Or it's just that its official distributor Chugai in Japan is quiting the deal.

For those who live in Japan and use Ilford products, see the latest newsletter (in Japanese):

http://www.chugai-photo.co.jp/cgi-lo...pe=body&id=282

What it says is that Chugai is ending the service; as all the remaining stock goes out, that will be it. It doesn't say how soon or anything, but maybe it's good for at least a few months, I'm guessing.

[arigram]

I guess they might be dividing the world between Ilford and Fujifilm:
"You good chaps take the East and we will take the West. Cheerio!"

[argus]

Or it's just that its official distributor Chugai in Japan is quiting the deal.

For those who live in Japan and use Ilford products, see the latest newsletter (in Japanese):

http://www.chugai-photo.co.jp/cgi-lo...pe=body&id=282

What it says is that Chugai is ending the service; as all the remaining stock goes out, that will be it. It doesn't say how soon or anything, but maybe it's good for at least a few months, I'm guessing.

Chances are that there will be a new distributor for Japan. I bet Simon will tune in on this thread soon.

G

[Alex Bishop-Thorpe]

I was ratting through the Ilford paper catalogue recently, and there are a fair few sizes listed as "Japan Only', so this is surprising. I suppose you can still buy from across the pacific though.

[firecracker]

I checked Ilford/Herman Technology's site, but there's no mention about this. So, the only source of the information has been from Chugai at this point, at least to me.

What I don't understand is, why there was no advanced notice from either side to their customers.

In the newsletter, which I posted above, Chugai says briefly, their cancellation is due to the fact Herman Tech wanted Chugai to carry Herman Tech' own brand digital products (inkjet) alongside with Ilford darkroom supplies, but since Chugai had been "committed" to selling Ilford brand digital products (inkjet), Chugai had to decide to withdraw from carrying Ilford darkroom supplies and stick with the Ilford digital stuff only.

Well, I'll wait to find out what is really happening.

[coriana6jp]

I checked Ilford/Herman Technology's site, but there's no mention about this. So, the only source of the information has been from Chugai at this point, at least to me.

What I don't understand is, why there was no advanced notice from either side to their customers.

In the newsletter, which I posted above, Chugai says briefly, their cancellation is due to the fact Herman Tech wanted Chugai to carry Herman Tech' own brand digital products (inkjet) alongside with Ilford darkroom supplies, but since Chugai had been "committed" to selling Ilford brand digital products (inkjet), Chugai had to decide to withdraw from carrying Ilford darkroom supplies and stick with the Ilford digital stuff only.

Well, I'll wait to find out what is really happening.

Hi Firecracker!

Thanks for posting this. This just stinks, I use mostly Ilford film and now it will have to be all done by mail order. I have had nothing but bad luck with Chugai, they have never been responsive to any question or request that I have had. I hope Ilford is able to find a new dealer here, I would hate to lose them.

Gary

[PHOTOTONE]

Oh come on. Harmon will surely set up a new distribution deal with someone else. It is just the current distributor that is dropping Harmon products.

[firecracker]

Oh come on. Harmon will surely set up a new distribution deal with someone else. It is just the current distributor that is dropping Harmon products.

Without any advanced notice. That's great. The strange thing is that's what Chugai is saying of Herman Tech, so Chugai had to drop the deal.

Meanwhile, just about a month ago, there's an Ilford product recall announced by Chugai. It was the fogging problem on the paper. So, in the middle of doing this, Chugai drops out and Herman Tech isn't saying anything about their stuff.

That's a bit too much for me. And I'm right now holding off the next purchase of Ilford photo chemicals...

[IloveTLRs]

I can't say I'm surprised. ¥550 for a roll of film when Kodak & Fuji are both ¥300. With the amount of film I shoot, it makes a difference. Ilford could try to be a little bit more competitive when it comes to pricing.

[Ian Grant]

One major problem when outside most of Europe or North America is your dependant on the importer/distributor, they set the prices and they don't always stock / import the full range of Ilford products.

If the prices are that much higher than equivalent Fuji/Kodak products then there's something wrong, probably with the distributor. Maybe you'll get a new distributor in the near future.

Ian