Interesting news about Fujicolor Pro

[John Shriver]

Not deeply surprised at Fuji's move. Kodak has spun one or two new generations of each of the Portra films in the last few years. All Fuji did in the same period was rename and repackage them. Not enough sales to sustain capital investments. So with all the improvements, Kodak must have gained market share.

I'll miss 800Z, it had a pleasant bit of punch for a fast film.

One surprise is that there isn't more carnage on the E-6 side. Maybe Fuji's market share is stronger there? There's nothing like Velvia 50 in Kodak's E-6 portfolio.

[Ektagraphic]

Just by reading around here I think Fuji has the largest E-6 market share. It seems like almost all the E-6 most people shoot is Fuji not Kodak.

[marylandphoto]

Just by reading around here I think Fuji has the largest E-6 market share. It seems like almost all the E-6 most people shoot is Fuji not Kodak.

Kodak's E6 lineup just doesn't do it for me anymore. I was a big user of the "original" E6 films---EPN, EPR, EPP, EPY, etc., along with Velvia (I never was a fan of E100VS).

With those gone, I have the choice of E100G vs. Provia/Astia, E100VS vs. Velvia, and (roughly speaking) E200 vs. Provia 400x. In each case, the Fuji films are a bit cheaper, and I tend to get more consistent results with them. With the risk of being speculative, E200 seems to be hanging by a thread; I can barely find it anywhere, and it's only available in 35mm. This is not to trash the Kodak films at all, merely stating that I've moved from shooting mostly Kodak, to shooting mostly Fuji.

[Voneville]

I needed some color film in 120 for a shoot on short notice and I had to pay out the nose for it. I paid 18 dollars for 1 roll of Kodak Ektacolor 100g and 1 roll of Porta 160nc. I almost cried. I bought it locally and supported one of the last chain stores (a small local one) in my area that still carries pro film, so I didn't mind as much as if I had to spend that kind of money at say Walmart, but it was still painful and I don't think I can afford to buy anymore film from them. I actually went in to get Velvia 50 and Reala, but they didn't have any of either, so Kodak got my business.

I'm a huge fan of Neopan 400 and will be sad when I can no longer find it. I also really like Acros 100, so hopefully that will be around for a while.

[Tim Gray]

I bought it locally and supported one of the last chain stores (a small local one) in my area that still carries pro film, so I didn't mind as much as if I had to spend that kind of money at say Walmart, but it was still painful and I don't think I can afford to buy anymore film from them.

I gave up trying to buy locally. Unless they actually have good prices. I bought some Portra one time at like $10/roll, and I noticed after the fact that it was the old version. I just order online. I'd rather buy two rolls for the price of one - more film being used anyway.

[Ektagraphic]

Local is convenient but never the best film price.

[Tim Gray]

It's not even particularly convenient. I have to drive about 25 mins to get to a store that has a decent selection of film.

[Tim Gray]

More news: link.

Sounds like Neopan 120 was cut because of environmental concerns. 160S is getting rebranded as 160NS with no emulsion changes. No mention of 800Z or some of the other products Scott mentioned. Reala in 35mm was mentioned though. Looks like a legitimate story, but who knows.

[pellicle]

Hi

on another forum (hybrid photo) there is a thread suggesting that Fuji has dropped essentially their C-41 films (in particular 4x5)

I can't see anything on their web site, anyone the wiser?

[David A. Goldfarb]

Threads merged.