Velvia50 - organizing a group buy for USA (possibly Canada)

[StoneNYC]

So I just got back 10 of the last 20 sheets of Velvia50 I've got stocked and lamenting about not having any more and having to switch to Velvia100. It's not bad but it's not the same either.

It occurred to me that between us there must be at least one LF guy living in japan who's trustworthy enough and savvy enough to find the best price on a group buy of 4x5 (possibly 8x10 too I suppose if it exists, I don't shoot 8x10 so I haven't looked into it) and then ship it over to us to be distributed, I mean, is this possible? And price wise, is it any better than buying it direct from japan and having it shipped?

The last box of Velvia50 I bought was about $75+$10 shipping = $85/20 sheet box.

With a group shipping rate from japan to here, and then distributing the 4x5 (assume 1-2 boxes $6 small flat rate priority, 3-12ish boxes $13 medium flat rate priority, (don't have a large flat rate on hand but... Assuming) 10-20 boxes $17 large flat rate priority).

Can anyone figure the break down of shipping costs from japan?

What's the cheapest you can buy a box of Velvia50 for in japan? (Yen converted to current is dollar please)

Did a little research, as of right now...

$85 = 8,762.89 JPY(Japanese Yen)

Can we keep the total cost per box including shipping from Japan at under $100? Is that possible?

$100 = 10,309.28 JPY

I know Fuji announced another price hike (I think it will come in April?) so we should do that before then unless that only applies to the US and not to the Japanese film market.

I invite your input! Thanks!

~Stone

[Lachlan 717]

Rockwell's got details on a guy on his blog today (dated Jan 13th).

[StoneNYC]

Rockwell's got details on a guy on his blog today (dated Jan 13th).

Link: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/00-new-today.htm

[Lachlan 717]

Link: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/00-new-today.htm

This link won't work after today...

[AtlantaTerry]

Copied and Pasted from Ken Rockwell's website:

13 January 2014, Monday

Fuji Velvia in 4x5" size

Fuji Velvia has been the standard for professional nature and landscape photography, I have a lifetime supply in my freezer.

If you don't, you'll discover that Fuji USA stopped importing it, and the good news is that it's easy to get direct from Japan.

A reader writes that he gets his from:

Yuzo Kanda

UW Digital Camera
http://www.uwdigitalcamera.com/store/home.php

You'll have to email him at info@naturephoto.co.jp to pick and ship some for you; it's not on his site.

The only thing that can beat 4x5" quality is a larger format, like 5x7" or 8x10;" 4x5" records over a gigapixel (1,000 MP) in each shot.

Good luck!

[Rollinhofuji]

Japanexposures.com should also be able to deliver to the US: http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/film-analog/film/sheet-film/velvia-50-4x5-sheet-film.html?currency=EUR

[StoneNYC]

Japanexposures.com should also be able to deliver to the US: http://www.japanexposures.com/shop/film-analog/film/sheet-film/velvia-50-4x5-sheet-film.html?currency=EUR

That price isn't terrible. Hmm ... Thanks, still wondering about a cheaper way.

[StoneNYC]

Wow! Can't beat these prices!!

I received a response. From them, it looks good!

"Hello Mr.Stone
Thank you for the inquiry.
My price is
FUJI FILM velvia50　4x5(20sheets) @8,680yen
And the shipping fee by EMS ( Japan post) is
x1 1,320yen
x2 1,650yen
x3 2,250yen
x4 2,640yen
x5 3,080yen

Or we can use FedEx IP ( but it costs a little expensive)

we note "Don't X-ray" on the box.
We can not accept return and can not warranty the problems even if it is caused by X-ray for the inspection of customs or else.

Best wishes
Yuzo
*************************************************
Underwater Photo & Video Equipment Specialized Dealer
Naturephoto KANDA co.ltd Yuzo Kanda
3-45 Jyoshin-hondori,Nishi-ku, NAGOYA JAPAN 451-0073
TEL 81-52-531-5689 FAX 81-52-531-5764
skype ID: yuzokanda twitter @uwdigitalcamera
http://www.uwdigitalcamera.com info@naturephoto.co.jp"

Math (currently)

8,680+1,320=10,000= $96.47 USD
8,680x5=43,400+3,080=46,480= $448.41 USD

That's pretty darn good!

I guess the title of this needs to change? Seems to be turning into just info on getting the film direct from japan individually, I can't see it being much cheaper than this?

[jackal624]

Hi All,

I'm the guy who contented Yuzo a few weeks ago and ordered Velvia 50 in 4x5 size from him. It took 6 days to arrive at my door in NJ, fresh dated (expires in 6/15 I believe), and Yuzo seems like a trustworthy guy. It would have taken longer for me receive something if I ordered it from California! I got 5 boxes, with shipping and currency conversion it was about $95 a box. Let me know if you're getting a group together and chalk me up for a few more.

Brian

[Oren Grad]

...I can't see it being much cheaper than this?

FWIW, ¥8,680 is what you'd pay today if you walked into Yodobashi or Bic Camera. Short of having direct access to a wholesaler, I doubt you'd be able to find a lower price.

Not sure how Kanda-san can do this - perhaps he has access to a wholesaler himself, or perhaps he's buying at retail and making his margin on the 10% bonus points that you get at the big retailers.

[jackal624]

Yuzo told me he was getting it direct from Fuji.

[pdmoylan]

I believe Badger Graphics has performed the same service for a group buy.

Since I do not know the other brokers, if Badger, I am in for 3 boxes.

PDM

[StoneNYC]

I believe Badger Graphics has performed the same service for a group buy.

Since I do not know the other brokers, if Badger, I am in for 3 boxes.

PDM

Well if we can get it direct from this guy in japan at that price, then we don't need a group buy really, the last cost for the same film bought before the Fuji price hike, was almost $80, so for $95ish or less per box straight from japan, I can't imagine it being any less expensive in a group buy, BUT I am always open to suggestions, I don't know as much as others just that I tend to ask more (sometimes annoying and repeated) questions to get info. I'm awaiting my tax return to buy 5 boxes from the Japanese guy.