This forum has many participants. Just how influential might the membership be? Over the last couple of days I have been searching for slow speed panchromatic film in 8x10 and 4x5 sheets and (if possible) 120 Rolls. It is old news that EFKE, ADOX et al have simply dropped from the market and are unlikely to return. For those of us without a lifetime supply stashed in cold storage what can we do except buy the odd lot that is occasionally made available, out-of-date, unguaranteed and over-priced?
One company approached was b+g Banse und Grohmann GmbH who sent me a price list. There listed was sheet film in every inch size that ever there was, including 20x24, and the prices were very reasonable. I immediately asked to order some 8x10 and 4x5 of their product NP15, which is panchromatic 25 ASA. The reply came back that they could only supply 100 ASA. This not being what was wanted I asked if the lack of 25 ASA was permanent or if there may be some available in future. The reply came back that due to a lack of funds they couldn't make any more NP15... Naturally my next request was "How much money do you need?" "€30,000..." This was so they could make a jumbo roll that is then cut to sheets. OK I haven't got a spare €30,000, I bet not many of us have. However, could a consortium of forum members be formed to make it worth this small scale manufacturer's while to make this film available again? We would be offering a sure bet to the company and at the same time securing a supply of sheet film of 25 ASA with traditional high silver content. In effect we would simply be offering to place "making orders" on b+g Banse und Grohmann GmbH.
If enough of us believe this to be worth trying, how do we go about it? Is anyone interested?
RR
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