Hello Randy,Originally Posted by Randy Moe
This is true in the Ilford product range, but fuji and kodak have different policy, with LF products at $ x2 per sqi, and in the case of fuji 135 slides.
Hello Randy,
This is true in the Ilford product range, but fuji and kodak have different policy, with LF products at $ x2 per sqi, and in the case of fuji 135 slides.
Which one is responsive to our needs and has a chance at still selling film in 10 years?
Yes Bob, this is true, but we discussed that earlier, not necessary to go there again, only pointing that we have Ilford and Foma holding same price (sqi) for LF than for rolls, with Fuji and Kodak with around a 200% overpricing for LF. This is a fact, so it's more about product managers than logistics.
Gear market if off, we know that. This is because comercial LF photography nearly extinct, present market is artists and amateurs, and there are tones of second hand Pro gear. Nothing new...
But film market is about consumables, measured in rolls the world market has shrinked from 800million rolls to 3 million. Those 3 million rolls, growing now 7% yearly, are a surprise for marketing teams !!
As an amateur located in a place where the standard of living is lower than in the usa, and price/taxes higher, I'd say that there are solutions if price is a problem.
1) One solution is shooting 1/4 of the times, an making x4 greater effort in obtaining a sound image, this delivers impressive results, IMHO, in special for a learner like me.
2) The second solution is what Denise Ross kindly explains: http://www.thelightfarm.com/ . These are books that one should have in the shelving anyway, but even one can do what's explained there, for great fun, great satisfaction, and great photographs.
3) See Sally Mann, never complained if a glass had a crack in the middle, and she even says that she never controlled completely wet plate, but see the photographs...
Sure there are more solutions...
You might feel more independent but wet plate is not inexpensive. It is very inefficient with silver and chemistry is not cheap but if you like it, great.
What is the cost of chem per 4x5 wet plate ?
For dry plates, a chem batch for 60 4x5 plates costs $20, this is $0.3 per plate, then you have the glass, but I cut it from trash. Of course if you count manpower the cost is another one, but in an afternoon one can make as many plates you want... just you need a magnetic stirrer (https://web.archive.org/web/20180408...IAAOSwUwhaq6s3) and a drying cabinet with room enough. You get from ISO 1 to ISO 40, depending on skills...
As I have become more aware of LF sheet film performance differences, I now realize both Kodak Tri-X-320 and Ancros 100 are unusually excellent films when compared to others I have used.
I am stocking up on Kodak TriX-320 as I can in retirement. I an parsimonious in all expenses, except this hobby.
Today I shoot an F5 with Acros 100, but I never used it much. I am not stocking up on it. How can I miss a lover I never knew. Kodak I do know, like an ex-spouse.
I learned LF with X-Ray film cutting it to all sizes. Now I am trying to be more deliberate.
Kodak Sheet film is worth double. I wish they cut 2-1/4 X 3-1/4.
BTW Ilford 2-1/4 X 3-1/4 is more per sq inch than larger sizes. I buy plenty of it.
And for several years running Ilford 4.75 X 6.5 has cost significantly less per sq in during the Special Order. I buy to cut to 3-1/4 X 4-1/4. I post this oddity occasionally. Not all sellers price the same. Last year I bought it here. http://www.ultrafineonline.com/il20ulfprhp4.html The Prices are still there
Last edited by Tin Can; 8-Apr-2018 at 05:43. Reason: The Prices are still there
Good deal for you with the dry plates!
https://www.bostick-sullivan.com/car...ategory_id=440
$383 for 65 8x10 wet plates
I realize there is some markup for their expertise and convenience and probably $50 worth of reusable pieces, but it's still almost double Ilford/Foma 8x10 costs here. And that's without the glass or aluminum
Randy, of course, film is something very personal, and TXP is amazing, no doubt.
you can cut 2-1/4 X 3-1/4 from 8x10, you just need this toy to do it with total convenience:: https://web.archive.org/save/https:/...s=night+vision.
This is a luxurious kit with acessories from a luxurious vendor, sure it's a good product/service, but quite expensive and far from actual WP costs, in your link also there was:
For example they have 500gr of Potassium Iodide for $142.68
You buy Potassium Iodide some 3x more expensive than me: https://web.archive.org/save/https:/...YAAOSwMVdYGe~n
Not for WP, but telling about price policy.
You can buy wet plate chem way cheaper. Anyway they offer silver nitrate at a competitive price, but in general it's not a cheap place...
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