Slave to the brand or cheapest price?

[SamReeves]

Vote your conscience. What's more important? Getting the same trusted big name brand every time? Or looking for the cheapest price?

I'm getting to the point now where a big brand name just doesn't mean too much to me anymore. Especially since I'm shooting less film than I was ten years ago. The prices on the big brands have skyrocketed, and I've said to heck with it. I've found out that big brands like Kodak can make inconsistent paper or film. Then recently I've found out the cheapo Arista stuff is just fine. Loyalty really doesn't pay anymore.

What say you?

[Bob Salomon]

I think you are confused. Kodak is a manufacturer of paper, film, inks, chemistry, etc.

Arista is the private label name used by a camera store in LA. Their product can change manufacturers at any time and still have the same name.

To do what you are trying to do you should compare stuff either all under the manufacturer's name; Kodak, Ilford, Lucky, etc. or compare all private label branded products like Arista.

[dsphotog]

I look for a quality product, at the lowest price.... I try to buy larger packages, to lower the cost per sheet.

If a product is inferior, it's no bargain.

Just to clarify... I like Arista film too.

[BrianShaw]

BS and DS are right. That's what I say!

[Scotty230358]

I have voted for the brand name because I look for consistent quality from batch to batch. I am an Ilford user and have complete confidence in their products. In nearly 30 years of photographing I can't recall any time when I bought a "dud" from Ilford. That said their first attempt at Multigrade when they introduced it in the late 70s/early 80's was not their finest hour.

[gevalia]

I consider this poll ridiculously vague and not worth the effort.

[Gem Singer]

The best quality for the best price.

Why would anyone want to pay a high price for junk?

[Bob Salomon]

The best quality for the best price.

Why would anyone want to pay a high price for junk?

You are assuming that they would know it is junk. Many people who don't do. That's why the factories that make junk can remain in business.

[Andrew O'Neill]

I am more concerned with a film's characteristics than price or brand.

[Robert Hughes]

What a weird survey. Do you wear red socks, or green socks - or do you ride a bicycle?