I did not find the films' prices in US and Europe too much different (consider that, even if VAT is up to 24%, you can claim it back by simply filling a form at your departure from UE countries), therefore I try to buy them where I go in advance, making the parcels shipped to the first hotel or picking them up in person, if possible. Last year I succeded in obtaining hand inspections on both ways to and from US (with some more difficulties in San Francisco than in Milan, but maybe because I was a foreigner there), but this year could be harder: few days ago I flew to Washington and the sensibility of the gates have been set so high that even my wedding ring made them "bipping". In Italy (and I found the same all over Europe), LF is less known and used than in US, so you can find film in 4x5 format only in the pro shop, that usually are not the ones you find downtown. If you need for more detailed and specific information regarding Italy, feel free to e-mail me directly.

Best regards,

Diego