the status of Shanghai film

[AtlantaTerry]

Many times in the past, I purchased 4x5" black and white Shanghai film from the eBay seller Isaac Chen. But it has been a while since he advertised any so I sent him a note:


On 2016/6/7 下午5:44, atlantaterry wrote:

atlantaterry 已寄出訊息

Dear Mr. Chen,

What is the status of 4x5" black and white Shanghai film?

I would like to order more from you.

Thank you.

Terry Thomas
Atlanta, Georgia USA


His reply:

Thu, Jun 9, 2016 at 1:21 AM
New message from: isaac.chen

Dear Terry,

In the near future, I don't have that film. Factory is still no production yet.

Thanks for asking.

Isaac Chen

[Tim Meisburger]

What I heard was that the factory moved, and that when they were finished with the move they would produce again. I think there has been no new production since last fall. Might be worthwhile to send a note to the factory. http://www.sgsbgroup.com/

[rich815]

So the status update is: "we don't know"?

[Kevin Harding]

Have you followed up, by any chance, with an inquiry to see if they will actually ever be in production again? I miss that film.

[Tim Meisburger]

I sent an email in English, but no telling if I will get a response. Perhaps one of our Chinese members could follow up with an email or call.

[Kevin Harding]

I've emailed SGSB and the SMPIC contact addresses and haven't heard anything. I was hoping someone in-country (or near-country, or with language skills and energy) might be able to inquire on our behalf : )

[Willie]

Wouldn't it be easier and faster and much less hassle to buy Ilford or Freestyle stuff you can get from people you can actually communicate with?

[Ari]

Wouldn't it be easier and faster and much less hassle to buy Ilford or Freestyle stuff you can get from people you can actually communicate with?

Agreed, but if it were Ilford that suddenly disappeared, I'd be scrambling for an answer, too.

[domaz]

Isn't Atomic-X (http://shop.new55.net/collections/frontpage/products/atomic-x-iso-100-4x5-panchromatic-sheet-film?variant=11659375619) produced in China? If so their must be some factories producing film there.

[AtlantaTerry]

I read somewhere in China when a factory is said to "move", often it is never heard from again. I guess that is the Red Army's way of getting rid of businesses that, for some reason, they do not approve of.

[Max Hao]

Yes, the factory is moved and hasn't resume production. However, another film maker Lucky film has just finished a small batch, in 4x5, 810 and even 11x14. The issue for overseas users is how to get the film shipped without worrying about XRAY.

[Tim Meisburger]

I don't think they x-ray packages of film, as I used to have Shanghai film shipped often. Can you tell me who in China sells Lucky sheet film? Many years ago I used to shoot Lucky in color 35mm, and I'd like to try some in 4x5 (I assume its black and white film?).

[rich815]

Yes, the factory is moved and hasn't resume production. However, another film maker Lucky film has just finished a small batch, in 4x5, 810 and even 11x14. The issue for overseas users is how to get the film shipped without worrying about XRAY.

What was done before?

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

what were the good things about that film?

[rich815]

what were the good things about that film?

It was a very capable film IMO, at least their GP3:

151908
151909

[richardman]

Hmm... I still have 5 boxes left from last year / 2 years ago. Shooting all Portra 160 nowadays though.

[Kevin Harding]

Yes, the factory is moved and hasn't resume production. However, another film maker Lucky film has just finished a small batch, in 4x5, 810 and even 11x14. The issue for overseas users is how to get the film shipped without worrying about XRAY.

Is this batch available on Tao Bao?

[giorgiospugnesi]

Yesterday I developed the last two sheet of Shanghai GP3 I own. I shoted them at my wife in her bride dress after 10 years of marryage (8th july) and developed them in Rodinal 1+50 for 12' (rotational process). It's a pity that this film is no more produced. It's a cheap but decent film.
I'm sorry I don't have a suitable scanner for 4X5 so I cannot show any pictures until I will print on paper. At seight, they seems to be good negatives.

[Max Hao]

I have mobile phone number of the sales representative of the company. They have never shipped overseas. But they have someone visiting Thailand this Friday. I'll check if they can speak English. They could carry a few boxes but I don't know whether they could successfully request hand check.

[Max Hao]

No one in the company speaks English. The person visiting Thailand is going to Ko Phuket only. Let me know how to go next steps if you are interested in getting some.

[Max Hao]

I don't think they x-ray packages of film, as I used to have Shanghai film shipped often. Can you tell me who in China sells Lucky sheet film? Many years ago I used to shoot Lucky in color 35mm, and I'd like to try some in 4x5 (I assume its black and white film?).

Tim,

I meant to reply to your thread. Sorry I don't visit this forum very often.

Cheers,
Aimin

[Tim Meisburger]

Thank you Aimin. I have now moved from Thailand to Washington DC (unfortunately). I am still interested in trying some, and happy to try the mail. If your friend will mail internationally, please PM me his email address and I will contact him in Chinese using google translate.

Best, Tim

[Kevin Harding]

Thank you Aimin. I have now moved from Thailand to Washington DC (unfortunately). I am still interested in trying some, and happy to try the mail. If your friend will mail internationally, please PM me his email address and I will contact him in Chinese using google translate.

Best, Tim

Tim, if you get that working, I'd be happy to join in a bulk buy if that makes economic sense.

[Max Hao]

Thank you Aimin. I have now moved from Thailand to Washington DC (unfortunately). I am still interested in trying some, and happy to try the mail. If your friend will mail internationally, please PM me his email address and I will contact him in Chinese using google translate.

Best, Tim

Hi Tim,

Mr GUO Zhihua is Lucky Film sales manager in Beijing. His email: guozhihua9696@sina.com. Good luck.
Aimin

[Tim Meisburger]

Thank you Aimin. I'll give it a try.

Kevin, I'll let you know if I can work anything out.

Best, Tim

[Tim Meisburger]

Okay. I've been in touch with Mr. Guo. He says they do not ship overseas, so I should find a friend (or logistics agency) in China who can ship. They will sell in multiples of ten (ten boxes, twenty boxes, thirty boxes, etc.).

I had planned to buy 12 or 24 boxes, assuming I could then pass them at cost to other interested people in the US. At this point I don't know the cost, but assume it is similar to the cost of Shanghai in China. Added to that would be the cost of onward shipping, and any tax that needed to be paid.

So, the next step is to find a friend in China, I guess, if anyone is interested in following up. I'm curious to try the film.

Cheers, Tim

[Kevin Harding]

Sounds interesting. I don't have any immediate friends in China, though I wonder if you were to contact someone like a Taobao broker (I have used spreenow.com before) maybe they'd be willing to forward ship.

Would be interested in participating in a group buy.

[pierre506]

Okay. I've been in touch with Mr. Guo. He says they do not ship overseas, so I should find a friend (or logistics agency) in China who can ship. They will sell in multiples of ten (ten boxes, twenty boxes, thirty boxes, etc.).

I had planned to buy 12 or 24 boxes, assuming I could then pass them at cost to other interested people in the US. At this point I don't know the cost, but assume it is similar to the cost of Shanghai in China. Added to that would be the cost of onward shipping, and any tax that needed to be paid.

So, the next step is to find a friend in China, I guess, if anyone is interested in following up. I'm curious to try the film.

Cheers, Tim
Dear Tim,
Good to see you again.
Someone said the new Lucky negatives were good after testing.
However, another responses were negative about the coating(pinholes), (inaccurated) sizes, (missing) notches.
I could help you if you really wanted to give a try.
The testing result would be up to your luck.
Lucky, or unlucky?

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[Tim Meisburger]

Okay. I'll PM you the information. Since its a gamble, maybe we buy just ten boxes for now, and then I can send them round to interested people and we can do a review. If it looks good we can then try to get a regular system in place, and also investigate the possibility of 5x7 and 8x10 orders. If you can contact Mr. Guo, I could send you the money for the film and for shipping by PayPal.

Best, Tim

[pierre506]

Okay. I'll PM you the information. Since its a gamble, maybe we buy just ten boxes for now, and then I can send them round to interested people and we can do a review. If it looks good we can then try to get a regular system in place, and also investigate the possibility of 5x7 and 8x10 orders. If you can contact Mr. Guo, I could send you the money for the film and for shipping by PayPal.

Best, Tim

Don't be so hurry, dear Tim,
My friend will send me a box of new Lucky 12x20 films. I will try them.
Then I will report to you, or this forum.


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[Mick Fagan]

Don't be so hurry, dear Tim,
My friend will send me a box of new Lucky 12x20 films. I will try them.
Then I will report to you, or this forum.


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I would hope that you reply to this forum, even if you reply personally to Tim. There are many people interested in films being available, even if getting them is a bit difficult.

Mick.

[Tim Meisburger]

Don't be so hurry, dear Tim,
My friend will send me a box of new Lucky 12x20 films. I will try them.
Then I will report to you, or this forum.


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Okay. Thanks Pierre. I still will try to find a way to get some shipped, so we can all give it a try.

[AtlantaTerry]

I would be interested in trying a box of 4x5" film.

[Tim Meisburger]

Hi Terry. If I can get some, I'll just make it available to folks at cost to try out. Its hard to get some things (like collodion) from China for some reason, and its strange that lucky doesn't at least sell its film through Ebay, but I guess its a language issue.

[Max Hao]

Lucky film has been selling a batch they just produced using allegedly AGFA film. I tried their 810. There are still some scratches occasionally. I overheard their 4x5 might have some issue with the size, but I never shot their 4x5. I also tried a few 11x14, and got more scratches than the 8x10s. Film speed is more like ISO50.
They don't sell on Ebey because of language issue as Tim mentioned.

[Ray Van Nes]

Since the discussion has swerved over to Lucky film, the big question - does it still lack anti-halation dye? On my first trip to China, I purchased a couple of 120 rolls and discovered that it lacked the dye. This means, highlights flare. I saw this as an advantage in terms of a special effects film. On the next trip, I managed to buy out the stock of a couple of shops in Kunming and ended up with about 40 rolls. Sadly, I only have a couple left. They definitely thought I was stark raving bonkers for wanting this film over the good Ilford and Kodak. I have generally used it on architecture and when it works, it is quite magical.

[pierre506]

The newest news:
I will see the new produced Shanghai ( GP3 ) negatives next week.
4x5in about USD 18
25 sheets / box

8x10 about USD 58
25 sheets / box

Expired date: 2018

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[Max Hao]

The newest news:
I will see the new produced Shanghai ( GP3 ) negatives next week.
4x5in about USD 18
25 sheets / box

8x10 about USD 58
25 sheets / box

Expired date: 2018

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This is good news. Shanghai film is superior to Lucky film on overall quality control, and definitely scratch free.

[Kevin Harding]

Shanghai is producing again? This would be great news. Will they produce in 120 format as well?

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[RSalles]

Have developed a couple of 4x5 sheets from a remaining box of 25, maybe the last ones, with X-Tol 1:1, nearby zero grain, amazing, even at 11x14, rated at ISO80. Same dev time as FP4+ with home made BTZS tubes.

If a group buy is forming, please count me in,

Cheers,

Renato

[BBW]

Been wanting try new things. Count me in for some film.

[pierre506]

The first patch:
300 boxes of 4x5
200 boxes of 8x10

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[pierre506]

Shanghai is producing again? This would be great news. Will they produce in 120 format as well?

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Next month~

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[blue4130]

I hope it pops up on Taobao soon. If you have a reliable seller on taobao Pierre, please let me know :)

[Kevin Harding]

Yes, me as well! Or if you're willing to forward shipping, I'd be more than happy to pay you a commission like I would my Taobao broker.

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[pierre506]

I hope it pops up on Taobao soon. If you have a reliable seller on taobao Pierre, please let me know :)
I will contact the agent because the first patch of new films are not too many boxes. Please inform me by SMS how many boxes (and size) you need. Then I can calculate the number and discuss with him.

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[Kevin Harding]

Pierre - I've sent you a DM. Very interested in 4x5, and 8x10, plus 120. Will share news with others if we can work something out!

[blue4130]

Pierre, do you have any idea of cost?

[Andrew O'Neill]

Pierre, I PM'd you. Very interested.

[pierre506]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160829/422a539d0b6fe20f12b1a34a8627b1cf.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160829/934819ba84cdd8d0fe2aa4f3300bd4a7.jpg

New products~

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[pierre506]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160829/e4e06a67ef8f33d8689f1963bff084a5.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160829/588fe0db09274034a718da65dfd13379.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160829/31c2518a5fe09a7f7f40e773059a8225.jpg
~

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[Andrew O'Neill]

Want!

[Kevin Harding]

I'll take all of it ;)

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[pierre506]

1. tell me the exact number you needed
4x5 is USD 18
8x10 is USD 58
2. your shipping address
I will ask the real shipping cost.
3. I will give your my PayPal address(don't forget to plus the PayPal fee) or bank information
4. I got your payment and order to ship the package out
5. you will get your package someday.

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[AtlantaTerry]

1. tell me the exact number you needed
4x5 is USD 18
8x10 is USD 58
2. your shipping address
I will ask the real shipping cost.
3. I will give your my PayPal address(don't forget to plus the PayPal fee) or bank information
4. I got your payment and order to ship the package out
5. you will get your package someday.

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I will try one US $18 box of 4x5" film.

Terry Thomas
Post Office Box 81906
Chamblee, Georgia 30366-1906
USA

email: TerryThomasPhotos@gmail.com

Please calculate the shipping & PayPal fees and I will pay you via PayPal.

Thank you.

[Ray Van Nes]

Hello Pierre. Cannot resist playing with different film. Just an aside, I believe we met a few years ago in Shanghai when you were living in the art district. Hoping to be back to Shanghai this next spring. However, to the task at hand.
Ray Van Nes
73 Sherwood Gate NW, Calgary , AB, Canada, T3R 0N9

Regards
Ray

Forgot to say what I wanted! 2 boxes of the 4x5.

[pierre506]

Hello Pierre. Cannot resist playing with different film. Just an aside, I believe we met a few years ago in Shanghai when you were living in the art district. Hoping to be back to Shanghai this next spring. However, to the task at hand.
Ray Van Nes
73 Sherwood Gate NW, Calgary , AB, Canada, T3R 0N9

Regards
Ray

Forgot to say what I wanted! 2 boxes of the 4x5.
Welcome again, dear Ray,
I will reply after I got all the detailed shipping cost.
pierre

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[pierre506]

Dear fellows,
I got some guys here to require some other larger sizes, such as 8x20, 12x20...
I called the agent about all your requirements. The reply is no problem. But same as Kodak film re-production. It needs a minimum production quantity. I believe it's better to call up a group purchasing, even other larger sizes.
regards,
pierre

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[Kevin Harding]

Pierre, you are amazing. I'd be in for 5x7. Looking forward to whatever works. I love this film in 120 and 4x5 and have been mourning its loss.

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[vikki4309]

My friend need 4x5 film, he want to take a look on this sample if possible.

[vikki4309]

Pierre, can we buy a small unit of 4x5 film firstly ? And if we buy more ex. 10,000 sheets, can we have a special price ? Await your early reply.

[pierre506]

Pierre, can we buy a small unit of 4x5 film firstly ? And if we buy more ex. 10,000 sheets, can we have a special price ? Await your early reply.

I am organizing the small quantity group purchasing now. It's OK to buy few firstly.
Why did you ask the question again although I'd already published the rules.
About the future plan, let the future tells.

[pierre506]

Hello Pierre. Cannot resist playing with different film. Just an aside, I believe we met a few years ago in Shanghai when you were living in the art district. Hoping to be back to Shanghai this next spring. However, to the task at hand.
Ray Van Nes
73 Sherwood Gate NW, Calgary , AB, Canada, T3R 0N9

Regards
Ray

Forgot to say what I wanted! 2 boxes of the 4x5.


PMed to you all, guys~

[Oren Grad]

Folks, please take all further discussions about organizing a group purchase offline.

[pierre506]

Folks, please take all further discussions about organizing a group purchase offline.


OK, contact me on Flickr~

There is a hope for 220 roll films, too.

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[Kevin Harding]

OK, contact me on Flickr~

There is a hope for 220 roll films, too.

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Hi Pierre, what is your Flickr account?

[pierre506]

Hi Pierre, what is your Flickr account?
pierre506

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[pierre506]

All shipped~

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