Film from China?

[Ulophot]

I'm not certain this is the right forum. Anyway, curiosity only: I just wonder if anyone knows anything about Chinese B&W film and its availability. It's a giant economy, up and coming middle class, and there must be a huge number of B&W film photographers, even if small by percentage, as elsewhere. India is somewhat similar but has much further to go in eliminating poverty. They surely don't all shoot Ilford or Kodak, and Fuji has been on the decline. I expect there are a number of possibly rather old film manufacturers, particularly in China. Anyone know?

[Oren Grad]

"Shanghai"-branded B&W film is commonly available in a range of formats. Lots of discussion on the various forums where there is talk about film.

Maybe 20-30 years go, Sterling brand B&W paper, made in India, was readily available here. I always kept some of the RC on hand - don't recall if they had an FB version - as it had an unusually extreme characteristic curve with a very long shoulder, that was useful for dealing with the occasional problem negative. IIRC the factory burned down and that was the end of it.

[Roger Cole]

Lots of discussion on Photrio (formerly APUG) of the 220 Shanghai in particular as it is, as far as I know, the only film available in 220 now. Lots of reports of QC problems, unfortunately. Seems a decent film when it’s not defective.

[pchong]

I have used Shanghai GP3 on 4x5. It’s quite good, and inexpensive where I live. Though some reports are that the film is inconsistent, but I understand they have solved most of the issues with the new factory…apparently from circa 2020.

A box of 25 is about USD 30. The film substrate is a bit thinner and more flimsy than Ilford or Fuji (expired Acros), but fine in my Stearman SP-445 tank.

[ethics_gradient]

I've used the GP3, not extensively, but I've found it to be fine. Most of what I've shot with it is 4x5.


Lots of discussion on Photrio (formerly APUG) of the 220 Shanghai in particular as it is, as far as I know, the only film available in 220 now. Lots of reports of QC problems, unfortunately. Seems a decent film when it’s not defective.

Oh wow, had no idea they were making 220, that's awesome!

[Tin Can]

I stocked up with 3-1/4 X 4-1/4 Chinese film a few years ago

I like it fine and love the format as the cameras are in better condition

and much lighter

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I've shot the GP-3 film in 14x17 and it is just fine. No defects or problems.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52006180793_e642f0e622_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2neBgFx)220 Shanghai twenty rolls. (https://flic.kr/p/2neBgFx) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Firstly I purchased four rolls and liked the results. So I ordered and got another twenty rolls, to give it a good go. So far only one roll has jammed at about frame 19, I reloaded the roll in the camera, and was able to force it through and finish it. I do like this film! So a month ago I ordered another twenty rolls, and recently asked for status. Due to Shanghai closing down during covid, long delays possible. I asked for a refund and got within ten minutes to the seller's credit. Unfortunate situation

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51934257303_3c75f44f66_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n8fDkn)Shanghai 220 Low Key Valentine Roses C22 105DS D23 (https://flic.kr/p/2n8fDkn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing Shanghai 220 in D23. Mamiya C22 105DS lens Broncolor 80x80cm Softbox Modeling Light Only Silver Fill Panel just off camera right. My old low key OMNI Muslin Background it's beeg 10x20 feet. Happy to use it again. Omega DII Omegalite laser aligned Arista RC #2 paper in Multigrade dev

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51934419089_682dc37c41_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n8gtqM)Testing Shanghai 220 Wedding Flash Mamiya C22 105DS (https://flic.kr/p/2n8gtqM) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Mamiya C22 freshly overhauled 105DS lens, testing Shanghai 220 film processed in D23. Wedding Flash 283 direct flash with mini softbox. Omega DII Omegalite head laser alligned Arista 8x10 RC #2 Multigrade dev

[Dugan]

https://shop.shjcfilm.com

[Tin Can]

I prefer C1 as it has more tin cans

Not kidding, I can see the original Tin Can paint

I have all models of the Mamiya TLR

I dislike 220

[Daniel Unkefer]

The C2 was always and is my favorite shooter, also have a soft spot for the C22 and C33. I like shooting 220, and having this film available means I can use my Hasselblad A24's, it keeps them alive. I dislike shooting 120 film in a 220 back, I guess the C1 is the one with just one focus knob, never had that one. Had multiples of all the other models when I was working heavily. The only one I personally disliked was the C330S, that one was not reliable for me.

The only 220 Shanghai I see right now had doubled in price, it was a great deal at $11 a roll. So I guess it's working out that I loaded up on it. Don't really want to use up my stash of fresh frozen 220 TXP, I loaded up on that when it was being discontinued and closed out. I really like the tonality of Shanghai in D23 1:1. And I also like 4x5 Shanghai bought a bunch of that too. I hope they bring back the 220 film for future use.