Is Kodak Ruining Film Photography | Kodak Price Increase 2022

[@whoschrischu]

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[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

As a photojournalist for the last 48 years who shoots b & w, I want everyone to start shooting Shanghai gp3 120 or 35mm film. Develop it in d76 for 14min at 1+3. It costs 50% less than Kodak. Peace from Manhattan.

[@john_murch]

Good to know!

[@whoschrischu]

thank you for the gold nugget! I will look into that now!

[@Asset1968]

How would you compare it with Arista?

[@ivanmuniz9812]

How’s the shipping time though? Does it take longer? Even if it does, Kodak can go kick rocks. I’m switching to anything else that doesn’t drain the wallet…

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

@@Asset1968 Shanghai has better contrast

[@whoschrischu]

This 20% price increase tells many stories: 1) To combat the global supply chain issue + increasing demand 2) To possibly bring back old Kodak formulas / stocks or develop new ones 3) To increase cart size while anticipating the slowing demand. How does this price jump make you feel?

[@AndreLieberher]

it makes me feel poor.

[@viejaspeliculasfilipinas3621]

Makes us poor

[@OmgitsAntonio]

if kodak brings back aerochrome, then i will be happy

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

More request = less price ? Should be this way or not ? Fil photography isn’t going anywhere !

[@chua5959]

@@bohemianphotographer6843 its just textbook economics/price mechanism where demand increases, firms will increase their prices until a new equilibrium is met. Sadly no rational firm would decrease their prices following an increase in demand.

[@comeradecoyote]

Broadly speaking, film has been cheaper than it ever has been. Part of this was the price war that began during the collapse of the film industry in the mid 2000's. Prior to that, film prices were roughly 20-50% more expensive. Looking broadly over the history of film photography, and adjusting for inflation, film was roughly $10 a roll. Color film more so. And film's like Kodachrome, were actually closer to $50 for a roll of 35mm in 36 exposures (This of course included processing). The dark side of prices having been at a historical low for the past 10-15 years, is that manufacturers have not had the money to retain talent, maintain machinery, do research or product development, and overall are running in an unsustainable way. This is what killed many film brands that were barely hanging on: Efke went under when their primary coating machine broke, and they didn't have the capital to repair it. Likewise, most film manufacturers simply don't have extra capacity. Kodak had 15 plants around the world in 2000. They owned cattle farms in brazil, and the US to have an uninterrupted supply of gelatine, they had dedicated silver suppliers, an entire chemical division making chemical precursors, dedicated cardboard and cardstock providers to avoid radiological contamination and fogging of film, as well as the underlying infrastructure of distribution hubs, salespeople, and wholesalers. There is only one plant now. We're already well aware of the supply chain issues affecting not only kodak, but the rest of the world, which has also raised prices on goods like food and electronics. If that plant fails, Kodak will be bankrupt. Furthermore, most plants are not capable of operating with the greatest efficiency. In scaling back production with the collapse of the film industry in the mid 2000's, most operations scaled from primary coating plants with the capacity to produce millions of rolls per hour, to plants capable of thousands of rolls per hour. We are close to capacity on the existing plants which really were designed for limited volume production as pilot plants. There is at present no coating equipment of the intermediate scale, and no builders of equipment left to produce that. So Kodak increasing prices is not a cash grab in the sense that they are getting greedy; but the simple reality is to continue to sell film at such low prices would further run Kodak into the ground to the point of bankruptcy because of equipment failure, or loss of critical personnel. So they have to raise prices to do capital improvements. I know the visceral reaction to film prices going up is going to be "this sucks" because it does. There's no denying that this is going to change many people's mental arithmetic on what film they shoot and how often, on the simple basis that shooting and developing color film at $12 a roll, will buy you 2 rolls from someone else like FOMA. But I think the simple reality for Kodak anyways, is if it wants to stay in business for the next decade at the very least, and ride this wave of film revival, they have to have their business actually be sustainable enough to continue operating. That means new equipment, training the next generation of chemists, designers, and workers to keep this equipment going, and ultimately continuing to invest in the necessary groundwork to keep Rochester going. And that costs a lot of money.

[@comeradecoyote]

Also an addendum, to respond to the questions you present within the video: 1: Is Kodak positioning itself to be a luxury good? Possibly, but I have reason to believe that the above factors are a more pressing concern. However, if Kodak is maneuvering it's "pro" line of films to be back to their original price point or comparably as the higher end film line, we might expect Kodak to begin offering more goods in their consumer line, such as pro-image or gold in 120, or alternatively, offering more speeds and options within the Gold, Max, Colorplus, Pro-image line. This is something that has been hinted at in the past, particularly prior this past January, they made claim to wanting to reintroduce a discontinued product, offer a product in a different format or category, and potentially introduce a new product. This remains to be seen however, and like most other Kodak schemes at present, we can expect them to be 1-3 years behind the power curb. 2: Will another brand Challenge Kodak? We actually already know that there are, on several fronts. FOMA, while they did recently raise their prices to make their operations more sustainable, has remained one of the most price competitive offerings in the b&w space. ILFORD(Harman) is still more or less price competitive with Kodak, at least in terms of product diversity and cost. In addition the Ilford/Kentmere budget film is still offered at pretty low prices in certain markets. ORWO: Recently Filmotech DE (ORWO) & Inoviscoat DE, merged. This is important for two reasons. ORWO is what's left of East German Agfa, and is currently the only real motion picture, archival film, and microfilm competitor to Kodak. Inoviscoat is currently the only other color film materials maker besides Kodak and Fujifilm in the market. They produce the color film component of Polaroid Film, as well as the Lomochrome Purple, Turquoise, products for Lomography. Their efforts to combine, puts them in a unique position not only to produce color film products as well as motion picture products, but also packaging, perforating, slitting, and other packaging equipment. Furthermore their combined experience and resources uniquely position them to be capable of competing against Kodak. Which is important, as during the color film era, besides Kodak, & fujifilm, AGFA and Ferrania were the primary other competitors in the film marked. And recently they have announced the production of ECN-2 color negative film for motion pictures, and will be announcing a kickstarter to offer their next color film negative material for the consumer market. So keep your eyes peeled for that. (And the rise in price from Kodak's end, will actually benefit a new entrant, as they will likely have a high initial offer price, or roughly about the same as current color negative film from Kodak. ) 3:Will Kodak return to a lower price: It's possible, but I believe this price increase is going to be somewhat inflexible, on the simple basis of the above factors of business sustainability. 4:Should we go back to digital? I think that's a very personal question for everyone that shoots film right now. There are people who will shoot film regardless of price. There are people who will shoot digital regardless of price. And then there are people who got into film photography because of the lower cost of entry, which unfortunately may be pushed out, by a rise in prices. (But i'm interested in the correlation between this type of user, and whether they only shoot color?), There are people who do both digital and film, which may lean more on digital because of the price. Broadly I think most people who shoot black and white will be unaffected by these price changes, they will shoot the stocks they will, or find the lower priced alternatives that they want. I think predominantly this change affects color film shooters, because these price hikes are predominantly in color film stocks. And people who were inflexible on only shooting color, may be pushed to digital, or may finally relent and learn the b&w process which they should. But I do think the environmental standpoint argument you made is pretty weak.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

@@comeradecoyote To add to this, there was never a point in photographic history where film actually cost, adjusting for inflation, below $8-10 a roll. Even back in the 1930's. Film has ALWAYS cost a decent chunk of change. People see film prices of 1998 and say "ughhhh why can't I have a roll for $3.50", Fact is, that consumer roll of film STILL cost roughly the same, at $5.50 adjusting for inflation. Same with bitching about "digital cameras cost a lot!" argument, when buying a TOP OF THE LINE 35mm camera cost 3-6 grand...Imagine spending 1,500 bucks back in 1970 for a yashica or rollei TLR. That's nearly $7 grand. And people whine about medium format camera costs today on ebay. LOL.

[@danieltaylor1522]

Google Books has back issues of Popular Photography online. I checked the B&H ad in the September, 1984 issue for film pricing. All prices quoted below are adjusted to 2021 dollars, and do not include processing unless otherwise stated. Kodak 35mm 36exp B&W film ranged from $5.61 to $6.31. Tri-X 120 was $4.27. 35mm 36exp color print film ranged from $7.49 to $11.51. VPS 120 was only $5.77. Kodachrome 25 in 35mm 36exp was $10.71. With processing it was $17.15. Again, that's already adjusted to 2021 dollars. Ilford's B&W 120 films (Pan F, FP4, HP5) were $3.62. (I find it interesting that for both Ilford and Kodak 120 film was noticeably cheaper than 35mm at the time.) Granted this is a spot check of one year, and local retail was likely a bit higher, but prices weren't quite as high as you are saying. I would have to check a few other years, but I don't think we're returning to the historical average, I think we're now well above it. Especially on B&W films. I can't imagine paying $3.62 even for a long expired roll of Pan F in 120.

[@comeradecoyote]

​@@danieltaylor1522 Regardless of the numbers I've quoted, or the highly variable nature of calculating inflation; my argument still stands that film pricing in many respects, must go up, in order for the industry to remain sustainable. Considering most film operations are much smaller than their historical counterparts, and have a much smaller market for their various products, these businesses need to make sufficient money to not only remain operational, but to be able to weather contingencies, or actually grow to follow current demand. Kodak, and every film manufacturer is well aware of the cost of their goods, as well as the costs invisible to us, of making them. They all have intently studied how much they can raise prices without undermining sales. Now for some other historical film prices with their original and inflated price from various years, courtesy of Pacific Rim Camera's reference library: 1934-1935 Kodak Catalog VP120: 30¢ = $6.11 SS120: 40¢ = $8.14 F120: 40¢ = $8.14 1938 Wholesale Radio Exchange Catalog V120: 27¢ = $5.34 SS120: 32¢ = $6.33 SS135-36: 77¢ = $15.23 F120: 32¢ = $6.33 F135-36: 77¢ = $15.23 X135-36: 77¢ = $15.23 K135-18: $2.25 = $44.49 Agfa/Ansco: Plenachrome 120: 30¢ = $5.93 Super-Plenachrome 120: 32¢ = $6.33 Super-Pan 120: 32¢ = $6.33 Super-Pan Press 120: 41¢ = $8.11 Ultra-Speed Panchromatic 135-36: 94¢ = $18.59 Super-pan 135-36: 74¢ = $14.63 Finopan 135-36: 84¢ = $16.61 Fine-Grain Plenachrome 135-36: 69¢ = $13.64 Fine-Grain Plenachrome 135-18: 39¢ = $7.71 Dupont: Superior Pan 135-36: 77¢ = $15.23 XL 135-36: 90¢ = $17.80 Infrared 135-36: 98¢ = $19.38 Dufaycolor: 120: $1.25 = $24.72 135-18: $1.40 = $27.68 Geveart: Ortho 120: 19¢ = $3.76 Superpan 120: 24¢ = $4.75 Abe Cohen's Camera Exchange Catalog, 1940 V120: 27¢ = $5.38 XX120: 32¢ = $6.37 FX120: 32¢ = $6.37 XX135-18: 54¢ = $10.75 XX135-36: 86¢ = $17.13 FX135-18: 54¢ = $10.75 FX135-36: 86¢ = $17.13 PX135-28: 54¢ = $10.75 PX135-36: 86¢ = $17.13 K135-18: $2.25 = $44.81 IR135-36: 99¢ = $19.72 Agfa/Ansco Plenachrome 120: 30¢ = $5.97 Super Plenachrome 120: 32¢ = $6.37 Supreme Pan 120: 32¢ = $6.37 FinoPan 120: 32¢ = $6.37 Superpan Press 120: 32¢ = $6.37 Ultra-Speed Pan 135-20: 52¢ = $10.36 Ultra-Speed Pan 135-36: 78¢ = $15.53 Superpan Supreme 135-20: 52¢ = $10.36 Superpan Supreme 135-20: 78¢ = $15.53 FinoPan 135-20: 52¢ = $10.36 FinoPan 135-36: 78¢ = $15.53 Fine Grain Plenachrome 135-20: 49¢ = $9.76 Fine Grain Plenachrome 135-36: 68¢ = $13.54 Infrared 135-20: 59¢ = $11.75 Infrared 135-36: 98¢ = $19.52 Superpan reversal 135-36: $1.20 = $23.90 Dupont (all 135-36) Superior Pan: 77¢ = $15.33 Fine Grain Pan: 77¢ = $15.33 Micro-Pan: 77¢ = $15.33 Infra-D: 77¢ = $15.33 Dufaycolor: 120: $1.25 = $24.89 135-18: $1.40 = $27.88 1940 Kodak Dealer catalog V120: 30¢ = $5.97 XX120: 35¢ = $6.97 FX120: 35¢ = $6.97 XX135-18: 60¢ = $11.95 XX135-36: 95¢ = $18.92 FX135-18: 60¢ = $11.95 FX135-36: 95¢ = $18.92 PX135-28: 60¢ = $11.95 PX135-36: 95¢ = $18.92 K135-18: $2.50 = $49.79 IR135-36: $1.20 = $23.90 1947 Kodak Color Film Brochure K135-20: $2.79 = $34.88 K135-36: $4.25 = $53.18 1956 Kodak Consumer Catalog VP120: 45¢ = $4.51 PX135-20: 85¢ = $8.71 PX135-36: $1.10 = $11.28 TX120: 55¢ = $5.64 TX135-20: 90¢ = $9.23 TX135-36: $1.15 = $11.79 FX120: 55¢ = $5.64 FX135-20: 90¢ = $9.23 FX135-36: $1.15 = $11.79 K135-20: $1.85 = $18.96 K135-36: $2.60 = $26.65 E120: $1.25 = $12.81 E135-20: $1.85 = $18.96 C120: $1.98 = $20.30 1960 Ansco Amateur Dealer Catalog All weather pan 120: 50¢ = $4.71 Super Hypan 120: 60¢ = $5.65 Super Hypan 135-20: 90¢ = $8.48 AnscoChrome 120: $1.35 = $12.72 AnscoChrome 135-20: $2.05 = $19.31 AnscoChrome 135-36: $2.81 = $26.47 Super Anscochrome 120: $1.75 = $16.48 Super Anscochrome 135-20: $2.35 = $22.13 Super Anscochrome 135-36: $3.30 = $31.08 Kodak 1964 Professional Equipment catalog VP120: 60¢ = $5.40 PX 135-20: 95¢ = $8.54 PX 135-36: $1.25 = $11.24 TX120: 70¢ = $6.30 TX135-20: 95¢ = $8.54 TX-135-36: $1.25 = $11.24 FX120: 70¢ = $6.30 FX135-20: 95¢ = $8.54 FX135-36: $1.25 = $11.24 RX120: 90¢ = $8.09 C120: $1.25 = $11.24 CX135-20: $1.95 = $17.54 KR135-20: $2.15 = $19.34 KR135-36: $3.10 = $27.88 KX135-20: $2.35 = $21.13 KX135-36: $3.40 = $30.58 E120: $1.35 = $12.14 E135-20: $2.35 = $21.13 E135-36: $3.40 = $30.58 EH120: $1.75 = $15.74 EH135-20: $2.75 = $24.73 EH135-36: $3.95 = $35.52 EP120: $1.60 = $14.39 1967 Kodak Consumer Catalog VP120: 55¢ = $4.59 TX120: 55¢ = $4.59 TX 135-20: 85¢ = $7.10 TX 135-36: $1.15 = $9.60 K135-20: $1.95 = $16.28 K135-36: $2.95 = $24.62 E120: $1.25 = $10.43 E135-20: $2.15 = $17.95 E135-36: $3.0 = $25 CX120: $1.15 = $9.60 CX135-20: $1.75 = $14.61 CX135-36: $2.45 = $20.45 1981 Popular Photography b&h Ad FX120: $1.89 = $5.40 FX135-20: $1.59 = $4.88 FX135-36: $2.25 = $6.90 PX120: $1.59 = $4.88 PX135-20: $1.59 = $4.88 PX135-36: $2.19 = $6.72 TX120: $1.59 = $4.88 TX120-5: $7.49 = $22.97 TX135-20: $1.59 = $4.88 TX135-36: $2.19 = $6.72 CG120: $2.25 = $6.90 CG135-24: $2.89 = $8.86 CG135-36: $3.59 = $11.01 C120: $1.95 = $5.98 C135-25: $2.35 = $7.21 C135-36: $2.95 = $9.05 VPL120-10: $10.10 = $30.98 VPS120-10: $10.10 = $30.98 VPS220-10: $20.19 = $61.93 VCS120: $1.33 = $4.08 KM136-20: $3.95 = $12.12 KPA135-36: $4.99 = $15.30 ED135-20: $4.19 = $12.85 ED135-36: $5.19 = $15.92 EL120: $3.35 = $10.27 Ilford: PF120: $1.29 = $3.96 PF135-20: $1.39 = $4.26 PF135-36: $1.89 = $5.80 PFY120: $1.29 = $3.96 PFY135-20: $1.39 = $4.26 PFY135-36: $1.89 = $5.80 HPV120: $1.29 = $3.96 HPV135-20: $1.39 = $4.26 HPV135-36: $1.89 = $5.80 1995 Popular Photography b&h Ad VP120: $2.39 = $4.37 PX135-24: $2.57 = $4.70 PX135-36: $3.50 = $6.40 TX120: $2.39 = $4.37 TX135-24: $2.56 = $4.68 TX135-36: $3.50 = $6.40 TMX120: $2.39 = $4.37 TMX135-24: $2.62 = $4.79 TMX135-36: $3.69 = $6.75 TMY120: $2.51 = $4.59 TMY135-24: $2.76 = $5.05 TMY135-36: $3.84 = $7.02 GA120: $2.99 = $5.47 GA135-24: $3.19 = $5.84 GA135-36: $4.09 = $7.48 GB120: $2.99 = $5.47 GB135-24: $3.75 = $6.86 GB135-36: $4.65 = $8.51 GC120: $2.99 = $5.47 GC135-24: $4.05 = $7.41 GC135-36: $5.07 = $9.28 VPS 120: $2.99 = $5.47 VPS 135-24: $3.69 = $6.75 VPS 135-36: $4.75 = $8.69 KM135-24: $4.29 = $7.85 KM135-36: $5.89 = $10.78 KR135-24: $4.18 = $7.65 KR135-36: $5.95 = $10.88 EB135-24: $4.49 = $8.21 EB135-36: $6.35 = $11.62 Fujifilm CN120: $1.73 = $3.16 CN135-24: $2.04 = $3.73 CN135-36: $1.69 = $3.09 RDP120: $3.99 = $7.30 RDP135-36: $5.89 = $10.78 Neopan400, 120: $2.65 = $4.85 Neopan400, 135-36: $2.14 = $3.91 Ilford PanF+120: $2.24 = $4.10 PanF135-20: 75¢ = $1.37 PanF135-36: $1.49 = $2.73 FP4+120: $2.29 = $4.19 FP4+135-24: $2.25 = $4.12 FP4+135-36: $2.80 = $5.12 HP5+120: $2.12 = $3.88 HP5+135-24: $1.99 = $3.64 HP5+135-36: $2.80 = $5.12 As this data indicates: b&w film has always been cheap, color film has always been more expensive, and 36 exposure rolls were generally more expensive than any other option. Also bear in mind dealer prices are 10-20% discounted from marker price. It's also interesting to note that 1995 is only 5-10 years prior to peak film; and is around the time digicams become available, and the price wars begin.

[@danieltaylor1522]

@@comeradecoyote I'm surprised you copied/calculated all of that data. One nitpick is that it looks like some of the prices are for multi roll packs or film+developing. (As an example a single roll of VPS 120 was $1.98 in the Jan 1981 B&H ad, or $5.95 today. The $10.10/$30.98 you quoted looks like a pro pack price.) Regardless that list is very useful and it looks like it took some work. If we include the entire 20th century your description is more accurate. But people are going to be inclined to compare to the 80s/90s/2000s/2010s, and we are well above that average. I could argue that manufacturing technology means the older prices aren't as relevant, but you could argue that a far smaller market means they are more relevant. So, do prices have to be this high? The remaining film companies were clearly making a profit and maintaining their equipment at pre-pandemic pricing, and that pricing was much easier on the wallet. Personally I wasn't complaining about those prices, but these prices hurt. Either inflation has forced their hands, or they're taking advantage of it, or perhaps a little of both. If inflation has forced their hands it may not be good for film photography and the film marketplace. If they have some flexibility in the matter and are choosing to go ahead with price increases, that's a bet they could lose. No amount of research can guarantee how a price will impact revenue and profits, and there's a hard limit to the inelasticity of film demand in the face of a substitute good (digital). Time will tell. But regardless of who is right or what justifications there are, I know I will be shooting less film this year.

[@alexanderpopov4691]

In Europe we have been paying this price already and now it will be another 20% over. If you are enthusiast exposing 150 rolls a year it creates a pressure to shoot less. Many film photographers where I live are already shooting b&w only. I am not saying film is overpriced, but it is expensive and this hobby becomes less accessible for many photographers. Another threat you have mentioned - the enviromental regulations is there and I see it a primer enemy to film photography. P.S. By the way, I can also imagine a scenario when film photography will survive while digital still photography will vanish away, as long as the technologie improves.

[@whoschrischu]

Photography has always been an expensive hobby for most. Film used to be that super cheap creative alternative o give the full-time digital shooters a place to enjoy the art for again. This price increase is just a harsh reminder that the economy + business side of things still exist and that the fun can't last forever. I think film photography, although a hype for now, will stay for many decades. It's so weird that digital sensors haven't caught up yet in terms of dynamic range, but nothing will beat the organic feel of film. Different strokes for different folks

[@slr7075]

For photographers already spending thousands of dollars for cameras and lenses, a little price bump for film is nothing for them. The ones effected are those who are financially struggling or newcomers.

[@whoschrischu]

I agree 100%

[@miscible21]

Exactly. I am one of them. I picked up film photography during the early days of the pandemic. I am sitting with countless rolls that I have yet to develop and regrettably I have stopped buying film and quietly moved on to buying old digital cameras for the system I'm invested in. It's become harder and harder to justify buying any more film.

[@burendasan]

@@miscible21 Absolutely agree. I moved away from film photography about a year ago and when I considered getting back into it, I saw how much the film prices had increased and was discouraged from getting back into it. This video just confirms it for me.

[@theothertonydutch]

@@miscible21 Check out Washi.

[@VicerFx]

The starters are the ones they should be aiming for. A lot of people just give up because it's just not an affordable hobby

[@Kimanixo]

Film is “trendy” and Kodak is capitalizing on that. Personally I think it’s insane especially when they push how much they are “for” the photographer.

[@whoschrischu]

Film is mad trendy, and Kodak definitely knows that. It's typical business strategy to raises prices when demand is high plus they probably are experiencing bad supply chain issues + need the money to help with that.

[@whoschrischu]

@@ark8tct I think the knee jerk reaction to dislike the comfort around this film price along with the hype + rush of so many new film photographers is natural However....it is keeping Kodak's doors open to make film for all of us, so it's like a double edged sword.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

No, cost's are just going up to match inflation. Prices are still lower, if adjusting for inflation than they were in the 60's and 70's for example.

[@danielhanslik4112]

@@Adrian-wd4rn Inflation is aimed to be around 2%, not 24%. And prices are definitely significantly higher than they were around the 90's for example.

[@KNURKonesur]

Colour film has always alluded me but the prices even a couple years ago weren't justifiable for a student who doesn't earn money on his photography. I remember around 2015-16 we could buy Fomapan with free shipping from the factory in Czechia when you ordered $350-worth of stuff from them. We used to chat with a bunch of friends, someone wanted a developer, someone wanted some paper, a bunch of people wanted film and we could easily get to the free shipping treshold. Back then a roll of Fomapan 120 400 cost an equivalent of $2.70. Paying 17 bucks for a roll of film would be absolute madness. You could get a 5-pack for that...

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

I really hope Orwo and other small manufacturers will step up and take a bite out of the pie Kodak clearly isn't capable of eating and Fuji is passing on. The demand for affordable color film is definitely there while the supply is sorely lacking. Kodak Gold and Colorplus aren't that cheap either.

[@BG-og3vf]

Insane prices for sure, but I think we should be thankful that film is still being produced. Film really doesn't need to be in production because of digital, but it still is. Nice to know the medium isn't going anywhere despite the price.

[@whoschrischu]

very true. bright side is that we should be grateful for such a wonderful medium being sustained

[@BingaBangoBongo]

Given the resolution retained by film, I personally don't think it should EVER cease to exist.

[@Al_Bx]

One important thing you're forgetting about Kodak is their virtual monopoly on color film. Fuji is out and Lomo doesn't move nearly enough prouct to make as little as a scratch in Kodak's market share. Plus nobody knows where Lomo gets their film from. They very well might buy it from Kodak. So in a nutshell they can set whatever price they want.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

People in the US: "OMG FILM IS $17 PER ROLL THIS IS INSANE" Rest of the world: "First time?" Seriously Film in South Africa was R260+ ($17) pre pandemic. I'm sure people will survive a temp increase.

[@aredesuyo]

Film already is a luxury product. Before I finally went digital in 2007, film stocks were already being retired left and right as actual professionals were ditching the expense and inconvenience of film in favor of digital. Shooting digital "saved" me about $3000 a year back then in film and development costs, and I was just shooting for fun. With smartphones and such these days, photography is more ubiquitous than I could have imagined in the 90s when I first got into it. Now that the dollar has been inflated beyond belief in the past couple of years, it's not surprising to see film prices respond.

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

You think digital saved you money !! The reality is that you spend more with all the equipment you have to buy every two years and the cost of the cards and laptop and software etc ! It’s just a lie that film Cost you more ! A manual film camera can last you a life time ! And if you bulk load and learn how to develop film your self ( it’s not difficult ) you spend even less

[@aredesuyo]

@@bohemianphotographer6843 Uhh, no. I used the same Canon 5D for 12 years.

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

@@aredesuyo well y are an exception! Most people buy digital cameras way more often than that ! Most people really into photography Own more than one camera

[@hmuz8388]

@@bohemianphotographer6843 no they don’t, don’t blindly believe the KZbin gear hype (videos and comments alike)

[@bohemianphotographer6843]

@@hmuz8388 I have worked in the photography industry for 12 years ! In Italy and Uk ! I don’t take my Infos online !

[@brycepinson8641]

LOL Ribsy didn't make a film stock. He put a new sticker on Fomapan.

[@whoschrischu]

damn, it seems like everyone knows this except for me

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

Color film will most definitely suffer from a price increase but I don't think it will make people stop shooting film all together. I think more photographers will get into B&W film because theres more players in that game. Ilford, Foma, and Shanghai produce beautiful films that are also insanely cheap. B&W developing costs are next to nothing if you do it at home as well.

[@whoschrischu]

that's true B&W is a cheaper route altogether, and people should just shoot more B+W in general cuz it's so beautiful. I know that film photographers won't go extinct. Like any change, people will riot at first and then adjust

[@jeraldjoyce2995]

Even tho i shoot on ultramaxx, the price jump definitely got me into b&w. it also got a ton of other people interested, so my local camera store limited just ran out of HP5+. They also limited the amount of film that could be bought to 5 rolls.

[@jeremoe1]

I, for one, plan on shooting more b&w, if not entirely. I've been thinking about it before this price increase because I love b&w, so this might be the catalyst that make me take the leap.

[@peskymacaw9033]

Here in méxico and in most LatAm countries, shooting and developing B&W is actually more expensive than color... and well, now both are going to be equaly expensive... and brands like Foma are really hard to get down here.

[@KamiruBTS]

I'm a bit worried about all that. A 3-pack of Kodak Gold was going for 8€ at my local store while its not at 20€. This all happened within the last half year.

[@musielaklukasz]

If you are from germany, poles are massivly buynig Kodak gold in Rossmann because they can sell it for much more in poland, still 20 euros its cheap comperes to polish prices :/

[@czesc.mateusz]

single kodak gold (36) costs over 10€ in PL…

[@liasilina]

i paid £8 for one roll of kodak gold 24 exp. :(

[@thorstenjaspert9394]

The Kodak Gold200 is released in 120 format some days before. A good alternative for medium format photographers? Film photography becomes more expensive than it was before digital cameras came up.

[@bhop.builds]

I'm just a hobbyist as far as photography (since the early 90s), but it's ruining color film for me because I don't want to pay as much as they're charging per roll. I've been shooting more digital lately after getting an X-Pro2 (with my Leica and Nikon MF lenses) and it's not too bad as far as the fun factor... that's coming from shooting almost exclusively film for the past 10 years or so, but I really enjoy shooting with my film cameras, so I don't think i'll go only digital. I hope Kodak reverses this, but only time will tell I guess.

[@verablack3137]

Honestly, I might drop 35mm over all of this. If I want the great depth of field for nice portraits I will use medium format, but for everything else there isn't such a pull for me to film. If I want to do a landscape, casual walk around shot or even a wildlife shot I usually reach for my Minolta Maxxum, but at these prices I might as well buy an A99II to use my lenses on or just sell my Sony APSC cameras, Minolta Maxxum cameras, and my Minolta/Sony lenses and just commit to Micro Four thirds for my digital stuff and medium format for my film stuff.

[@emmanueld.gonzalez-figuero7715]

I decided to stop using the maxxum 9 and 7. I'm only using the pentax 67 when hiking and the other day ordered the film ill use for the rest of the year. Amazon had a deal on ektar 120 35 USD for 5 rolls and adorama had Acros ii 120 5 rolls for 28 USD. After 2022 if this keeps up ill ditch the 67 and buy a fuji GFX.

[@r.wilson8095]

Another thing to look at is that film manufacturers also produced Radiographic film and was a more profitable business that probably helped off-set the price of photography film. Now medical imaging has gone digital to include mammography there is a big void left in the film business. Bottom line is digital imaging has doomed the film industry.

[@whoschrischu]

I heard about that radiographic film business. It's tough!!! I hope Kodak allocates their resources into RnD to bring back old film stocks

[@ivan9066]

They jacked up the prices to repair the few old machines that still work, and invest in new ones. Eventually in 5 years maybe the price would drop by 10%. I don't know why nobody is trying to capitalise the need for cheap film stock. It's very trendy, even people who don't consider themselves as photographers like the aesthetic. Right now the cheapest colour film costs like 7-8 dollars. Kodak already make Kodak Vision HOW HARD CAN IT BE ?!

[@valueforvalue76]

I'd say you answered your own question. The reason they haven't capitalized is because it *is trendy*. And trends change quickly, the investment it would take to fully capitalize, particularly right now isn't worth the risk by a long shot. The bottom could drop out of the film market tomorrow for all they know. Yes there is a group of film loyalists, professionals who have bought film for ages. But they are a relatively small group, right now we have many young people buying film, lots of them for the first time. But when they get bored with it, or tired of paying development costs. What will the demand be then?

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Price is matching inflation. Film has always held steady, until the digital age, where film costs dropped due to low demand. Film has ALWAYS been, adjust for todays inflation, between $9-$13...A roll of film in 1950 cost $0.8- $1.10, that's between $8 and 12 bucks today...

[@trevorjacques_]

Im not so sure the environmental aspect is always a great reason to switch to digital. I think it def depends one what specific film/camera/developer/etc you are using. for example, if youre shooting 35mm (more shots per roll than 120), and on a camera that was made 20-40 years ago (basically zero new emissions have gone into the camera because it is already made), and youre shooting b/w (cleaner chemicals than c-41 chems) AND you develop yourself (dont have to send film anywhere) AND you use a developer like Kodak XTOL (basically Vitamin C) the emissions are most likely far less than the emissions it take to produce any new camera, especially when you consider what goes into sourcing the metals used for lithium batteries.... but it def DEPENDS. This was just a hypothetical of how to make film less of an environmental problem

[@whoschrischu]

you definitely make some super solid points! An old camera recycled (or anything old recycled) will always be better than buying something new. The thing about developing at home though is that people tend to waste a lot (of materials and money) in the beginning. Of course, with time any user will improve, but this is all hypothetical. I'm not super informed on this topic

[@randallstewart175]

The environmental issue surrounding film (and paper darkroom) photography is mostly a contrivance of a few one-issue minded zealots who are basically uninformed. This goes hand in hand with the "don't waste the water" folks, who if they are that concerned, should go back to digital, where they won't have to watch the sausage being made. The present noise over "wet" photography (film and print) on the environment is like having a melt down because the neighbor's dog took a pee on your half acre of lawn.

[@ivan9066]

Film photography is literally a drop in the ocean of pollution. There are so many useless BS industries that polute thousands of time more.

[@3beltwesty]

What reason would make Film immune to price increases compared to everything else this year? Paper i buy has had 5 price increases in 2021. Some products i resell made of simple plastic and steel normally have 1 price increase each year. For 2021 y There was one in December March July and October and 2021 is not done yet.

[@12seppert]

In 2019 I bought 5 packs of Ektar for 35 euro's. Now, 2022 it'll cost almost 70 euro's. Terrible!

[@austiinjohn]

this should be really interesting to watch as most film photographers have no idea how to color grade without their sexy portra 😂

[@whoschrischu]

¯\( ˘͡ ˘̯)/¯

[@ofoosy]

Nah, it's not bad. Frankly it's to be expected for a niche hobby. Bulk loading is the key to keeping it cheap for yourself, 250D&svema100 ftw!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I'm shooting digital for color, film for black and white. I'm not worried. I'm 68. I've seen it all. If you love something, you cut down on everything else.

[@joegraves4690]

I used to really want to shoot film cause it looks great and just to use something simple and minimal. But after this price increase and the cost of developing, I don’t think I’ll ever really make the jump. Everything with film is going up in price because demand has skyrocketed. I’ll get a Fuji for the film sims to attempt to scratch that itch.

[@whoschrischu]

I think this type of consumer who wants to use it for the everyday and with a simple point shoot will suffer the most. The people who want to dedicate a lot of art into it will invest, but the people who just wanna have fun will have a harder time and that sucks

[@AeromaticXD]

Try black and white

[@elliottong2949]

Sounds crazy...Still shooting Kodak, but have switched to shooting Motion Picture stock 5207 buying in 100 ft rolls and bulk loading, and home developing in ECN2... Black and White wise shoot 5222 Double X bulk loading ... Portra will be more a luxury item for those “special occasions”... agree that they are not helping the resurgence of Film. It’s not smart

[@SilverJt96]

I think it's just especially painful for people like myself, as I am someone who started using film just as it started becoming extremely popular, and prices back when I first started(4-5 years ago) were still on the lower end, practically almost half of what it will be after the price increases :')

[@whoschrischu]

yeah, it's definitely not friendly for a lot people for sure. Imagine starting next year with those new prices. Insane.

[@areallyrealisticguyd4333]

I personally wouldn't mind the price increase if that money went towards developing new/resurrecting film stocks but Kodak Alaris seems to never talk about it.

[@Smothier]

I shoot (or used to) with a Leica M6 which is already an expensive 'grail' camera for me and for many other film photographers. My film output dropped massively when Kodak increased their prices earlier in 2021 and I went for a Fuji digital camera (an X-Pro2). Now with this increase I'm seriously considering dropping film all together, sell my M6 for a nice profit and go all digital until that moment where either the film itch strikes again, orm more likely, the price of Kodak 'premium' film drops to a more sustainable level for more enthusiast level photographers. Even with doing my own developing and scanning, the price is starting to bite. And since picking up digital, I've found that I can get close, sometimes even identical to what I'd expert from film or closer to what I expect film to achieve, albeit with more manual editing here and there in the workflow. But if you consider how long it takes to scan the film and then edit each shot, it is often a lot quicker to do digital. Not trying to dissuade anyone but I think the price will put off more people - Kodak can only try but I think this may be the cutoff point for many, including me.

[@alexandreberenguer8266]

Hey Chris, I would like to mention that the prices increase list you showed in your video has a second page which shows increases on black and white, colorplus, gold, ultramax as well…

[@whoschrischu]

yeah...I've been informed by other commentors. I was only provided with this screenshot, and the news only saddens me

[@theothertonydutch]

There are new brands too. I think there will be more colour film coming out by other brands that will be more affordable.

[@EM-ve9bh]

This is why I'm looking into bulk rolling ECN-2 Kodak Vision 3 film.

[@whoschrischu]

that would be sooooooo cooool!

[@pantherclaws123]

I'm shocked developing and scanning costs $15 in the US. It's like $8 where I live, and $3 for just development. Any idea if Fujifilm is actually gone for good? That'll suck.

[@miguelpinheiro8645]

Same here , i get mine developed and scanned for 5€ :D and the scans seem to be pretty high quality imo

[@pantherclaws123]

@@miguelpinheiro8645 where do u live?

[@aidenblack5697]

Hey where did you go to buy your film at the beginning of the video?

[@madacenyc]

They should come out with some sort of custom SD card where the sd card has embedded film simulation settings that can’t be change and it changes your camera raw file to that look automatically no matter what digital camera you use

[@whoschrischu]

that would be very very interesting, but it still can't replicate what film actually looks like :(

[@razrxo]

@@whoschrischu Kodak might be able to do it tho, atleast get as close as possible

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Kudos Chris. A most thorough and comprehensive assessment. There will be a spike in purchase thisside of Xmas in order nto avoid the price rise come 1 jan 2022. In any event, I am keeping an inventory and amortise the cost of film over a longer period. Where I can, I will buy some exotics just to experience their emulsion. Thanks again.

[@whoschrischu]

oh true!! Can you imagine receiving boxes of film for Christmas? That would bring a tear to my eye.

[@gurugamer8632]

Hi, hope you can give me some help please. I have brand new films not expired all 35mm - Portra 400, Portra 160 and Fujicolour Pro 400H, Kodak Tri-X 400 - which ISO gives the most pleasing results for each of these films? Will be using with Leica M6.

[@noscaasifilmstudios]

To anyone who feels disheartened at the sad reality that film is bad for the environment and that we should switch to digital, know that you aren’t alone. That’s the one thing, moreso than price increases that makes me want to stop shooting film. There’s hope though. I recently bought a Pentax K10D. It’s a 10mp CCD sensor camera from 2006. To put it simply, I believe CCD is the closest approximation to film that I’ve seen from a digital camera. Check out these old CCD cameras. I can see it being a big thing soon.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

Film is not bad for the environment. How companies handle their waste is bad for the environment. That's not a film unique thing. Do you know how digital waste is deposed of? Its thrown into the ocean or toxic land fills that seep into the water table contaminating it for centuries to come. Nvm the fact that electronic waste also takes 50 years + to decompose vs if you stop dumping chemicals into a river it can recover in less than 10.

[@GuillaumeRx]

I got a Canon 1DS mk II which I believe is really close to film in terms of colour science. It’s not CCD but I don’t know, the colors are beautiful. The technology is old, but it does the job in good light, and the body is undestrucrible. That’s probably the only digital camera that I will never sell.

[@andrewsmithphoto]

Shoot black and white film, its easy to develop at home. Additionally you can roll it your self and there are lots of options outside of Kodak.

[@brookswitta]

Wonder if Kodak will release Ultra max 120 , color plus 120, or Gold 120 as a cheaper stock for medium format. would help feed the bottom line

[@whoschrischu]

technically, it's been heavily rumored that Lomo 800 is Gold 800, and that's available in 120 format. I agree tho I would love to have those "consumer film stocks" in 120

[@brookswitta]

@@whoschrischu and they used to make gold in 120 so I really think it wouldn’t be hard for them to bring it out of the grave

[@whoschrischu]

@@brookswitta truuuu, I’ve been looking for some for a long time

[@Flying4Film]

I'm more worried about the cost of the chemicals since I don't shoot any Kodak film, but do use their developers. That being said, if I was struggling financially, I probably wouldn't be shooting film so the cost increase is a minor inconvenience. Expensive film is better than no film for me.

[@Stop4MotionMakr]

"You push the button - that'll be 85 dollars" But Apple already had dips on that slogan 😂

[@jobyrascon]

Where do you get your music from? Also, rad video!✌🏽

[@siebenburguer]

In Mexico city the cost of Kodak Portra 400 is around $22 (USD) per roll, hard to find and now we must pay 20% extra. And everything to turn on an analog product into digital to share in social media platforms?

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Why is it kept in a cooler wouldn't moisture be bad for film?

[@aroach337]

Insane. I was so happy when I got my Fuji GW690... 8 shots per roll :-( Was that a store in SF?

[@vermontmike9800]

Excellent breakdown and analysis.

[@jaspercaelan4998]

I'm only really shooting b&w now. Might try Kodak Vision3 and develop it at home.

[@kc2879]

When I beginning switched to digital, I found it’s quite ridiculous that the prints are more expensive by so called ‘archive quality paper’; we using normal photo papers can hold images over 100 years but costs only 1/3 of digital archive paper... Now, the film industry (Kodak/Fuji) decreased the production size and selling higher price, almost triple up then the popular times... You find the digital print is so flat, printed effect no good for high-light and dark area (except those high-end and super megabytes sensors, you need super fast computer to load it...); you want to switch back to film, and costs made you headaches... We’re at the time lost both advantages. We found friends and relatives are gradually losing the good memories from photographs, we lost data when change new mobiles, or computer failure etc. In digital era, we have less valuable photos to keep then before.

[@Clifton_McWilliams]

What camera store was that you went to?

[@aram4854]

I sold my Pentax 67 and a few other film cameras in anticipation of this. I’m going digital r6 with the saving on film I’ll be buying external hard drive. I believe with the technology now a days. We will have better simulation for porta.

[@SgtPnkks]

I feel like people using portra, ektar, etc for their personal photography might fall off a bit and see more consumer film being used... Paid work won't be affected since the film cost gets shifted to the client Definitely will see fewer examples of people tossing portra into a thrift store point and shoot

[@KazeHorse]

TBH the whole Portra in a thrift-store p&s was always mental in my eyes...

[@emilvincent5034]

I am from Germany 🇩🇪 and began shooting film this late summer. I have recently stocked up on consumer Kodak films like gold (in packs of 3), color plus And ultra max. At a drug store I paid around 4.20 per roll (gold) which is relatively high considering that it was around 2.70 one or two years before. For development I also give it to the drug store which the ships the film to a big commercial lab. That costs me 1.25 and then I pay around 5 Euro for scans at a local lab. This means that a roll roughly costs 10-11 euros for me from buying to viewing the images digitally or around 30 cents per exposure. It seems cheap compared to us rates but the prices got corrected as well in Germany.

[@sonygoup]

Tbh what i see happening is next year the film sales numbers will drop for a while but not enough to tell Kodak to drop prices. I haven't boought film in like 2 year I think because I bulk buy and probably would buy in 2024 according to my usage. By then id like to hope the cost drops a bit or kodak setups a shoot and we develop low cost program as that could make them some serious coins if the cost to develop is included in the cost of the film, like an additional 5$ per roll. Then more if you want scans....

[@KazeHorse]

The shoot and develop program would be genius, but it would effectively end the small-business labs & as we know, Kodak isn't our bud - they'll then control the market and capitalise on it... tis what it is.

[@nollieheel214aim]

Just came to this after attempting to purchase any Kodak film via Samys and Bh, all of the price hikes! Also all of the low end color film is out of stock which could be the consequence of that. Crazy times, never thought film prices would get this high! Luckily a friend gave me a couple rolls of Kodak ultra 400 he had no use for so i guess I’ll have to make that last haha.

[@Arrc_Larrc]

I work at a camera store and photo lab and color plus is actually going for $15 a roll now just because of how hard it is to get all the film in distribution but when we get any color film in it lasts a week and then we just wait a month or two

[@alessandrosignorini9556]

Switched from single 35mm roll to bulk almost a decade ago, b/w was extremely cheap i.e. HP5 was almost 50€ 90'(now 85) Portra compared to vision3 is essentially a lomo quality emulsion If this is all about 120 format maybe using a hassy 70mm back might be a decent alternative

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Get some maco arial, shit's 35 euros for 17m of film. Shipped to the U.S, that's about 90 usd for a ton of film. Todays insta-tographers are scared of shooting black and white. Because they can't lift those shadows at the beach to get likes. They'd have to use skill to get a good shot....

[@StudioC41]

These price increases are not done without cause. The supply chain crisis and the fact 160NS, 400H, and Velvia 100 are leaving the market as significant substitutes to Portra makes it even harder to meet the demand. Kodak went from making nearly 1 billion rolls at its peak in 2003 to bankruptcy in 2012. Then a sudden growth makes the scales of economy harder to expand to meet the demand. The bottom line is Kodak doesn’t have the infrastructure to meet the demand in a small industry, so to curb demand, you increase the price to find a healthy balance between demand and supply. Until ORWO and Film Ferrania figure out their color film roadblocks, Kodak is pretty much the only color film company in the industry.

[@sammerritt730]

Fomapan is only about £4.00 in the uk and is available in 100, 200 and 400 iso in both 35mm and 120 formats and sheet film is also available for about £25-50 depending on size for fifty sheets

[@genjigenji3633]

Usually a bubble is caused by a government printing too much money (as debt) and inflating prices (e.g. someone who makes $50K per year can get a cheap $1M loan from a bank to buy a house in LA). But in this case with film, there's just no competition to drive prices down and so yeah Kodak basically has a monopoly like you mentioned. So I don't think prices will come down assuming no other competitor comes in.

[@mp3remix171]

Hmm I feel like this video isnot well informed, I could tell you why but just watch Nicos video on the topic! But basically you are comparing analog prices to the time when digital took over (2005), in films heyday it was still more expensive than today (taking inflation in to account), also Kodak needs to train new employees to be able to expand the business that were let go back in 2005ish, rebuild more machines to keep up with demand and so on, it’s not just “hey let’s raise the prices just because…”, but with that said I wish that Kodak was better at informing the community on why they have to make these decisions

[@colourandsound]

Yeah, then there's the whole Kodak Alaris taking loans from the UK government pension protection fund thing because Eastman Kodak's own pension fund was used to keep Alaris afloat, so they gotta raise capital instead of going to the bank for loans. I think the rise is going to be a positive thing long term.

[@SachAlvarez]

i'm not trying to hate or anything but videos made up of nothing but speculations are problematic. kodak is absolutely not trying to make their products luxurious, the price increase is to pay for equipment maintenance and expansion. ever since digital took over, they downsized production severely, which meant putting most of their machines out of service. people really expect kodak to supply the increase in demand over the last few years, introduce new emulsions and sell affordable products using 30 year old downsized equipment in desperate need of maintenance and replacement. and that simply does not make any sense.

[@guavaberry]

im glad i found this channel.

[@bryanpolitte]

Dang you have that much color film readily available to buy?? My local store sells out way too quickly

[@htt2707]

Color film prices where I live in Iceland are already very high - Portra400 is 24,5$ at the only store still selling kodak films. Portra800 is 26$. Add 8$ to just develop film (no scans/prints). So I expect will not buying portra locally after 20% price increase in 2022. I think for color I will be shooting digitally (on my old x100t) and occasional use cheaper color films but most of my film photography going forward will be black&white.

[@nuj427]

Just found your video and instant sub my Asian brother. I've owned my M6 since 2013, but stopped shooting a year ago because with two kids now it was getting kinda expensive to keep going so I picked up the X100V. You might not know me but I strictly shoot film since getting the M6, just maybe from time to time snapshots with my phone but any photo ideas, it was shot on film but what you're saying, damn! I still got my stash in the freezer but we'll see. I missed shooting film and my Leica though.

[@whoschrischu]

ooooo an Asian Leica Lad! The X100V is perfect for photographing your growing family, but don't sell that M6 no matter what! Start using it again, you won't regret it!

[@nuj427]

@@whoschrischu oh this M6 is mine and never leaving me that's for sure. I'll explain (kinda proud bragging here lol). It's the big logo M6 which I preferred (I've personally removed the ink my self too, and btw this was way before Leica blacking out their products), the middle three digits of the serial numbers are my birthday (which I did not noticed when I purchase), I've fixed the jammed rewind crank, replaced the curtains, and replaced all parts to the matte black MP parts. So pimped out only I'll understand this beast lol.

[@alfepalfe]

As far as I understand it this is how it is, with the decline of film kodak was forced to keep prices as low as possible, leave the machines running and fix stuff that breaks but don't do anything more. When film suddenly grows they need to increase production to meet demand and their machines can't keep up. Even if production of the film can finishing of the rolls can't. Increasing production and expanding means prices can't stay low. Bringing back Ektachrome was for example as far as I understand it a *huge* project. Then there is the fact that a lot of parts for these machines are no longer made so a broken part may cost a lot to get replaced. I believe someone at kodak said in one of SmarterEveryDay's factory tour as a response to a question about what happens when something breaks something along the lines of. We have engineers, and then there is always eBay.

[@mmbali92]

$16 in the US, here in Malaysia it costs around $60-$80 per roll for a portra and that’s hella expensive. Prices for other films are also increasing quite significantly. Sigh.

[@brandonli4896]

Yo what store is that? I’m in the bay too!

[@kavierocks]

Underdog! That's my favorite spot! Haven't gotten to know the staff yet like I have with most other places (they always seem super busy with what they're doing) but they always treat me good.

[@brendenpeters2843]

I would love to get into film but being a broke college student just doesn't seem the most sensible option. For now I will stick to digital and continue yo edit my photos to look like porta 400.

[@artistjoh]

Even back in the film days, Kodak was always the most expensive film, closely followed by Polaroid. American film companies have always loved price gouging. It was really only in the US where it either Kodak or the highway. Here in the rest of the world the choices from the rest of the world were more numerous, and we tended to choose alternatives more often. Ilford and European brands were usually a bit more affordable, and big sellers. Ilford dominated black and white back then, and in the 1960's we shot mostly B&W. Other companies are available. Lomography is consistantly lower. It might not be lower enough for your liking, but it is still lower. Color Negative 400 is a great film, and I love the colors of the new '92 film. And as much as I like Tri-X, Ilford, Lomography, and Rollei generally make better, or at least, more interesting black and white films. And for slides, I always preferred Agfa colors in the past, and these days, Provia. Kodak's only stand-out film (other than Tri-X) is Portra, but it is too expensive to use, and that is a great reason to explore other brands. Why support Kodak's desire to take advantage of the popularity of film and fatten their bank account?

[@artstudionagoya9605]

I you are right! Btw for what I know Fuji will be out of the game of negative film by 2022 no more superia and fuji100. Lomography is production is run by Kodak so basically on 2022 kodak will have the monopoly of color negative film with can explain the increasing price.

[@whoschrischu]

are you serious?? Fuji is discontinuing everything??? BRUUUUUUHHHH

[@artstudionagoya9605]

@@whoschrischu well even if is true they still do positive film. I don’t know for sure that it what the people of my lab told me. I hope is not true.

[@centurybug]

I JUST got into film photography this month, and as much as I love it it's just so dang expensive. Especially considering you wind up spending even more to get it developed and scanned.. If you're shooting nice film and getting decent scans it's not hard to spend $30 a roll. I'm wondering if I'm going to have to give up this hobby, much as I don't want to there's a point at which it's just more frustration than fun.

[@futc.photography]

There are a bunch of cheaper options out there, you don’t have to shoot portra all day. Kodak gold, colorplus, Fuji c200, fomapan, etc. are some cheaper options. A lot of labs offer development only, at my lab development only of a roll is about 3€ and if you can scan yourself with a DSLR you can save a lot of money.

[@centurybug]

@@futc.photography You're right, I was just making a point. Most of what I shoot is ultramax. I don't have a good local lab but I did recently aquire a film scanner. Still, it's a shame good film is getting so hard to justify price-wise.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Develop your own film. Shoot black and white. Only scrubs shoot color.

[@stevepringle2295]

As a photojournalist in the film era I never paid for film. However, the papers I worked never bought “Professional Film” , and I could not see a massive difference between them. The only exception was regular Fuji chrome and Kodachrome. Whining about the cost of film when using a $5,000 plus Leica will not hurt your budget. Btw, I own a Leica shooting over the counter Kodak film. A three pack of 400 costs me $22.17.

[@issaholdup]

where is the film store you went to located at? i wanna support

[@matthewhoang6382]

Underdog Film Lab in West Oakland

[@whoschrischu]

correct!

[@sundayparam]

I mean u guys are still lucky. Here in Mexico a single cartridge of portra 800 has already been at 18 dollars for a while now

[@whoschrischu]

sheesh. I've heard it's been outrageous everywhere outside the US.

[@doctorstrobe]

People you mention don't "make" their own film stocks. They just rebrand films produced either by Harman (Ilford), Kodak (probably what Lomography is in reality) and sometimes Fuji. For a cheap color 800 ISO trick, you should try masking disposable cameras lens with black tape and use the 36 poses this way. Once it's done, you can get the cartridge out of the camera. It's cheaper than even lomography 800.

[@dps6198]

Silver is THE main ingredient in film both color and b&w. When the spot price of silver goes up so will the price of film. That along with demand.

[@RobertNuttmann]

Fuji 200 and 400 are still at a reasonable price. I would guess that if prices stay up Fuji will start back up making more of their other really excellent choices like Velvia. Maybe Agfa could restart some production. I would also think there is an opportunity for smaller companies to come out with a few lines of really good film that could sell in big quantities. Kodachrome is an example. Make film in Kodachrome 64 colors and fine grain and you are going to sell a ton of it. Might be better to do a C41 film though and not e6.

[@TheStockwell]

Kodak is ruining film photography - for Kodak, mostly. As to going back to digital, I'm heading the other way and running with the so-called alternative photography crowd: cyanotypes, anthotypes, salt prints, glass plate negatives, making my own emulsions, and developing my own film. Heck, I'll probably try making a daguerreotype or two now that it turns out you don't need to make them with mercury.

[@mcsabas]

You explained elasticity better than I ever learned

[@whoschrischu]

L-O-L this video is just an ECON crash course

[@Asset1968]

Ilford stands on its own and was used by pros before the digital age. Hp5 is my go to.

[@aGuy]

Here in Canada, we've been getting clobbered by film prices. A box (5 rolls) of Kodak Portra is already $95.00 here plus tax. Film prices have always been over inflated here.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Canadians have been clobbered by prices....Period. LOL, I feel so damn bad for ya'll.

[@mateouero]

Why don't you buy bulk 35mm film?

[@paulfeldem]

I'm committed. I won't stop, it'll either chill the fuck out or film is going to take me down. But I'll keep buying it.

[@10chocolatero]

I mean there are reason for that price increase which is to make new machines to make more film beacuse right now they are barely able to make enough so the increase is for that to avoid film shortage so I think it's fine they did as long as promises are met.

[@tylerpuszkar]

CineStill Film for the win (depending on what sort of stuff you shoot)

[@mcb187]

Well I still got 100ft of Vision 3 250D in the freezer, so I’m not super worried right now.

[@maxxmckinney3777]

I use film for my personal work like a lot of photographers do. It allows me to enjoy the _act_ of photography and practice. If I could afford it, I would shoot film exclusively, instead, I’ve stopped shooting film almost entirely. It hurts, man.

[@aramdavid]

Hey - if the social media film crowd dies down maybe the Contax G2 will be affordable again!

[@joshuathermidor1134]

AMEN

[@whoschrischu]

maaan I'm praying that some camera prices will go down!!

[@whoschrischu]

@@ark8tct sheeesh. I would honestly keep the M bodies. I've been secretly collecting them too...

[@Mettyunuabona_]

I thought about this but honestly without social media film would probs be dead

[@yohann2768]

Kodak film price increase is bad but as you said, there are cheaper alternatives like Lomography. I would argue that the price per shot is already a part of the process when you shoot film : Take less shots, take better shots. Take time to pick up your subject and compose because this shot is expensive.

[@perfectly_boring]

Lomo is rebranded kodak, so makes sense they need to increase too. I can't remember where I saw this comparison, but film is still cheaper today, than it was back in the day when that's all you could shoot (if you account for inflation)

[@whoschrischu]

true, it's been heavily rumored that Lomography 400 and 800 are Gold 400 + 800. I also saw a couple comparisons with inflation in mind. Tri-X is actually cheaper than it was in the past, and Ektachrome is like ~13% more expensive than it was in the 80's

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@whoschrischu and you touched on Ribsy's film, New Classic EZ 400, which is rebranded Fomapan. I'm 100% fine with this, because I like supporting folks who go out of their way to do something different. I appreciate his branding, packaging, and gusto! I ordered a few rolls from him and know what to expect from them. Good stuff.

[@whoschrischu]

@@TokyoGritandGrain oh I didn't know that it's repackaged Fomapan! Still cool tho! I wanna support these new faces in the game. I heard about Silberra color film and might try it out

[@TokyoGritandGrain]

@@whoschrischu Do your research on the Silberra. The B&W film is highly sensitive to light, so even putting it in the camera should be done in the dark. (Not sure about their color films). I look forward to your shots with it.

[@samo133]

In the Czech republic, back in the year 2015, the lowest price of kodak gold was about 36 CZK (about 1,5 USD) :( Now, the same film costs like 250 CZK (10 usd)

[@edwardneuman6061]

I've invested in digital, and now mirrorless tech, and I'm never going back to film - ever.

[@austiinjohn]

to the moon baby! 🚀🚀

[@whoschrischu]

STONKS

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Thanks for sharing.. there is another page which include color plus and so on.. (color plus expected increase about 30%…)

[@whoschrischu]

aw rip....

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

@@whoschrischu Price of color plus will beat portra soon 😂

[@whoschrischu]

@@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY can you imagine....

[@Hackzyyz]

sooo does this mean kodak gold and colorplus are safe cuz honeslty id rather shoot that than portra majority of the time

[@whoschrischu]

someone in the comment section said that those two film stocks are actually not safe either...but this is not truly confirmed. We'll have to wait and see x(

[@Riverrockphotos]

Yes they are. Young kids in colleage can't aford film. What are they going to do when us older people are gone?

[@RM.TokyoPhotographer]

Thanks man for the overtake of the expensive sht film price....but this has been bothering me for a while and I realized something interesting......Lomography has been making the Lomography Purple XLR/Tourchoise XLR along with those color shifting films which are dope but this is my take that they are really REALLY going to probably be releasing something greater IMHO since those are the first step in making a color negative films (balancing color etc testing color when they are preserved for extended period of time what would happen to the color shift tests) and if its true they might come something like that Lomography 800 / Portra version budget version if they get the R&D right fingers crossed for a Lomography 800 taste film in 400 format something greater cheers from Tokyo in my case thankfully Lomography 800 is sold like hell lot in Tokyo so I am going to be shooting with Lomo 800