Bulk film - how long?

[sanmich]

Do you think B+W film will exist in bulk as long as film itself exists?
Slide film is only available in preloaded cassettes, but it could be different since E6 usually means giving the cassette to a lab.

Is there a reason why major film producers would quit offering our prefered emulsions in bulk?

Incidentally, would someone know what is the overall percentage of BW film sold in bulk?

Thanks!

 

[sanmich]

bump...

anyone?

 

[yossarian123]

I think bulk will exist for a while. It costs less for the manufacturer and for the consumer. There should be a market for people looking to reduce costs (especially since film prices are rising all the time).

 

[Fotohuis]

Less then 0,5% is sold in bulk film from 35mm film.

So it depends mainly on the type of packing.
E6 Rollei Digibase pro CR200 (Agfa RSX II 200) is sold in 30,5m/100ft bulk.

Fuji stopped already a few years ago for all their bulk film.

 

[Mackinaw]

I imagine bulk film is easier and cheaper to package. Just run off 30 meters, throw into a container, and sell. 35mm, in 24 or 36 exposure cassettes, requires a lot more work, and expense, on the manufacturer's part to package. So you'd think bulk film would have a future.

Jim B.

 

[sanmich]

I imagine bulk film is easier and cheaper to package. Just run off 30 meters, throw into a container, and sell. 35mm, in 24 or 36 exposure cassettes, requires a lot more work, and expense, on the manufacturer's part to package. So you'd think bulk film would have a future.

Jim B.

That's one logic.
The other would say standardization of products is usually beneficial.
0.5% is very low, and I wonder if it justifies a separate packaging.