buying film (rolled) in bulk- best option?

[newsgrunt]

Carrying on 200 rolls shouldn't be a problem. I would stuff this much and more in a mesh bag when I would head over to Europe on assignment. This will probably mean less of something else however.

and no, I never considered buying film there since it would all have to come back with me in the end regardless.

 

[Tom A]

I thought that you only needed a model release for advertising and other commercial work, not for "art" photography.

I have notebooks and tape ready to roll for keeping track of everything.

calexq- It is definitely looking that way. I was mainly asking to see if anyone knew of any super secret deals going on anywhere.

If you intend to sell your pictures for a profit - I advice to get a model release. It might not be needed, but with the world more and more interconnected, a subject in small town Mexico, seeing him or herself on the a gallery web site with a multi 100$ price tag, can actually cause you problem. Lawyers love this kind of stories too. It can be a lot of hassles - and unnecessary ones too.

 

[JohnTF]

I think i can squeeze 150 rolls of 36 exp. film in to 2 or 3 x-ray bags, which I should be able to carry on as long as I carry nothing else except my camera and a book 🙂[/quote]

TSA has agreed that photographer's are allowed one extra carry on bag, I posted the URL for this a few months back. The TSA inspectors I have recently encountered have not been the sharpest, well in Atlanta.

I have several nylon bags from Paris duty free, zipper, handles that have straps all around, and am sure I could fit 200 rolls inside one.

They should give you a hand check easily, they do not seem to be seeing much film these days. Mexico also did the same for me last year.

Regards, John

 

[pesphoto]

Airlines allow you to carry your camera on your shoulder onto the plane to leave more room for film in your bag.

 

[russianRF]

If you intend to sell your pictures for a profit - I advice to get a model release. It might not be needed, but with the world more and more interconnected, a subject in small town Mexico, seeing him or herself on the a gallery web site...

The thing is, people want to be PAID for a model release usually; indeed financial compensation -- or compensation of SOME kind (even TFP) -- is what locks the contract in place.

What you're suggesting would DESTROY for-profit street photography. If you're really selling multi-$100 prints, I'd reply it's worth getting a multi-$100 lawyer to counter the frivolous lawsuits. And do other things to protect yourself as well, like making limited-run printings, and getting model releases ONLY for pictures which will be used in a more promotional manner.

 

[photophorous]

I've never flown to Mexico, but I flew to europe with TriX in my carry on. I didn't bother asking for a hand check and I had no problems. Same is true for multiple flights inside the US. I don't think there is anything to worry about with 400 ISO film in your carry on. The x-ray bags might cause you more hassle than they're worth.

Have a good trip and after you're done editing down your results, post some here. 🙂

Paul

 

[Dante_Stella]

A 36-exposure roll of real Tri-X costs $4. 200 rolls cost $800

A 36-exposure roll of Arista costs $2. 200 rolls cost $400

A 100-foot roll of Arista will do 18 rolls of film for $29. To make 200 rolls, you would need 1100 feet, which would cost you $320, plus 1/2" tape ($3), plus cartridges (minimum $15 for 25). Plus your time. Plus scratched negatives. Not cheaper than buying Arista.

But the real issue is this: if you are traveling for a long time, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, why cheap out on film? Even if the film turns out fine (and it most likely will), I'd say it's worth $400 not to be worrying about whether it will be the same as your favorite film.

And although $400 might seem like a lot of money in cash, in the context of your trip's cost and the amount of money (or labor) that will be needed to develop the film, it's not a huge issue.

And if you do a show and print to the edges, nothing is more classic than Tri-X edge printing.

D

I am looking to purchase 200 rolls of 24 exp Tri-x for an upcoming journey. I am considering the Arista Premium, but part of me is still nervous that It won't behave exactly like Tri-x. It is far and away the cheapest option I have found so far, but I would buy genuine kodak if I can find a good price. Of adorama, calumet, and b&h, calumet is the only one that was willing to give a lower price than their standard per roll price, but it was still higher than my local shop was willing to give. Do any of you know of a good place I am overlooking to get a good bulk discount on this much film? Unfortunately, I don't have the time, equipment, or inclination to spool my own rolls.