Fuji to increase film prices

[bobofish]

Just got a message from Megaperls Webshop in Japan, to the effect that Fuji has announced price increases on their analog products, between 5-30%.

A link to a table of the actual price increases is here:
http://www.unicircuits.com/shop/shop_news.php

looks like black and white film is going up. I'd better get that brick of 1600 before it goes up!

Incidentally, Dirk mentions that it is uncertain how much of that price increase will be passed on to customers, but we all know what price increases to stores mean for the consumer.

 

[SRMC]

We have already experienced an increase in the price of Fuji films in the U.S. Along with the re-naming and packaging of NPH and NPZ to PRO 400H and PRO 800Z respectively came a jump in the price. From what I recall, there was no change in emulsion, and simply a change in names and packaging to keep their product designations consistent. Nevertheless, the prices have increased. Just check B&H or Adorama.

SRMC

 

[bobofish]

Sorry, chalk this one up to another one of my Idiot Moments.

To be honest, I haven't used much Fuji film lately, so I wasn't paying attention.

I guess the good news is that maybe it won't go up more?

 

[SRMC]

Why criticize yourself? I apologize if my post came across as critical as I didn't indend it to be. (Oh, the perils of a quickly drafted message)

Your point is 100% valid and, to me, is indicative of Fuji's broader line of film products, not just my experience with NPH and NPZ. I was not aware that there was an across the board increase in Fuji film products. I figured it was just a marketing change, and that the number crunchers determined that the "PRO" designation would let them squeeze a few more pennies out of customers. If the price increase will keep them producing these films and devoting money to research and development I'm happy. I'd rather not see them eliminate two of my favorites.

SRMC

 

[peter_n]

The Fuji B&W stuff is excellent and this is hardly a surprise. To members who haven't used Megaperls yet, give Dirk a try - excellent prices and fast shipping from Japan. (No connection with Dirk - just a happy customer.)

 

[JapanExposures]

Thanks folks.

Just confirmed with supplier yesterday that prices WILL go up. 🙁

Ironically, film is perhaps becoming what digital was 10 years ago: uneconomical for most, except... professionals... errr, not this time.

 

[aterlecki]

If you have the freezer space (and can scrounge up the spare cash) it's sometimes useful to stock up while prices are low. I bought nearly an entire freezer's worth of HP5+ when Ilford were having their troubles. I'm glad they are still around (did my purchase help in that?). I'm now even more glad I stocked up when I did as their prices did rise a fair bit and I've saved a considerable sum compared to if I were to buy now. I now permanently keep a very large buffer of film and simply restock what I take out of the freezer.

I think the only direction for film prices from now on is upwards so stock up if you are able.

 

[aad]

Rising prices are in a way a good sign-demand is stiil there. It could also be a test-how much is the film market worth?

 

[Fred]

The important thing is that the statement was not one of those 'we continue to develop (sic) and produce conventional film products for the forseeable future' That sort of crap usually means the total oposite.

Personally I don't use that much Fuji B&W preferring Kodak TMAX 400 and Ilford. Chemistry wise I use Ilford, Kodak and some other local brews like Fotospeed here in the UK who are (and hope that they stay) based just a few miles from home.

The statement does stink of a strategic slow withdrawal from regular supplies to the masses (possibly dealer driven?) and prices though.

 

[nwcanonman]

Since I only use NPH for weddings i can pass on the increases to the happy couples.
For my own use Velvia 100 seems the same, so far. I use Ilford XP2 for B&W stuff, bought a brick when they had "the troubles" at low prices (its in the fridge). Still hate to see the increase though.