Ilford Simplicity

[ChrisPlatt]

I was surprised to see this new line of BW film developing chemicals from Ilford:

https://www.ilfordphoto.com/simplicity-starter-pack

Reminds me of the old Kodak Tri-Chem Pack, but more convenient - all liquids!

This would be convenient for beginners or occasional users...

Chris

 

[Timmyjoe]

What a waste of stop bath and fixer, making them single use.

Best,
-Tim

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Somewhat expensive though! I could develop more like 12-15 35mm films using FX39 or similar, far far more with Rodinal, with the rest of the processes being mere pennies in chemicals, and really not much less convenient.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Cost per roll will still be less than lab processing, once tank and reels etc. have been paid for.

Chemicals bought in bulk are indeed cheaper, but dumping unused spoiled chemicals down the drain is not economical.
The convenience of single-use sachets should appeal to many and for occasional users will be *more* cost-effective.

IMO any new BW chemistry introduced is a good thing, even if it's not something you would choose to use...

Chris

 

[robbeiflex]

I think it's a great idea. I would have tried developing my own films a lot sooner if such a thing had existed back then. And now there are less C-41 B&W options (are there still any?), and places to get them developed. I remember that when I started I was unsure of what to buy and how much, and chems were hard to find before internet merchants came onto the scene (or I found them) in continental Europe.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[aleqx]

Honestly this seems like a good set to try developing film for the first time.

I have never done it, but this would probably be my starting point. If one gets hooked, they will probably buy more stuff from Ilford, so it makes also sense as a business decision.

Best,
aleqx

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Ilford produced YouTube video on film development using Simplicity product:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THAmbtR1Kpg

Chris

 

[zuiko85]

Holy cow, $17.23 (at B&H) for two roll of 35mm! No thanks! I'll stick with HC-110 and Ilford Rapid Fix concentrate for fixer.
I mix the HC-110 1:60 as a one shot, and the fixer keeps well. For film I use a water stop and for paper I mix up a 2% acid stop from glacial acetic and reuse both the stop and fixer many times.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

You can get two rolls of film developed and scanned for that in the UK!

I think once you've made the investment in changing bag, reels, tanks etc, this just doesn't make sense. That is before considering scanning, as no amateur I know is in the least interested in having negatives only.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

You can get two rolls of film developed and scanned for that in the UK!

That might be true for C-41 film, but not silver-based BW, and surely P&P is not included - so dropoff/pickup is required.

IMO this is a terrific idea and makes good sense for many users.

FWIW I buy chemicals in bulk and am very cost/waste conscious.
Despite this I ordered one of the starter packs, naysayers aside.
Price at Freestyle was $15.49. I needed some HC110 anyway...

Chris

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Quite genuinely you can get silver based B&W films developed and scanned mail order for £8 each (C41 is half that), using Kodak XTOL. While I approve of anything to get people developing this is not economic pricing here. YMMV!

 

[zuiko85]

What I'd like to see from Ilford is single packets of liquid concentrate that mixed makes 1L of working strength paper developer or fixer. Perhaps this could be packaged in plastic foil packets such as used for ketchup and mustard at fast food joints. The volume would be larger than the condiment packaging of course. They could sell these in 5 and 10 packet cartons. The unopened packets should be good for at least 10 years.
I would think for developer the packets would be cheaper than little plastic 100ml bottles.

 

[retinax]

Price is rather ridiculous, i see it as a reminder to other manufacturers to include more accessible-to-beginners instructions with their products.

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

Holy cow, $17.23 (at B&H) for two roll of 35mm! No thanks! I'll stick with HC-110 and Ilford Rapid Fix concentrate for fixer.
I mix the HC-110 1:60 as a one shot, and the fixer keeps well. For film I use a water stop and for paper I mix up a 2% acid stop from glacial acetic and reuse both the stop and fixer many times.

Agreed. Waste of money

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I don’t think this is aimed at people who are already doing their own developing and are well entrenched. For them, it’s expensive.
For others, it’s intended to be a gateway drug, and they probably are not price shopping.

 

[Darthfeeble]

This is perfect for my usage. I might shoot a half a dozen rolls a year if that.

 

[Ted Striker]

This is perfect for my usage. I might shoot a half a dozen rolls a year if that.

6 rolls, in an entire year?

Seriously?

 

[Darthfeeble]

Probably more like 4. 120. I'm a digital kinda guy.

 

[Darthfeeble]

That might be true for C-41 film, but not silver-based BW, and surely P&P is not included - so dropoff/pickup is required.

IMO this is a terrific idea and makes good sense for many users.

FWIW I buy chemicals in bulk and am very cost/waste conscious.
Despite this I ordered one of the starter packs, naysayers aside.
Price at Freestyle was $15.49. I needed some HC110 anyway...

Chris

A roll of 120 scanned is roughly $30 out here in the wild west.

 

[Ted Striker]

This is perfect for my usage. I might shoot a half a dozen rolls a year if that.

Ilford isnt going to make any money from you.