Ilford (U.S.) film distribution snag

Larry Cloetta

Larry Cloetta

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I was going to add this most recent news release to the existing thread on potential short term availability issues with Ilford film in the U.S. but I couldn't find that there was an existing thread, which was surprising. (Apologies for double post, if I missed it.)

At any rate, here is the latest on the situation:



"On Friday August 25th the US distributor of HARMAN technology products (WYNIT) suddenly and unexpectedly halted its distribution activities, including those for our products (ILFORD Photo, Kentmere and Harman; as well as for Paterson and Agfa color film products).

As a matter of urgency, we are now assessing how the continued supply of our products can be maintained in the US in this busy 'Back to school' season. We are keen to minimise any delays or stock outs of product, although at this point we cannot guarantee that this will be the case.

Please be assured that we are committed to the ongoing supply of our products in the USA, and are doing our utmost to minimise any disruption to their widespread availability."

Giles Branthwaite
Director Sales and Marketing
Harman technology Ltd"
 
Ah, that may explain the handwritten sign at my local store - "Limit 3 rolls of Ilford due to supplier issues"... This shop also services students at the local community college; in fact I am sure the students are what keeps it afloat. Be awkward to run out just as Photo 101 starts for the fall semester. Anyway, I am glad I stocked up!
 
I didn't relize how close to me this company started. Last year they moved from North Syracuse--just uo the road from me--to Greenville, SC. End of August, they shut down the headquarters and "Wholesale Distribution Division" there. The company said they were keeping " its software publishing and supply chain division in Minnesota."

Guess I'll have to buy from somebody in the UK.

http://www.syracuse.com/business-news/index.ssf/2017/08/electronics_distributor_that_left_n_syracuse_closes_sc_headquarters.html


Rob
 
i'll shoot some of the following while this mess gets sorted:

Rollei RPX 400
Fomapan 200
TMAX 400
Bergger 400

Turns out Ilford isn't the only B&W game in town. :)
 
I'm just finishing my first box (25 sheets) of HP5+ and was a bit concerned about US supply.
So, I emailed Freestyle and their response was
"Hi Robert.
Don't worry.
We've been in the know and have a relationship with Ilford.
As long as Ilford makes it, Freestyle will have it.
Thank you for the inquiry."
And, I note that as of this morning, their price is the same as when I ordered.

So, that's a relief. :)
Yes, I will be ordering 100 sheets at a time in future, but I am just starting out with my 4x5 camera and wasn't sure about which film I wanted to use. After working through this first box of the HP5+, I will be sticking with that for the foreseeable future.

Rob
 
Mackinaw said:
Try 4x5 Tri-X when you get the chance. I like it better than HP5.

Jim B.
Click to expand...
I will. I shot rather a lot of Tri-X in 35mm and liked it. Tried it in 120 and didn't as much. But I suspect I just hadn't sorted my method with it as I've shot less 120.
Now, as you may recall, I am just starting in 4x5 and so have effectively shot about half a roll(35mm equivalency here), so I'm not ready to "branch out" in my film choices. Yet.

I settled on HP5+ when thinking about film for 4x5 because, in my opinion, Kodak seems more committed to marketing than to being a "film" company. Illford, on the other hand, seems committed to film. So, I went with Illford. And I quite like the results I'm getting with this film so far and can see better results ahead as I learn this film, my camera/lens, and my processing. And when I initially read Larry's original post here, I got somewhat nervous concerning continuing availability of Illford in the US. After my inquires, I am a bit more relaxed about this.

Rob
 
When I got back into photography years ago, I found it was impossible to get drying marks on Ilford film. On the other hand, I found Tri-X seemed to be better for pushing.

It's all in personal preference I guess.

Glad Ilford is going to stay available.
 
rbiemer said:
I will. I shot rather a lot of Tri-X in 35mm and liked it. Tried it in 120 and didn't as much. But I suspect I just hadn't sorted my method with it as I've shot less 120.
Now, as you may recall, I am just starting in 4x5 and so have effectively shot about half a roll(35mm equivalency here), so I'm not ready to "branch out" in my film choices. Yet.

I settled on HP5+ when thinking about film for 4x5 because, in my opinion, Kodak seems more committed to marketing than to being a "film" company. Illford, on the other hand, seems committed to film. So, I went with Illford. And I quite like the results I'm getting with this film so far and can see better results ahead as I learn this film, my camera/lens, and my processing. And when I initially read Larry's original post here, I got somewhat nervous concerning continuing availability of Illford in the US. After my inquires, I am a bit more relaxed about this.

Rob
Click to expand...

You really can't beat HP5 in currently made films.

Funny about TX, it's a totally different film than what was produced prior to 2006. I think if Kodak had brought the revised TX under a different name it would have been a flop. I also believe most of the sales are driven by the name not the performance of the film. I shot quite a bit of the new TX but thousands of rolls of the old since the late 50's and 60's. Once in a whileI try a roll of the new and it almost makes me cry it's so inferior to the vintage TX.
 
rbiemer said:
I'm just finishing my first box (25 sheets) of HP5+ and was a bit concerned about US supply.
So, I emailed Freestyle and their response was
"Hi Robert.
Don't worry.
We've been in the know and have a relationship with Ilford.
As long as Ilford makes it, Freestyle will have it.
Thank you for the inquiry."
And, I note that as of this morning, their price is the same as when I ordered.

So, that's a relief. :)
Yes, I will be ordering 100 sheets at a time in future, but I am just starting out with my 4x5 camera and wasn't sure about which film I wanted to use. After working through this first box of the HP5+, I will be sticking with that for the foreseeable future.

Rob
Click to expand...

Freestyle just this morning spammed my email with a "History of Ilford" campaign.
It's says "Ilford was there then and is here now".

Pretty good sign freestyle has things under control.
 
x-ray said:
You really can't beat HP5 in currently made films.

Funny about TX, it's a totally different film than what was produced prior to 2006. I think if Kodak had brought the revised TX under a different name it would have been a flop. I also believe most of the sales are driven by the name not the performance of the film. I shot quite a bit of the new TX but thousands of rolls of the old since the late 50's and 60's. Once in a whileI try a roll of the new and it almost makes me cry it's so inferior to the vintage TX.
Click to expand...

Could not agree more. HP5 is the most malleable film I've ever shot, and Tri-X just ain't the film I remember it being even in the early 80s.
 
This kind of distribution is only affecting smaller stores, like the one I work at.
I am assuming, but based on numbers for minimum order, larger stores order directly from Ilford.
 
I notice Harman Direct Positive Paper is not only still not available, but Freestyle no longer lists it on their website. Yea, I know this thread is about film, not paper, but it makes me wonder what's up with Harman/Ilford.
 
JoeV said:
I notice Harman Direct Positive Paper is not only still not available, but Freestyle no longer lists it on their website. Yea, I know this thread is about film, not paper, but it makes me wonder what's up with Harman/Ilford.
Click to expand...

Joe, the situation re Direct Positive as documented in the thread on this topic over at APUG/PHOTRIO is unrelated to the problem with WYNIT and hasn't changed. See the latest post:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/index.php?threads/harman-direct-positive.131835/page-2#post-1940794
 
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