Priced Out Of Sheet Film Format by Shipping Fee!

[joeswe]

I have been using this format for over 20 years and now I think it may be time to start using roll film backs.

At just over $1 per sheet 8 exp on 120 roll is not all that much more (by Aussie prices).

I will miss the ability of being able to treat an image on an individual basis with regards processing.

So, off to eBay to find a bargain - I wonder how much the postage will be?

Cheers
Peter

Peter,
please check your inbox, I just sent you a private message! I don't have any film to sell, but I could order some for you locally and forward it to Australia...
John

 

[taylan]

Another vote for macodirect. I am buying there regularly and shipping rates are very affordable

 

[venchka]

I use 2 1/4' x 3 1/4' sheet film, usually EFKE which I buy from Freestyle at 100 sheets (4 x boxes) at a time.

I recently went to buy more from them and was totally horrified at their postage cost policy for international postage (I'm in Australia).

They actually add on the cost of what the local local US postage would be to whatever overseas posting method you select and call it a packing and handling charge. In other words they are double dipping on the postage charges in what is nothing more than a blatant rip-off. I have this clearly stated in an e-mail from Freestyle.

As a result of this policy I can no longer afford to buy from them and this leaves me with the need to re-think my use of this format.

Yes, there is FP4 and HP5 available in this format but only in a limited production/special order capacity. The cost of this film is over 2 1/2 times the cost of the EFKE.

I'm in a dilema no matter which way I turn.

I fully realise the cost of overseas poatage is rising every year - I have many eBay purchases to verify this - however for a company to charge postage in this way is very very wrong.

ARCHIVIST

You do know that EFKE ceased production of all of their products recently? If you like the EFKE film, you may wish to calm down, bite the bullet, and buy all you can get. Ilford will be your only option soon.

Wayne

 

[jsrockit]

I find their shipping to be insanely overpriced and I'm a domestic customer. An order for $108 worth of 35mm film (say 7 rolls of Provia 400x in 35m @ $15.49 each) is $14, UPS ground, which takes over a week to make it to NY.

Thankfully, B&H is nearby and I can order 7 rolls @ $13.65 each (or $95 total) plus $5.15 UPS ground shipping, $9 cheaper. Plus, since B&H ships from a few miles from my apartment, I'm getting it on a next-day basis anyhow.

If I wanted to compare faster shipping prices, it would be $35 at free-style for 3-day shipping (which I assume is USPS Priority Mail) while B&H would charge $6.20. (Freestyle would take 3 days to cross the country while B&H's order would still arrive next-day for me.)

You can't blame Freestyle for your proximity to them.

 

[besk]

I shoot 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 sheet film also. Looks like I will start cutting down Kodak's 400 T-Max soon.

2 1/4 X 3 1/4 sheet film is pretty hard to get these days from anywhere.

 

[MartinP]

Via special order the quarter-plate size should be available from Ilford and (previously anyway) from Foma. Failing that, you can make a simple jig to cut down 9x12cm sheet which is a standard size, still available in Europe at least.

For cutting down sheet film for small pinhole cameras I made a baseplate from hardboard, glued an "O" shape of stripwood to support the film sheet at all sides, then put a piece of plywood (same size as the required size, having high stripwood glued around the edges to protect the fingers) on top as cutting template and trim to size with a sharp knife. I originally made this up to trim photographic-paper for the pinhole camera, but it works fine on film too - if the knife is sharp and you work in the dark of course. I covered the face of the template with the sticky-backed velvet material one finds in craft shops and made the baseboard very smooth indeed.

 

[ARCHIVIST]

Yes, I am aware of EKFE ceasing production that is why I was going to order 8 boxes of film.
My proximity from the source of supply is no issue for me - the fact being that the other party is taking advantage of this and using it as an excuse to hike-up postage costs unfairly is the issue. Note, this is not just me they do this to all overseas purchases.

Peter