RIP Fujifilm Pro 400H

[dourbalistar]

Well... Fujifilm USA site marks it as discontinued, and there's a published notice:
https://asset.fujifilm.com/master/a...b1203fe95c455/400h_Web_Discontinue_Notice.pdf

I don't use much color film, but I actually liked Fujicolor Pro 400H. What's left in Fujifilm's color negative lineup...? I think that was Fuji's last color negative film in 120 format.

 

[jjcha]

Ugh. 35mm is already on backorder on B&H, Amazon, Adorama. 120 appears available, at the moment.

I really liked it too...

 

[keytarjunkie]

What a shame. One of my favorite emulsions and sadly further proof of Fuji's lack of commitment to the now-growing analog market (besides Acros II, which is made in the UK by Harman). After Pro 160S and 800Z disappeared, it was their last professional color negative film. Now we'll see a further monopoly for Portra. Will Fuji now invest in creating a new series of professional films? I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[telenous]

Oh yeah? Bring out the pitchforks and torches. That 'll show them.


.

 

[GarageBoy]

RIP Fujifilm Pro 400H

https://m.dpreview.com/news/8292907462/fujifilm-discontinues-its-pro-400h-film-in-35mm-120-formats

What are wedding guys gonna use now?

 

[Larry Cloetta]

Whoa, that hurts. Once again, due to “inability to procure the necessary raw materials”. I know it’s not “accurate”, but that’s precisely why I use it. All the other color negative emulsions, which I might have used or preferred for one reason or another, are already gone.
Speaking of already gone, all the stock at B and H, Adorama, Amazon is already gone here at 5:15 AM MST, though listed as “more on the way”.
My guess is that most people don’t like this film, but if it’s a favorite, now’s the time to get some, or forever hold your peace.

 

[Doddle]

I bet this one is going to cause a lot of pain, 400H in the last year became a bit of a safe haven for Kodak Portra 400 shooters. Because that film is out of stock more and more and after the Kodak price hike it was up to 40% more expensive than 400H.

 

[huddy]

I never shot 400H as the color pallette wasn't quite what I wanted and didn't suit my natural area as much, but I'm disappointed that it's gone as it is a great film. A huge loss

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Good riddance. Never liked any FujiFilm film.

 

[wjlapier]

The packaging always suggested to me great color and contrast. I won't miss it. NPH on the other hand.

 

[Andy Kibber]

Fifteen years ago, all my favorite films were Fuji: Neopan 400, Neopan 1600, 400H and 800Z. RIP

 

[Stephen G]

Wow, end of an era

 

[Lukesaurus]

Price on ebay for one 35mm roll is $35 😀😱

 

[Glenn2]

Ah crap! That’s been one of my favourite colour emulsions, I jokingly refer to it as colour Tri-X.

 

[chipgreenberg]

This is really unfortunate and flies in the face of a film "resurgence." I know this was a popular emulsion with both apertures and the pro wedding market.

what "raw materials" are so problematic to procure?

 

[agentlossing]

Yeah, it is too bad, really. I do like Superia 400 too, but Pro 400H is a little better in my estimation. I've always preferred Fuji colors to Kodak colors, it seems like they kind of have their camps of supporters. I'm on the Fuji side, hahah. In reality I prefer the tint to the overly gold-colored Kodak tones.

 

[blan01]

It's sad to see 400H go. I really hope they keep Superia 400...

 

[dourbalistar]

Fujifilm's press release cited an inability to source raw materials and chemicals for the fourth layer in PRO 400H. There must be some COVID-19 supply chain impacts, but something tells me there's more to it than just that...

FUJIFILM PRO 400H film is a unique product that is coated with a fourth layer – requiring specialized raw materials and chemicals. As it has become increasingly difficult to procure the raw materials needed to produce PRO 400H, we regret to inform you that after careful consideration, Fujifilm has made the difficult business decision to discontinue PRO 400H.

 

[teddy]

It's sad - but I was never impressed by the slightly green/blue cast in shadows that would sometimes create an unpredictable image with 400H.
I won't miss it either. I prefer NPH - much more professional looking. I know, I know - the white wedding dress looks good in 400H... NPH however has a REAL professional contrast punch.

 

[Freakscene]

Portra 400 is the only alternative in 120. Hopefully Kodak can keep that up.

Edit:

what "raw materials" are so problematic to procure?

It is probably one of the coloured colour couplers. Colour negative film works by having layers that are sensitive to colours but also have their own colour which filters the light that is left to move on to the next layer and they are have couplers for a third colour*. These are very complicated light sensitive ionic-organic molecules and synthesising them to necessary standards is difficult and expensive. They also don’t really have other uses so without volume there aren’t other end users keeping the manufacturing going.

*For instance, one layer in 400H was a “Green sensitive layer containing yellow coloured magenta coupler”.

Marty