It almost feels like Fujifilm want to forget that part of their name includes the word “film”. They seem to be doing everything they can to kill it off in the last couple of years. Last year, they discontinued several much loved film stocks and hiked the price up on the rest. At the beginning of 2016, they increased the price again and killed off FP-100C.
Now, Fujifilm Japan announce that more film multipacks and large format stocks are to be discontinued. If my translation of Google’s translation is correct, it seems there is simply just a lack of demand.
It’s important to note, however, that this film isn’t going to completely cease production, at least not the 35mm stocks. They will still be available as single rolls, and triple packs in some cases. They will obviously end up significantly more expensive than buying the larger multipacks.
- FujiFilm Superia 400 27 exp 2 pack
- FujiFilm Superia 400 27 exp 5 pack
- FujiFilm Superia 400 36 exp 2 pack
- FujiFilm Superia 400 36 exp 5 pack
- Fuji Film Superia X-TRA 400 24 exp 2 pack
- Fuji Film Superia X-TRA 400 24 exp 5 pack
- Fuji Film Superia X-TRA 400 36 exp 5 pack
- FujiFilm Superia Venus 800 27 exp 3 pack
- FujiFilm Superia Venus 800 36 exp 3 pack
- FujiFilm Natura 1600 36 exp 3 pack
Shipments for these packs will end in December 2016.
Superia 400 is being condensed into single and triple roll packs only. X-TRA 400 will be available in packs of three. Venus 800 and Natura 1600 will be available only in single rolls. Naturally, Fuji suggest you buy the other sized packs instead.
Large format photographers are going to be hit hardest as their film is actually being discontinued.
- FujiFilm Pro 160 NS 4×5 (20 sheets)
- FujiFilm Pro 160 NS 8×10 (20 sheets)
Fuji suggest no alternative for large format shooters. This appears to be Fuji completely bowing out of the colour negative sheet film world. 8×10 is set to end shipping in August (this month), and 4×5 in September. If you shoot Pro 160 NS, I’d stock up now on as much as you can. It will only get more expensive as existing supplies dwindle.
They do still offer Provia 100F in both 4×5 and 8×10 sizes, as well as Velvia 100 in 4×5 and 8×10, but that appears to be pretty much it if you want large format colour. For large format black and white, they still appear to be producing 4×5 Neopan 100 Acros.
It is a shame, but it’s not really a complete surprise. Colour negative film is a pain to develop yourself. It’s also quite expensive for many of the DIY developing kits (there are exceptions), but not as expensive as having a lab do it.
I’d shoot colour myself if developing kits were more readily available and less expensive where I am. As it is, they’re not, so I shoot black and white. Fortunately, Ilford don’t seem to be going anywhere.
Are you a large format shooter that uses Pro 160 NS? What will you use now instead? Will the smaller packs of 35mm and increased cost put you off and make you look at other films? Or will you stick with them? Let us know in the comments.
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