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Michael Piziak · 01-21-2023, 06:27 PM

Kodak to increase film prices by 40%

I can understand increasing price, but 40% is nearly half

From linked article below, and I quote, "Film’s resurgence in popularity seemed to catch Kodak by surprise, as last October it said that it was unable to keep up with demand and was desperately trying to hire more employees, a remarkable turnaround after the Eastman Kodak company filed for bankruptcy just over a decade ago."

Your thoughts/comments are welcome

https://petapixel.com/2023/01/11/kodak-poised-to-raise-the-price-of-film-by-up-to-40/

**Alex645** · 01-21-2023, 06:49 PM

After decades of using Kodak monochrome and color films, the sticker shock (and lack of availability), has forced me to have my students using less expensive films from Arista, Kentmere, and others. Ilford prices have also soared. I hope this isn't the 'new normal' but I don't expect any films "Made in China" to give any reprieve.

ChristianRock · 01-21-2023, 09:17 PM

They really need competition.

**luftfluss** · 01-21-2023, 09:57 PM - **2 Likes**

The title of this thread - "Kodak increasing film price by 40%" - is somewhat misleading. According to the linked article, the average of the price increase is 17%. A subsequent paragraph in the article states (from a different source) the increase may be in the range of 20-40%, but that might be a Japan-specific increase. None of the sources cited in the article are associated with Eastman Kodak or Kodak-Alaris.

PetaPixel has inquiries in with Kodak-Alaris, requesting comment.

In short, increases seem to be coming, most will likely be substantially less than 40%, and the "40%" figure is being used as tabloidesque clickbait.

Last edited by luftfluss; 01-21-2023 at 10:09 PM.

BandeauRouge · 01-22-2023, 12:42 AM

its going to be in the same vein as the last kodak price hikes were.

they jacked the prices to "cover costs incured by the actual asian company making the film that were created by them wanting to start another 1 or 2 coating lines".

its just what it is.

Honestly kodak is a miss and hit. Color plus was fun, until it dissappeared. gold was ok in price until it hit 15 a roll online.

i really liked the 100 iso pro photo stuff from asia that did well in heat.. but that now is 11-12 a roll instead of the 550-600 when it was first brought to the states.

Jonathan Mac · 01-22-2023, 02:51 AM

Part of the constant price rises from Kodak is doubtless due to the lack of competition as Fujifilm have all but given up on film, which is a shame. I wish they'd license their formulae to other companies that are interested in this market.

I have given up on Kodak's B&W films as they're just too expensive. Ilford have kept their prices in check far better so I use them, they make my favourite films still on the market anyway (FP4+ and Delta 400).

The only Kodak film I really use is Gold 200 in 120.

**gofour3** · 01-22-2023, 10:55 AM

One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD)

Phil.

btnapa · 01-22-2023, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD)

Phil.

And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!!

BandeauRouge · 01-22-2023, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by btnapa

And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!!

all color film is expensive. and most places in the USA want about 15-20 dollars to develop it. ANd then most charge you, without permission, 5-15 dollars to give you a poorly done scan.

Im afraid color film has gone the way of the dodo. The only thing keeping color film in the game is the fact that you need to get a 6-9,000 full frame or medium format body to get anything near the quality of good film like say ektar or portra.

**ChrisPlatt** · 01-22-2023, 02:03 PM

Price is irrelevant when there is no supply.

Color film has become scarce from normal sources for well over a year.
Lately it is readily available only from price gougers.

Chris

btnapa · 01-23-2023, 10:23 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BandeauRouge

The only thing keeping color film in the game is the fact that you need to get a 6-9,000 full frame or medium format body to get anything near the quality of good film like say ektar or portra.

My K1 in my estimation matched 35mm film resolution and probably bested it in many ways. I also shoot with a Sony A7RIV with 60MP sensor. This one is definitely way beyond 35mm film in overall quality with all the digital advantages. There is a guy in Colorado who shoots landscapes and he uses the A7RIV replacing him 4x5 film camera. I saw a video of him comparing the 60mp digital files with the scans from the 4x5 film and his results were very telling. He preferred the digital over film for solution, dynamic range and other properties. I concur with him. I paid $2,500 for my A7RIV far short of your $6-9K estimate. I would no hesitate to print the 60MP, ISO 100 files at 40"x60" and even 60"x90" for gallery presentation. The next quality level is the Fuji or Hassy 100MP sensor which is in the $6-9k range you estimated. I have 40"x60" prints from my K1 that are fantastic too.

Shooting film is cool but costly these days. I can see shooting with a Pentax 6x7 for the film experience but not 35mm. If I am going to all the expense, I really want something different.

**gofour3** · 01-23-2023, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by btnapa

And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!!

Yep that does not include any E6 processing. Unfortunately Kodak E100 is the most expensive film you can buy nowadays and it has been this way since it was re-released back in 2018. There are many films that you can buy that are $5.00 to $10.00 per roll cheaper, so if you want to shoot slide film then you have to pay for it.

As Chris mentioned there is a world wide shortage of all types of colour film due to supply chain issues, so what little Kodak can manufacture it's snapped up quickly, so yes the prices rose.

The cost of everything is up, you should see the price of meat/gas here in Vancouver. You'll have to turn into a cycling Vegan if you live here these days..

Phil.

btnapa · 01-23-2023, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

You'll have to turn into a cycling Vegan if you live here these days..

That is not such a bad thing. I would gladly do that. I need lose some weight anyway!!!

**fs999** · 01-24-2023, 12:56 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

so if you want to shoot slide film then you have to pay for it.

Or buy when they were cheap and put in the freezer. That's what I've done in 2008-2012 with Agfachrome films. I have hundreds bought mostly 1-2 Euro the roll.

ChristianRock · 01-27-2023, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD)

Phil.

Does this make you consider finally going digital? A K-1 would pay itself in a short period, I would think...

01-21-2023, 06:27 PM	#1
Michael Piziak Closed Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,815	Kodak increasing film price by 40% Kodak to increase film prices by 40% I can understand increasing price, but 40% is nearly half From linked article below, and I quote, "Film’s resurgence in popularity seemed to catch Kodak by surprise, as last October it said that it was unable to keep up with demand and was desperately trying to hire more employees, a remarkable turnaround after the Eastman Kodak company filed for bankruptcy just over a decade ago." Your thoughts/comments are welcome https://petapixel.com/2023/01/11/kodak-poised-to-raise-the-price-of-film-by-up-to-40/

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01-21-2023, 06:49 PM	#2
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	After decades of using Kodak monochrome and color films, the sticker shock (and lack of availability), has forced me to have my students using less expensive films from Arista, Kentmere, and others. Ilford prices have also soared. I hope this isn't the 'new normal' but I don't expect any films "Made in China" to give any reprieve.

01-21-2023, 09:17 PM	#3
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	They really need competition.

01-21-2023, 09:57 PM - 2 Likes	#4
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,629	The title of this thread - "Kodak increasing film price by 40%" - is somewhat misleading. According to the linked article, the average of the price increase is 17%. A subsequent paragraph in the article states (from a different source) the increase may be in the range of 20-40%, but that might be a Japan-specific increase. None of the sources cited in the article are associated with Eastman Kodak or Kodak-Alaris. PetaPixel has inquiries in with Kodak-Alaris, requesting comment. In short, increases seem to be coming, most will likely be substantially less than 40%, and the "40%" figure is being used as tabloidesque clickbait. Last edited by luftfluss; 01-21-2023 at 10:09 PM.

01-22-2023, 12:42 AM	#5
BandeauRouge Banned Join Date: Jan 2023 Posts: 85	its going to be in the same vein as the last kodak price hikes were. they jacked the prices to "cover costs incured by the actual asian company making the film that were created by them wanting to start another 1 or 2 coating lines". its just what it is. Honestly kodak is a miss and hit. Color plus was fun, until it dissappeared. gold was ok in price until it hit 15 a roll online. i really liked the 100 iso pro photo stuff from asia that did well in heat.. but that now is 11-12 a roll instead of the 550-600 when it was first brought to the states.

01-22-2023, 02:51 AM	#6
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,912	Part of the constant price rises from Kodak is doubtless due to the lack of competition as Fujifilm have all but given up on film, which is a shame. I wish they'd license their formulae to other companies that are interested in this market. I have given up on Kodak's B&W films as they're just too expensive. Ilford have kept their prices in check far better so I use them, they make my favourite films still on the market anyway (FP4+ and Delta 400). The only Kodak film I really use is Gold 200 in 120.

01-22-2023, 10:55 AM	#7
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD) Phil.

01-22-2023, 12:18 PM	#8
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,621	Originally posted by gofour3 One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD) Phil. And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!!

01-22-2023, 01:05 PM	#9
BandeauRouge Banned Join Date: Jan 2023 Posts: 85	Originally posted by btnapa And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!! all color film is expensive. and most places in the USA want about 15-20 dollars to develop it. ANd then most charge you, without permission, 5-15 dollars to give you a poorly done scan. Im afraid color film has gone the way of the dodo. The only thing keeping color film in the game is the fact that you need to get a 6-9,000 full frame or medium format body to get anything near the quality of good film like say ektar or portra.

01-22-2023, 02:03 PM	#10
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,702	Price is irrelevant when there is no supply. Color film has become scarce from normal sources for well over a year. Lately it is readily available only from price gougers. Chris

01-23-2023, 10:23 AM - 1 Like	#11
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,621	Originally posted by BandeauRouge The only thing keeping color film in the game is the fact that you need to get a 6-9,000 full frame or medium format body to get anything near the quality of good film like say ektar or portra. My K1 in my estimation matched 35mm film resolution and probably bested it in many ways. I also shoot with a Sony A7RIV with 60MP sensor. This one is definitely way beyond 35mm film in overall quality with all the digital advantages. There is a guy in Colorado who shoots landscapes and he uses the A7RIV replacing him 4x5 film camera. I saw a video of him comparing the 60mp digital files with the scans from the 4x5 film and his results were very telling. He preferred the digital over film for solution, dynamic range and other properties. I concur with him. I paid $2,500 for my A7RIV far short of your $6-9K estimate. I would no hesitate to print the 60MP, ISO 100 files at 40"x60" and even 60"x90" for gallery presentation. The next quality level is the Fuji or Hassy 100MP sensor which is in the $6-9k range you estimated. I have 40"x60" prints from my K1 that are fantastic too. Shooting film is cool but costly these days. I can see shooting with a Pentax 6x7 for the film experience but not 35mm. If I am going to all the expense, I really want something different.

01-23-2023, 02:26 PM	#12
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Originally posted by btnapa And that is before processing the film? That is nuts. Thank you. I think I'll stick with digital!! Yep that does not include any E6 processing. Unfortunately Kodak E100 is the most expensive film you can buy nowadays and it has been this way since it was re-released back in 2018. There are many films that you can buy that are $5.00 to $10.00 per roll cheaper, so if you want to shoot slide film then you have to pay for it. As Chris mentioned there is a world wide shortage of all types of colour film due to supply chain issues, so what little Kodak can manufacture it's snapped up quickly, so yes the prices rose. The cost of everything is up, you should see the price of meat/gas here in Vancouver. You'll have to turn into a cycling Vegan if you live here these days.. Phil.

01-23-2023, 11:02 PM	#13
btnapa Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 1,621	Originally posted by gofour3 You'll have to turn into a cycling Vegan if you live here these days.. That is not such a bad thing. I would gladly do that. I need lose some weight anyway!!!

01-24-2023, 12:56 AM	#14
fs999 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Luxembourg Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,650	Originally posted by gofour3 so if you want to shoot slide film then you have to pay for it. Or buy when they were cheap and put in the freezer. That's what I've done in 2008-2012 with Agfachrome films. I have hundreds bought mostly 1-2 Euro the roll.

01-27-2023, 09:53 AM	#15
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,912	Originally posted by gofour3 One roll of Kodak Ektachrome 100 in 135, is between $29.99 to $33.58 CDN here in Vancouver. ($21.92 to @24.54 USD) Phil. Does this make you consider finally going digital? A K-1 would pay itself in a short period, I would think...