Fujifilm and Kodak have flagged increases in the prices of their remaining film products, with Kodak also discontinuing production of three slide films.
Fujifilm has announced a ‘substantial’ rise in the price of Fujifilm photographic films, effective from April 2013 onward. However, there may be a delay before increases kick in (in the US prices rise on July 1) providing a window in which customers can stock up.
No precise figure has been given, but it is expected to be ‘at least double digit’ in value. In the US the increase has been set at approximately 20 percent across all film products including single use cameras. This follows a 20 percent price rise implemented by the company in 2012.
The Kodak films that will no longer be manufactured ‘due to declining demand’ are E100VS, E100G and Elite Chrome Extra Color 100. The company’s intention to cease production of these films was announced roughly a year ago.
Kodak still produces Portra and Ektar colour negative films and Tri-X, T-Max and BW400CN monochrome films. The company will be increasing the price of all its films by 15 percent, although no date has been provided for the price increase.
Both companies attribute the changes to a falling demand for film products, coupled with increasing costs for raw materials and energy.
There has been no announcement addressing increases in photographic paper.
APS have been out of BW400CN and Elite for months, Ilford are the standout and IPS with Rollei and Agfachrome are filling a few gaps. APS film is still available in the US from some vendors and Lomography continues to add film to their range. There is still hope yet!