News from Photo Plus Expo, NYC

posted by Dave

The Photo Plus Expo has opened in New York City and although Photokina in Germany steals most of its thunder, it’s still great to be able to hop in a taxi and see the new stuff in person…

Polaroid didn’t have a booth. We were not shocked.

We did, however, manage to dig up some instant film info!

First, we picked up on a rumor that we’ve heard before that a Chinese company has purchased equipment from Polaroid and/or has negotiated an agreement to make Polaroid film. This is ONLY A RUMOR and we think that it will remain just that. But if there’s even a kernel of truth, it could mean good news is coming…

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At the Fujifilm booth, we met Kayce Baker, Director of Trade Marketing. She was overseeing Fuji’s film counter and spoke with us quite openly about some of the rumors and facts about Fuji’s instant film.

In discussing the rarity of Fuji’s pack film, Ms. Baker sounded very frustrated, claiming she has 20,000 backorders for FP-3000B alone, and that fresh supplies of all 3 pack films are finally on the way.

She confirmed to us that Instax cameras and film will begin to be available in the US “very soon – a month or two” with full supply by Spring 2009.

For those who shoot 4×5 pack film and have been horrified by eBay prices for film holders, she confirmed that 400 of Fuji’s 4×5 holders are “currently shipping to stores” and will be available within weeks. They had a sample holder and it appears to have a slightly updated design.

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Finally, we had a long conversation with Simon Galley, a (the?) Director at Ilford. Mr. Galley was a thoroughly charming and extremely knowledgeable fellow and he lit up when we mentioned we were with SavePolaroid.com. He expressed genuine sadness at Ilford’s failed attempt to make positive/negative (55 and 665) Polaroid film. They pursued it actively, according to Mr. Galley, and despite certain demands that Polaroid placed on the situation that made it more difficult, they made every possible attempt to find a solution.

In the end, it boiled down to one fact that couldn’t be avoided. Relocating the equipment, which is massive, from Cambridge to Cheshire, England was going to cost over $2 million.

Despite the sad story, we came away with a renewed love and respect for Ilford. Their commitment to film is pure. They make fantastic products. And we totally want to buy their Director a pint the next time we’re in England.

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We have to admit that we were really surprised to come away with ANY new info at all… But most of the folks we talked to had, in fact, heard about SavePolaroid.com and gave us much encouragement. The mood about instant film’s future was generally positive and we were happy to see a number of companies displaying new or updated analog film and equipment.

We’re going back on Saturday with an SX-70. Stay tuned!