Shopping for Film - Shocking!

<p>Down to my last roll of a one-year or so supply of 35mm film, I went shopping Saturday and was seriously surprised. Supplies of amateur film have really dropped.<br>

CVS Pharmacy: House brand and a few Kodak Extra 4 packs and single rolls (6)<br>

Walgreens: A few 400 ISO Fuji 4 packs<br>

Wal-Mart: A few 400 and 800 ISO Fuji 4 packs<br>

COSTCO: "We no longer carry film; when you find some you'd better stock up!"<br>

Wolf Camera: I bought the last 200 ISO Fuji 4 pack and left the few 800 ISO remaining.<br>

Sad. I guess B&H here I come.</p>

<p>Funny thing is, I stopped going to those kinds of places for my film about 20 years ago. I want fresh stuff, to develop relationships with knowledgeable people and so on. It's not all that shocking really, you should be supporting those who actually give a hoot like Freestyle and yes, B&H.</p>

<p>I agree. I've been shopping for most of my film online for almost 5 years now (in three different countries) because it's cheaper, easier, and they almost always have the different kinds of film that I want. I suppose if one only shoots consumer-grade colour neg film then the local shops would be okay. It is disappointing to see it disappear though.</p>

<p>I went through this in the 90's when I first bought a medium format camera. Pretty soon I decided that the only way I was going to get the emulsions I wanted in reasonable volume and without getting ripped off was to buy in reasonable bulk via phone or internet and hold some stocks here . I wouldn't have any expectation that a supermarket or pharmacy would stock what I want.</p>

<p>Although I agree with the previous posters about online shopping for better selection etc, I really agree with Daniel about the relationship thing. I actually order my film from a small REAL photo/camera store that I have taken the time to get to know. I realize this isn't practical for some folks, but it really does matter.<br>

On the other hand, our Walgreens has Walgreens house brand in 200 and 400 and still carries Kodak Gold. Our local small mom and pop grocery store still has single packs of Kodak whatever print film. Our Wal Mart has the larger multi boxes of Fuji.<br>

After reading Ken Rockwell's description of the amount of film and choices of the same that they stock I am not remotely concerned about getting product. I have never purchased from Freestyle but have checked them out for pricing.</p>

 

<p>Freestyle is great. I ordered 20 rolls of their Legacy Pro 100 B&W film on Sunday and received my order on Tuesday morning. It was less than $2.00 a roll.</p>

<p>Another plus is that their catalog is fun to read. So many films to try.</p>

<p>The only shock I get is looking at the price of slide film.</p>

<p>Freestyle is great...try ultrafine online for 100' rolls of fujichrome and fujifilm. It is outdated but has been kept properly great stuff and reasonable.</p>

<p>ed,</p>

<p>Thanks for the tip about Ultrafine Online.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I doubt there is a roll of film in my entire town. I just buy some Kodak film from BHPhoto these days. The BW400CN is great and I will try some of the new Portra when I catch it in stock. </p>

<p>Who makes Ultrafine's film? It sure is cheap.</p>

<p>Luckily we still have a couple of decent photo stores in St. Louis and I buy smaller quantities of 35mm and 120 there. When I want something in bulk I get Freestyle's house brand of B&W, or a brick of Portra from B&H. Chain stores like the ones you mentioned are interested only in gross profits. I might buy aspirin at a Drugstore, but to depend upon them for my artistic and creative needs is a bit of a stretch....</p>

<p>I have a local camera store that I hit when it need it right away. I never bother with CVS, Walgreens, or other department stores, anyways. Most of my b&w film comes from Freestyle or Ultrafine Online. </p>