No Ilford in Hong Kong

According to my friend Mr Pun at Photo Scientific, a pro supplier

here in Kong Kong, Jebsens (the local Ilford agent) appears to be no

longer interested in maintaining the Ilford agency. He mentioned

something about Jebsens citing increased costs in recent months and

no business volume to justify supporting Ilford products.

 

That's on the one side. On the other, I tried contacting Ilford by e-

mail to get some clarification on this matter. As yet, have had no

response.

 

In a nutshell, if you're planning a trip to this part of the world

any time soon (preferably post-SARS) and are into using Ilford

products, film in particular, bring your own.

Interesting. I've been wondering for a while why XP2 is so hard to find here. Kodak T400CN and Portra B&W are everywhere, so it would seem there is a market for C41 process B&W film.

 

However, there seems to be no shortage of other Ilford products (film, paper, chemicals). Are you sure that Mr Pun was not referring specifically to XP2? Perhaps a bit of miscommunication?

 

I'm not saying you are wrong... you could very well be right and the Ilford products that are in the shops now are just from existing inventories.

I have contacted Ilford Australia Office 2 months ago. They confirmed that Jensen was no longer their agency in Hong Kong. So films, papers and chemicals on the market here are just stocks left. That's why you cannot buy HP5 120 format or may be XP2 anymore. Also you cannot order Ilfochrome materials. Ilford's products are good. I wish that they can find a new agent ASAP despite the market is further weakened by SARS.

Looks like this thread needs an update. Thanks to the good folk here (in Hong Kong) and Ilford Australia, this matter has since been resolved. Been that way for a while.