Film: Imported vs. USA

[photophorous]

Hi Everyone,

I noticed on the B&H Photo website, and some others, they offer the same film in a USA version or Imported version. The Imported film is significantly cheaper. Does anyone know why? I understand the warranty thing, but that doesn't really matter for film, since it's not worth returning for a warranty claim anyway. Is the quality any different? If the Imported film is just as good, why would anyone buy USA film?

If anyone has experience with Imported film, or has done a comparison, please let me know the results.

Thanks!

Paul

[mjs1973]

Hey Paul,

I have purchased imported film from B&H before, and would/will do so again. I think the biggest differance between the import, and USA film is the method of distibution. The imported film did not go thru an authorized US representative. By cutting out the middle man, they can sell at a lower price. One thing I have noticed with the import film I bought, was that it was very close to the expiration date. Not a big deal to me, because I keep it in the freezer, until I'm ready to use it. I purchased a 100' roll of Velvia 50 and I think the quality is great. It's the first time I have ever shot slide film, so I don't have anything to compair it to.

One other differance I found between the two, is the size of the roll. The import film I bought, had larger plastic piece in the center that the film was wound on. Again, this is a 100' roll for loading my own film, and because of the larger roll, it didn't fit in my bulk loader. I was able to solve the problem by hand rolling a couple rolls of film without the loader. Then once the roll was small enuf to fit, it worked great. The US roll, had a smaller center piece and fit fine without any problems. I haven't shot any of the US roll yet tho.

The only reason I went with the US film this time, was because it was the same price as the import. It still is so I may have to get another roll or two before it goes off the market.

[photophorous]

Hey Paul,

I have purchased imported film from B&H before, and would/will do so again. I think the biggest differance between the import, and USA film is the method of distibution. The imported film did not go thru an authorized US representative. By cutting out the middle man, they can sell at a lower price. One thing I have noticed with the import film I bought, was that it was very close to the expiration date. Not a big deal to me, because I keep it in the freezer, until I'm ready to use it. I purchased a 100' roll of Velvia 50 and I think the quality is great. It's the first time I have ever shot slide film, so I don't have anything to compair it to.

One other differance I found between the two, is the size of the roll. The import film I bought, had larger plastic piece in the center that the film was wound on. Again, this is a 100' roll for loading my own film, and because of the larger roll, it didn't fit in my bulk loader. I was able to solve the problem by hand rolling a couple rolls of film without the loader. Then once the roll was small enuf to fit, it worked great. The US roll, had a smaller center piece and fit fine without any problems. I haven't shot any of the US roll yet tho.

The only reason I went with the US film this time, was because it was the same price as the import. It still is so I may have to get another roll or two before it goes off the market.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the info. I'm about to buy a lot of film at once, because I'm going on a trip. Expiration date shouldn't be an issue because I'm going to use it all within a couple of weeks, and it will be in my fridge until I leave.

I'm going to Zion and Bryce Canyon. I looked at your gallery and noticed you've been there. You're pictures look great. I can't wait.

Thanks,
Paul

[Michael Fanelli]

Hi Everyone,

I noticed on the B&H Photo website, and some others, they offer the same film in a USA version or Imported version. The Imported film is significantly cheaper. Does anyone know why? I understand the warranty thing, but that doesn't really matter for film, since it's not worth returning for a warranty claim anyway. Is the quality any different? If the Imported film is just as good, why would anyone buy USA film?

If anyone has experience with Imported film, or has done a comparison, please let me know the results.

Paul

Imported film applies only to US made films (obviously, Fuji is already "imported"!). USA film is made in the USA for the USA market. It goes through channels here in the US.

Imported film is film meant for outside the USA. This film is shipped overseas and then reimported by large companies (B&H) or by middlemen. This film is perfectly good but may have formulations geared to the preferences of the country/region it was meant for. Long handling delays might be a problem. For example, if the film is sent to the Middle East, who knows how long it sat on pallets in the hot sun before being brought back to the US?

Give some rolls a try. If you like the results, don't worry about it. If you are looking for consistency roll-to-roll, stick with the USA film. Or, better yet, go digital! :-)

[mjs1973]

Hey Paul,

Thanks for checking out my gallery. Those pics are from this spring. That was my 3rd trip to the area and my first with a real interest and a little knowledge of photography. We were only in each spot for a day or so then moved on. I wish we had more time to spend in each place. Enjoy your trip and I'll be looking for some pics when you get back!

[another view]

There is USA version of Fuji film - of course it's still made in Japan, but the difference between the "official" and the grey market stuff is how it's handled. You can't tell if the film has been sitting on a 100 degree shipping dock for a couple weeks (or stuck on a railroad car in the desert, as one legend has it) by simply looking at the box. You'll only know after the film is developed, which is of course the worst time to find out...

I have used B&H's USAW film many times and never had a problem. But on anything I was paid to do, I always used USA versions. Cheap insurance.