Here we go again! Just read on another thread, that Kodak is now saying that, as of December 31, 2001, except for Tri-x, ALL 5x7 film will be by special order only. Apparently, Kodak only sold 2000 boxes of all 5x7 films, almost half being Tri-x. [1999 figures]. Why would Kodak go through the motions of adjusting to 50 sheets/box for all or most of their film choices, INCLUDING 5x7, 2 months ago, only to drop 5x7 (again) from their line? Makes no sense to me. BILL

-- wm mitchell (mitchell.candy@att.net), November 24, 2001

Answers

Money.

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), November 24, 2001.

I read the same post. As in the past, Kodak has not been very consistent in the information that they post to the public. As long as they are producing 4x5 and 8x10 B&W films, the worst case will be to aggregate enough 5x7 shooters to purchase a 30-35 box batch. While it is troubling to be on the roller coaster with this format, I found the best way for me to deal with this situation. I bought a 17 cubic foot chest freezer for my film and paper last weekend and plan on using it to the degree that I need to. I can tell you one thing - you can put a LOT of film and paper in that sucker.

There is always Iford. They still offer their B&W films in 5x7.

Good shooting.

-- MIchael Kadillak (m.kadillak@home.com), November 24, 2001.

I like Ilford film and use it. I used to use Kodak but their screwing around killed much of it for me. But, in talking with both pro shops & the Yellow Peril help line I am told the 50 sheet boxes of 5x7 Tmax will be available as a normal order item with all pro product dealers. Again though, talk to three different people & get nine different answers with 81 different interpretations. All I want is reliablibility: in supply, availability & quality. The Yellow Godfather seems hell bent on making us all question its reliability when the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing & tries to convince us one of the hands is a foot at the same time.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), November 24, 2001.