Fuji QuickLoad fans, I thought I might pass this along. It comes from an e-mail sent to me by Neil Rollo with a UK store called "Teamwork Photographic". I will post the URL at the end.

"Thank you for your enquiry.

The cost for Neopan 80 is normally #45 per box of 20 sheets and the NP160 (colour neg) is #59. If purchased by the case (20 boxes) Neopan would cost #40 per box and NP160 would cost #53 plus shipping (UPS for example would cost approx #50). I would have thought that X-rays would not be to much of a problem as both films are quite slow and they should only be subjected to one or two passes (I have had films x-rayed 5 times with no apparent loss in quality), however if you are concerned then you should talk to your local customs department." The Teamwork e-mail is: all@teamworkphoto.co.uk and the Teamwork URL is: http://www.teamworkphoto.co.uk/

Perhaps we can persuade FujiPhoto USA to try a test import of these films?

-- Ellis (evphoto@insync.net), August 04, 1998

Answers

For what it's worth, if it's relevant, Teamwork is a very reputable store. It is possibly the UK's largest large-format equipment supplier. I've used them quite a bit, but then I live here.

-- Alan Gibson (gibson.al@mail.dec.com), August 04, 1998.

I have been using MIDO cut film holders since they came out with great success in commercial and personal work both. They seem to hold up well and are much less expensive than the quickloads. They allow me to carry a bunch of film loaded without the weight of normal holders and also allow any emulsion in 4x5 I want to use. If I hadn't found the MIDO holders I might be interested, but with them I find no real need for the quick or readyload types from any of the film makers.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), August 10, 1998.

Dan, I believe that Mido is no longer making the film holders. If so, too bad for they looked like a good product. Maybe someone can revive the company.

-- Ellis Vener (evphoto@insync.net), August 11, 1998.

Sign me up. Perhaps a letter campaign. Perhaps all the folks at FujiPhoto USA should be forced to use ReadyLoads until they see the wisdom of importing. :-)

-- Andrew McFarland (andym@netbox.com), August 04, 1999.