Image © by FPP Podcast listener John LaPierre
Film Photography Podcast listener and friend Tony Kwong delivered this sad news to me via e-mail:
Hey Mr Raso
Just to let you know that Fujifilm’s FP-100b has indeed stopped production in June 2010 and is discontinued in both sizes (regular and 4×5). Stock still remains in the distribution channels, so they will still be available in some stores. This discontinuation was announced by Fujifilm Japan in September of 2009. There were previous denials printed in the Britsh Journal of Photography of the discontinuation by Fujifilm, UK at the end of 2009. I was able to confirm with the a production head of Fujifilm Japan on that, and it is indeed a production stop. That means it wont be available anywhere as that’s the only place that manufactures this film. These denials prove incorrect when US, Japanese and UK Fujifilm distributors were unable to get more film as the last batches of 100b film have been produced and shipped.
The only instant pan packfilm in production is Fuji’s FP-3000b series. while the regular size is widely available; the 4×5 version of this film is not “officially” available in too many countries outside Japan. I was speaking to a variety of Fujifilm, USA sources for a few weeks on this matter and they stated to me a few days ago their intention to start importing FP-3000b in a 4×5 format. Recent contacts with Fujifilm, UK reps stated they are also interested in importing the FP-3000b film in 4×5 size. Black and white instant packfilm is not dead, but ISO 100 FP-100b definitely is.
Tony Kwong
Sadly, this information was confirmed by Dirk from JapanExposures.com on the Fujifilm Instant Flickr Group
Additional images shot on Fujifilm FP-100b by Film Photography Podcast listeners:
Now is the time…stock up!
Unique Photo, New Jersey – Eastern United States
Japan Exposures, Japan