Fujifilm has earned a reputable name with their X-series cameras. The company has been at the forefront of offering popular film simulations, along with other features that young and professional photographers can’t get enough of. However, while the digital world is seeing success, there is also the return of a discontinued film from the company that is raising everyone’s eyebrows. What are we talking about? The very special Fujifilm FP-100C.
Our Editor, Chris Gampat, was browsing through Watch Count when they came across when he came across how quickly the Fujifilm 100C was selling. The website notes that the sales are still active, and that an average of 1.2 to 3.4 film rolls are sold per month. In fact, the sale has been ongoing for over two years, with an estimate of $7,000 to $23,000 worth of film cassettes being sold so far.
In fact, the listings on eBay range from $150 to up to $1,200. This, of course, matters the number of instant film being sold overall, and when it originally expired.
For the uninitiated, the Fujifilm 100C is a “peel-apart” type of film that produces instant results during the daylight. A pack has 10 pieces, which is similar to the other instant films sold today. The size is about 3.25 x 4.25 inches, and it has fine grain, rich tones, and is ideal for portrait shots. In fact, one can do it with Polaroid cameras, too, such as Polaroid 250 and so on. However, despite its fame, it was discontinued back in 2016. Since its end, we have been waiting for the company to revive the film again. While Supersense tried to do it, it was quite a let down.
So why is the film making a comeback now? For starters, it is discontinuation that is hiking prices. People want these instant films for their work, and the film is also finite. The date of expiration, either 2017 or 2019, also helps to push the prices again. People who have been storing the film can now also result in another $100 to $300 hike. There is also the recent wave of retro photography, where people are turning to older films, expired ones, for their personal projects or so on. For some, there is also a sense of nostalgia, where some millennials and boomers are turning back to the film they have used.
While X series cameras are popular, the 100C proves that analog photography is popular too. Not just with film photographers but also with digital image-makers as well. Overall, the current scenario proves that some film roles need to make a comeback soon for those who still prefer analog over digital. If not, these prices will continue to hike based on popularity.