Average film prices in europe?

Wow -- someone still using film. At this point it would be very hard to guess. Five years ago (last time I used film) film in Europe was about double what I was buying at Sams club. I am quess that with lower demand for film that may place will not have it and may charge a premium price -- but that is just a guess.

Film will be outrageously expensive, Nich. If you have a specific reason for using film instead of digital, buy it here,and bring it with you, or ship it ahead. A $2.00 roll of film here, will be a $4.50 roll there pretty easy. (Check out some general European shopping sites to get an idea, Amazon, etc).

Also, if you plan on developing it there, expect to pay around 3 times as much as you would here.

On my last 3 month trip with real film, between film costs, and some limited developing, I could have bought a nice digital camera.

Just about anything related to photography and electronics is generally far more expensive in Europe. They do sell film, although I haven't priced it recently.

I'm heading into Barcelona in an hour or so, I'll take a look around and see what some options are.

Thanks for the info especially on developing prices, that is one thing I've been thinking about how to avoid... and I really appreciate you taking a look for me adynata. I'm probably going to buy here and take with me but would rather not if justifiable to buy there, just less hassle.

and yea, I don't really shoot any digital, just not that interested in making 1s and 0s but rather making negatives and physical photographs. Not to dog digital, for 99% of people it's hands down the way to go.

Anything other than 35 mm will be difficult to track down, especially in rural areas. Bring it over here with you. Your only problem might be getting it "fogged" at airports.

Roger

www.fermedecandeloup.fr

Nich, although I shoot 95% digital, I have great respect for those who still shoot film. At a recent juried art show here all the photographers except one still used film, and all of those were shooting medium format, which is the size I use when shooting film. Their enlargements were like nothing anyone could get from even the top-end 35mm. Although I have not shot medium format in Europe, I've looked for 120 film there out of curiosity and found it very difficult to acquire. Along with your tri-x, Ilfords, and Portra NC, I suggest Portra VC. I think there will be times you will appreciate the enhanced color the VC gives. Back when I was carrying my film overseas, I always carried the film out of its canister (35mm) and in large zip-lock bags; then I asked for a hand inspection so the film wouldn't be sent through the X-Ray device. I was only ever refused twice--in Brussels and Moscow.

I used to be a die-hard film guy until quite a few museums and palaces started installing X-ray machines. By the time I got done with a trip, my poor film had passed through a dozen X-rays. With each security guard who refused to do a hand-check telling me that their machine would not harm my film. I definitely don't mean to belittle your choice of medium, but my vacations have become so much more relaxing, nor worrying if my film was going to come home in one piece. Just something to think about...

I had a look in the supermarket last night whilst shopping. A 2 pack of 35mm FujiFilm 24 exposures was £4.80 - so about $4 per roll. Obviously, just as in the US, you can get it cheaper at one of the discount clubs (i.e. Costco) or by buying in bulk and you'll pay more from a kiosk next to a major tourist attraction.

Thanks for the advice, sounds like I'll be buying here then if it's that hard to find most stuff. $4 a roll of fuji at the supermarket's pretty standard but it can get cheaper like you said, thanks for checking a solid price for me. Also film in the bag seems like a good idea. Definantly not excited about fogged film, have to use my boyish charm for hand inspection.
I've shot portra vc as well as nc, I change moods all the time as to if I want something crisp and vivid or soft and muted, just depends on how i wake up i guess.

Wow, what a walk down memory lane, I haven't been film shopping for some years now. I'm almost nostalgic for some dermatitis and pallid skin. I don't miss the expense, though. Since you were pretty specific about what you were looking for, I avoided the tourist stalls. (which will be more expensive and mostly carry expired KodaGold.) I went to Eurosimer (NW of the University on C/ Enric Granados, about 10min walk from Pza. Cataluña. Ask anybody with a nice camera, they'll be happy to help you find it.) Here's what I've found: [All prices include 16% VAT. 1€=1.41$]
Kodak Portra 400 (36exp.) €5.65 $7.96
Kodak Portra 100 (36exp.) €5.45 $7.68
Kodak T-Max 3200 (36exp.) €5.80 $8.17
Kodak Tri-X Pro 400 (36exp.) €3.94 $5.55
Ilford Delta 3200 (36exp.) €6.11 $8.61
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 (36exp.) €4.59 $6.47
Ilford XP2 400 (36exp.) €5.80 $8.17
Fujicolor Superia 110 (36exp.) €3.50 $4.94
Fujichrome Sensia II 100 (36exp.) Diapo €4.83 $6.81
Kodak Ektachrome 160T 120 €7.93 $11.18
Kodak Portra 160VC 120 €5.10 $7.19
Fujichrome RTP 64 120 €6.06 $8.54

To sum up, nice film is still easily available, but as always, in Europe, you'll pay for it. I didn't even ask about development costs (I was with my first born, and the clerk started looking as if he might be willing to make a trade.) No, seriously, count on roughly $10 in a typical 1 hour shop. As always, quality of development will vary, depending on how well maintained the machine is, how awake the minimum wage employee is, etc. To be safe, you'll want to send film to a professional lab. Problem is, that costs more money. Isn't digital wonderful? Happy travels.

The last time I used 35mm in Europe was in June 2007.
I have never had any problem with my film being fogged even without hand inspection. An I have carried the camera in an out of all the major museums in Paris.

Sometimes I do have prints made in France an England as well as CDs. Although the cost is higher than locally, I have found the quality of the prints to be far superior. Just pick a shop that specializes
in photography rather than a one hour kiosk.

The downside is that you have more to carry home but I personnally have always found it worth it.

I would still carry that camera along with my digital
but it is broken and I have now decided not to replace it.

nich,

Your question brought back many memories from the past, as I haven't travelled with Film for five years or more. Since switching to digital, I've never looked back.

As the others have said, Film is usually more expensive in Europe as is developing.

You can buy lead lined Film Bags from firms such as Magellans, but one thing to mention is that it's EXTREMELY important to pack all film in your carry-on luggage rather than in checked luggage. The X-Ray machines that scan checked luggage are very powerful, and you'll very likely have "fogging". Ask for hand inspection if possible.

Also, choose the speed of your Films somewhat carefully. From what I remember, 800 ASA or below is relatively safe passing through the scanners for carry-on luggage, however higher speeds may be at risk. However, there's also the aspect of multiple passes through scanners, so I'd probably lean towards 400 ASA.

Good luck and happy travels!