Fuji Retires Three Films : Neopan, Reala, 160S

Yup, Fujifilm is withdrawing the Neopan 400 120, Superia Reala 35mm, and Pro 160S 35mm films from the market. According to the press release, there's about 6-8 month stock left. Just last month Kodak announced they were stopping production on Tri-X 320 thus, ending the 120/220 format. Kodak will still continue to make TXP in 4x5 film.

On the plus side last month, Kodak announced they'll be making their Ektar 100 in 4x5 and 8x10 formats.

Press Release:

Fujifilm Professional has announced the withdrawal of three of its films. The affected products are Neopan 400 120, Superia Reala 35mm, and Pro 160S 35mm.

The remaining films in the Pro 160S range are to be re-branded as Pro 160NS, to fall in line with a global name change. The film itself remains unaltered.

Fujifilm's Senior Product Manager for Professional Film, Russ Gunn, explained the move to halt production: "It is never good news to announce product discontinuations but unfortunately we have had to sacrifice some of our slower selling films to enable us to continue to produce and market our more popular formats. We have stocks of each of these films in storage and, depending on demand, there should be sufficient quantities to last for another six to eight months."

Gunn continued: "In the case of Neopan 400 120 our hand has been forced by environmental concerns over one of the raw materials used in its production."

In further product development news, from early Summer 2010 Fujifilm's ranges of 5in x4in and 10in x8in films will be packed as 20 sheet boxes instead of the current 10 sheet packs.