We have an APS camera and are wondering about the availability of film in Ireland. Kodak has said they are going to stop making it and we are wondering if we need to pack our supply with us (30 rolls???).

Alison

I really suggest buying a new camera for heaven's sake. it isn't being supported any more, it is expensive to have processed and it is inferior in its reproductive images in the first place. Why compound this!!

Ireland has indoor plumbing, paved roads, horseless carriages, fine scotch and APS film too. Ireland has all kinda stuff.

Larry J

We also have electricity.....When in Dublin try Spectra (A chain) or drop into Connds on Grafton Street Arcade. I second getting a new camera.

Thank you for your advice, I think. I have NO intention on buying a digital camera at this point. Love the APS, excellent quality, etc.

As for the cracks about indoor plumbing and electricity...I assume that is your idea of humour. I come from Canada where many visitors actually believe we run around in loin cloths and live in igloos, so I understand the sensitivity,but I meant no offence. If I thought Ireland was a backward place, I wouldn't be choosing to spend 5 weeks there, now would I???!!

Alison

Alison - The APS format is really dying out. Unless you have a really high-end one, you MAY want to consider getting a 35mm point & shoot instead. Many good autofocus zoom cameras start at around US$60-70. The difference in cost between 30 rolls of APS film and 35mm film (say the same 750 exposures) would cover half the price of that new camera already.

The APS system uses a smaller film size than 35mm, so picture quality is worse than 35mm; and most newer 35mm P&S are very easy to load, plus most mini-labs will print you an index with 35mm already, so the benefits of APS are diminished.

Not saying you must buy a new film camera, but it's an option worth considering especially if you are a heavy film camera user.

And sorry... I don't have any knowledge about availability of APS film in Ireland.

Thanks again for the advice on cameras, but as I said, no plans to change at this time. We will eventually go digital.

I am surprised at the comments on the quality of the APS format. We have had ours for 5+ years and people constantly comment on how good our photos look. It has travelled Europe and the UK and the east coast of Canada and we've never had a problem with it. I can't say the same for my 35 m point-and-shoot or my husbands "real" 35 m.

The cost of developing the films is extremely reasonable here, depending on where you take it. I pay just over $5 per roll of 25.

Alison

Hi Alisonh...Sorry about all the "smart-alec" remarks concerning your post. Just take alot of film from home, and you will be fine. Helen

There are many reasons why your pictures look better than your husband's. Better lens on your camera, better metering system on your camera, better flash on your camera, or how about this - you're a better photographer! But whatever the reason, it's not because APS is a better film than 35mm. It simply isn't.

Since no Irish members are giving your availability answer, maybe you can search the web for photo stores in Ireland, and check with them via email.

You're eventually going to have 30 rolls of film whether you buy them in Ireland or take them with you.

I'd buy at home where I could shop for the best deal.

I payed 9 euro in Dijon for a 36 exposure roll of 400 speed 35mm film. This was a week and a half ago. That's way more than it would cost at Wal-Mart here in the States.

Even if you only save a Canadian dollar per roll, times 30 is still a 30 dollar savings.

Okay, you're sticking with your camera--and I didn't see anyone suggesting you buy a digital now--just another camera. Then the advice to take your film with you is good. Since APS cameras are no longer being made there is a good chance that demand for film has gone down a lot and perhaps stores carrying the film are fewer.
Also, carry your film (unexposed or exposed) in your carryon--the scanners for checked luggage WILL fry it.

Thanks all.

With regard to the "new camera"...I won't tell long "we" hung on to our Beta machine before we went to VHS...LOL

Alison

Just remember not to pack your film in your suitcase going to Ireland and coming home. If you leave it in your suitcase the film will be ruined due to the heavy screening it will go through. Pack it in your carryon bag.

As for APS, I bought mine when I was in Hong Kong 4 years ago. It is a great camera, never cost me a fortune to get developed and the pictures always came out great. Check out a digital camera maybe.

Bought a digital camera in January just before our trip to Costa Rica. I'll never go back to film. It is sooooooo easy, and the quality is now excellent.

Hi Alison. You'll have no problem finding APS film anywhere in Ireland.I live here and have an APS camera and have never had a problem finding film for it anywhere in the country. You can buy a roll for about €6. Hope that helps.

I would just like to congratulate kempten for being the only person who gave Alison a helpful answer - ie can she get film and how much will it cost.

Who CARES if Alsion has an APS or a Hasselblad?

Sorry Alison, that was not menat to be mean to you...I have convinced people of some outrageous things like no electricity over here etc.

Now seriously as previously mentioned buy some iat home and get the rest here. Spectra is a photo chain that is in most large towns and most Chemists (Drugstores) have a developing section for film and they will help you. The other store I mentioned in Dublin was spelled wrong. It's Conns in the Grafton Arcade on Grafton Street.

Have fun.

Well, Kempten has first hand knowledge and I too am glad she/he responded. At 6E/roll I think I'd bring it from home.

Thanks all,
I think I have learned what I needed to know!

Alison