@@Ilfordphoto yes a bit disappointed in that segment. You would have thought they would have turned the lights on so we could see the process...... :-)
@@JAmediaUK would've loved to turn on the the lights to show the process but the factory was in production that day and it would've ruined the rolls of film :D
We had such a fantastic time filming this with the hugely talented folks @exploredinary. We also need to say a huge thank you to everyone on site here at Mobberley who helped with the filming. The passion that our staff have for our black and white film and paper and their commitment to making sure that our analogue products are always the highest standard possible shines through. We hope that you all enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. Please let us know if you did and please share with your friends.
We know where our bread is buttered but this really has sealed the deal..... Ilford will be the only b&w film that goes in my cameras.... Ilford 'til I die!
@@Ilfordphoto No, I'm using the cheaper hp5+. I'll some delta instead and see if that is a bit better. I enjoy the flat versatility of hp5. especially when doing portrait or fashion work, allows me to have a bit more control over contrast and blacks etc. Which is why I don't want a film that does it for me automatically, and which is why I shoot only hp5.
@@TheSH1N1GAM1 Thank you so much - There are some more videos coming soon, but for more Behind the Film, check out www.ilfordphoto.com/category/magazine/behind-the-film/
My respects to Ilford. It is a lot of hardworking. We need to keep using film, once they are gone, hard to come back. Thank you Ilford for keeping the dream alive.
We already lost Kodachrome. Goodness save us if we lose PanF 50.
4 роки тому+43
When I shoot film I have more the feeling of collaboration with the people and company that worked on the emulsion. Way more than when I shoot digital. Seeing this documentary just enhance this feeling of mine. There's a certain form of respect for the work of these people by the photographer, and from the companies to the photographer. When I saw how long most of these people have worked for ILFORD, I can really fell the high level of experience. They know their stuff. Great video, I could have watched an entire hour :)
Jérémie Schuler thank you for watching! This company and its employees love film and you definitely feel it when visiting! - Exploredinary (the filmmakers)
As someone born and bred just a few miles from the factory, it's brilliant to see the history and attention to detail. Ilford is, without doubt, my favourite B&W film manufacturer and always will be. Keep on keeping on, Ilford. You're the best.
I worked for a company that produced the gelatine that went into photographic film. That included making photographic emulsion to test it. You have to spend a good deal of time working in total darkness yet, surprisingly, it's amazing how quickly you can work in such conditions. Loved every second of it.
My Grandfather used Ilford, my parents used Ilford, I am using Ilford (right know loaded with 3200), my little son knows the ilford. Name that never fails you. Love it for generations
I have an extreme respect for Ilford. They have helped keep this industry running. I’m only 15 and I shoot both film and digital. That shows that you’ll really find love for film everywhere. I hope film will last.
What a kind comment, thank you. We find that most people shoot a mix of film and digital. It's finding whatever works for you. Do you have a favourite ILFORD film?
Thanks so much David. Yes there is a lot of quality control, but we're proud of our reputation for high quality consistent black and white film and don't want to lose it:)
At a time when the true origin of many film products is unknown and brands are invented or revival of past glories with random prices, Ilford remains our true and only certainty for quality black and white film and paper. Thank you for opening the doors of your legendary factory to us. Keep it up!
i shoot & develop your films (120 & 35 mm) for 40 years with same pleasure. Congratulations. Continue with the same convictions as long as you can. You are a key actor of photography history. Thanks a lot.
I am wondering do you have younger staff coming up as one day these folks will all retire and the knowledge should be shared as it must take a long time to gain this expertise.
Kevin is the uncle you have to be proud of to have in your family. I’ve been using 120 since the early 2000, and I’m grateful to be a long time customer of Ilford. 3200 is my go to film as I prefer to pull it to 800-1600. :)
Really enjoyed the short time we got to work with 120 film in our Mamiya RZ67 in school. The coolest moment for sure was the short glow you get when ripping of the tape in the dark room. And the worst moment was dropping the film while trying to feed it onto the reel.
@@Ilfordphoto if Petr ain't answering I will! HP5 for push processing grainey cntrasty loveleyness, and FP4 for the smooth skintone rendition. Simple boy me.
Nice to have been able to see part of Room 14 again, the sketch on the wall was energising, as the last time I saw 14 was under construction was in 1983 at Mobberley in Cheshire, as I was going to relocate when it’s site at Brentwood in Essex was to be closed. I’m a former employee of Ilford Films, and worked at it’s former Woodman Road factory, first at the Emulsion making block, then in the Pan Wash, having also worked in various warehouses sites at Brentwood, eventually moved the the Coating dept, not the Melters, mainly within the Reeling Chambers of Rooms 12 and 14, sometimes the Stockpoints, I also worked in Room 14. Within Room 14 I worked in with the Stockpoint or Reeling chamber, even to this day, I can recall the noise of the massive drying bays, raw based films were hoisted over a skit in the wall from a warehouse on site into the Stockpoint in what was know as ‘White light’. The reason why Room 14 was called ‘14’ was due to old coating machines at Brentwood, when I arrived in the middle of 1979, only rooms 12 and 13 were in operation, others closed before I arrived, as were used to store raw-based film from the makers.
Make me so proud that I'm not only using a fantastic product but also using a 100% British product. I only use ilford. Thank you for all your hard work in producing an outstanding film.
In 1954 at the age of 15 I joined GEC who were in Kingsway WC2, the Ilford Showroom was next door and here I spent every spare lunchtime. Great to find this film!
Used my first Ilford film in the late 70s and have never had a bad one to date, great company others talk film but Ilford do it. Hate to think what would happen to the world film community if they ever disappeared, keep supporting them folks.Great video and great company.
WOW! When I got my first camera as a birthday gift in 1965 (9th year) I got 2 rolls of Ilford B&W 100 ASA film, and I kept using Ilford film as it was cheaper than Kodak for many years untiol the brand went off the shelves locally. All my photography learning curve and most of my kid and teen memories are still on Ilford negatives. Great memories. Greetings from Paraguay, SoAm.
I'm a french guy using view cameras, medium format and small format cameras as well. Ilford has always been my choice because their films are just amazing. So Happy birthday Ilford ! You have my inconditionnal and active support, I'll keep buying your films and sheet films ( from 4x5 to 8x10) fresh from the factory. On another hand I wonder how many people working in the factory are shooting film... Must be great to shoot a film you work on...
Having started my working life as a Lab Technician in the brand new R&D Labs at Ilford, Mobberley in 1983, this was a fascinating film. I moved on in 1987, but still keep in contact with some former colleagues. The video doesn't really show how long machine No. 14 is - the length is incredible to ensure the emulsion sets and dries. Great video, happy memories, keep up the good work.
Some 40 odd years ago I was the darkroom technician / quality controller in a small east coast seaside town in Yorkshire processing all the colour (C35 process) and black and white films and transparencies, before passing the processed films onto the girls making the actual paper prints. I remember it was such a great time for me at the tender age of 17.....! 🤔
Lovely made Ilford Factory Tour, thanks much for the Insight! I do hope Ilford does survive during the next Decades to come. Film is real ! #longlivefilm
I remember working in the drawing office at Ilford Film in 1986, designing improvements to the film production line. One of the interesting projects, was designing and installing the two hydraulic cylinders on the accumulator, I think that is what was called. Just lying on the floor whilst it was going up and down, it was a little bit scary.
Wow this brings back memories! During the years from 1986 to 1998 I worked (as Quality Manager) for a large photo processing group in their ancillary laboratory where we carried out all of the B&W processing and printing for the company. We used Ilford paper and chemicals as well as processing thousands of Ilford B&W films of all formats. During a visit to Mobberley I had a tour of the factory and was amazed at the size of the site. There was a golf buggy in use to carry visitors from one building to another! I remember walking around in the area where there was light-sensitive material, using a dull red torch to follow lines on the floor so we didn't get lost. I have always been a keen photographer and moved to a digital camera when the silver halide industry went into decline (sorry!). However I have recently bought an old Nikon F2 and started using film again. My favourite film? ... HP5. Happy days!
Thanks so much for watching Paul and for taking the time to write this. Unfortunately the golf buggy is long gone! It's great to hear that you've picked up a film camera again. We'd finding many people are doing this and enjoying shooting film and often processing it themselves.
Glad you like the story! I also remember the workers in the dark areas calling out hello to our guide but I couldn't see anyone! He replied to them by name so must have recognised their voice. Made me think of coal mines and the the comradeship that comes from working in the dark together. By the way, I was working with Ilford very closely at that time as we were setting up a high speed automatic colour(!) printer to print on large rolls of Ilford Multi-grade paper. The software had been developed by the printer manufacturer (Gretag) and it was my job to set it up. I even went to Switzerland in 1987 to meet their technical guy at the factory in Zurich!
I just bought a used Olympus XA camera. It was one of my first cameras back in the early 80's. Wish I kept my original, but I gave it to my nephew, who now shoots it. I'll be shooting some ILFORD in the coming weeks. Looking forward to reinvigorating my love for shooting with film and that Olympus XA.
It’s interesting to see how differently the two remaining film making companies are responding to the big increase in demand for their products. I still pay pretty much the same price for a roll of HP5 as I did ten years ago. Can’t say the same for Portra 400… Full respect to the guys from the uk for not taking the piss out of us.
Thank you for this. Factory documentaries are always fascinating, but even more so when it’s about the film currently in my camera. Now I know a little about the people who produced it, and because of that I’m going to enjoy shooting it just a little more from now on.
Glad you enjoyed it. We've wanted to do this for a while but it was pretty difficult to get it all organised😀 Which film have you currently got in your camera?
Ah, memories, thanks for that! I've just been digitising some Ilford FP3 and HP3 35mm and 120 negs from the 1960s. I still have the Ilford print boxes from those days with 8*10 prints stored in them. Great company, glad to see it's still going.
we are endlessly thankfull to the town of mobberley and especially to all the contributing workers who make these great ilford products. you guys are worth diamonds, much love !!!!
Ilford, in my opinion, has always been the bomb with its wide array of film offerings to us folk still wanting to capture images on film. I've been with Ilford products since my early start in photography in 1972. Thankyou for giving me a lifetime of fun. Believe me when I tell you I have some 40 year old stock still in my freezer. 12 % additional development time is all that's needed.
This is absolutely fantastic! I was gonna sell my Nikon F3, but after watching this I think I’ll keep it instead, and get more film for it. The person that disliked this video must be upset about the darkroom scene. 🤣
Thank you Ilford. I have used your film from the 80s. Started my professional career in the black an white dark room for Elsa Mann and cooper, Liverpool. I eventually started my own studio in Warrington just 20 minutes away from ilford. I was lucky enough to be invited to ilford when digital was just beginning and bought my 24 inch Epsom printer with ilford software. I have been their a number of times and can say the work force feel like a family. Watching this I can smell my darkroom. Happy times and thank you to all who trained me. What a life this job gives you.
Watching this I have an OM1n sat on my desk with PanF50 in and My OM10 loaded with XP2 Super. It's good to see that not all British manufactures have gone to the wall and these products are still available, I'm 69 and still get a kick out of developing my own film to scan and print. Long may it last.!
I know there a snowball's chance, but I would love to see 220 film come back. I'll be your first customer! My 220 Nikkor tanks & reels are just sitting on the shelf!
I don't know why they stopped making it. Many manufacturers made 220 holders, and 12 isn't really all that many frames on a single film so I would have assumed it would be more popular.
@@caw25sha According to folks on Internet forums, Ilford stopped because the machine broke and it's too expensive to fix. I guess Kodak & fuji stopped because it isn't profitable anymore.
and yes, while TXP isn't Ilford, I've been using Multigrade RC and FB papers professionally since the late 1980s, and still do. And Delta 3200 in 120 is just superb! Thanks Ilford and please keep up the good work!
Worked at Ilford Ltd from 1976 until 1983 as a research technician at Warley and Brentwood. My first job after leaving school after my A's. Happiest time of my life, doing what I enjoyed most... working with B+W films and paper. Had a great boss, (Dave Holland), and the best bunch of colleagues. Always regretted not moving to Mobberly after the Essex sites closed. Wish I could go back in time and change that decision!
@@Ilfordphoto That would be amazing! Think I'll have to retrieve my print enlarger from the loft, dust it off and go back to my roots... digital's great, but doesn't compare with the real thing!
It was great that they were happy to get involved. We have so many fantastic dealers around the world who play a huge part in ensuring that our film reaches our customers.
@@Exploredinary it's a bit of a drive for me, as I live in Shreveport, but so worth it to spend time digging around in all the great stuff they have there!
Now I know where my favorite film comes from. Thank you guys for your work, I'll keep using your excellent product to create my best pictures. Best regards from Berlin!
@@IlfordphotoYes, I think it would have to be HP5 for it's shear versitility, but some of my personal favourite images have been made on Delta 3200 in both 35mm and 120.
@@clivevincent4969 Hp5+ is definitely the favourite film, but we do see a lot of people shooting a mix now and using some faster film like you are doing with Delta 3200 or even going the other way and shooting PANF+ . If you fancy sharing some shots then we are on IG & Twitter @ilfordphoto . Please tag us in and use our film #'s e.g. #ilfordhp5
I was 19 years old when I shot 35mm Ilford Film for the very first time. Now in my mid 50s, I still shoot Ilford Film. Thank You for "Behind the Film", it brought back a lot of happy memories.
Very interesting to see how much work and dedication is involved in making these films. The folks at the Ilford factory definitely have some of the coolest jobs!
I have to say, I had thought Ilford had gone the way of so many other non-digital companies, but it's great to see they are still going. Their film still has a special place in my heart from learning photography as a boy, and later doing my own developing and printing. The real groundbreaker for me was the Ilfospeed resin coated papers that gave such stunning finishes. Long may you continue!
@@Ilfordphoto I'm afraid not, much that I love the medium, it is simply too expensive for a semi-pro. I did consider it but have found that B/W processing now costs as much as colour as well. (It use to be about a third of the price back in my day). It would be nice to have something like a Hasselblad with digital and film backs, but I can't justify the cost.
@@Ilfordphoto I used to, but it's a long complex and messy process that needs a dedicated space, and to be honest, the quality was never as good as professional labs.
When I was a kid I used to love episodes of “Mr Rogers Neighbourhood” where he’d go on factory tours and show how stuff was made. This reminded me south of that with the little model town! Love Ilford films and developers, really glad my local shop stocks them.
Hi Josh - wow, thank you so much we're so glad to hear that crayon factory inspired you too! When we toured the factory that's definitely something we drew comparisons to, and we even re-watched that episode towards the end of editing this project simply out of nostalgia. The tiny scaled model was a complete surprise and not supposed to be part of the tour but we happened to catch it in an old portion of the factory on our last day, and knew it needed to make it into the film. Thanks again for watching. - Sarah & Daniel (Exploredinary)
As a long time Ilford HP5+ user, I find it fascinating to see the "behind-the-scene" so to speak of making one of my favorite films. Film is definitely not dead #keepfilmalive #filmisnotdead
Thanks Ilford crew for the wonderful work and keeping up with ramping global demand during this pandemic. Your film is the only one I've been able to reliably source during these times.
My Grandad worked as a rep for Ilford from the early 60’s till the early 90’s. He loved it! I’ve still got some of his equipment, tools, documents, photos and other memorabilia
Thank you so much Ilford. I've used your film for many years, and I can only speak to how awesome your products are! Especially thank you to the Staff at Mobberley, who make this possible, and the team at Exploredinary for their beautiful work.
It is great to see that Ilford Photo is still producing real film in this digital age. I used Iford in the late 70s in my Minolta SR101. Best wishes to you all at Ilford.
Truly amazing! In 36 years of shooting film I have never had a bad roll of Ilford.... now I know why! Thanks for immortalising the staff on film at the end and oh, I especially enjoyed the 'actual dark room footage'
dave hyper; Yeah, of the many, many thousands of rolls I've shot, I can't remember a bad roll. Although towards the end of my career in photography I did have a problem with cibachrome. They replaced the film with a generous quantity of film and paid for processing however I had to pay for the re-shoot :-(. That said I never heard of anyone else having the same problem.
I'm shooting Ilford films. And i had watched old Kodak's film production movie. But this Ilford's one is wonderful. And seeing the film's life span from the start to end is fantastic feeling that we always shooted film brand.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. We're really pleases that the knowledge, and passion that we all have for the products comes across.
This beautifully-made video shows perfectly how Harman has succeeded in keeping their great Ilford products alive. The dedication and care with which the people at Mobberley is impressive. Long may it continue!
Wow! Didn’t know all this went into making your film. Excellent documentary! When I put my first roll of HP5 into my Canon T70 and had it developed and scanned, I was in B&W heaven - I’ll never go back! Thanks Ilford!!
Since I started making photos on black and white, many and many years ago, Ilford is my film of choice. After decades without photographing on film I´ve returned last month and brought some HP5 exposed and can´t wait to see the results once again. Lots of antecipation I must confess. Thanks for sharing the make of my favorite films. From Brazil I send a warm regard to all involved in the production and managment. I appreciat a lot your job.
@@Ilfordphoto Not this time but soon I´ll dedicate a small room in my house to do so. The rolls I´ve shoot were sent to the professionals... Shooting films is an awesome experience! Hard to express my feelings it´s like returning in time when I was a teenager and prefer to spend my money with film and not movies or icecream when I was out in vacation.. lol...
A week ago I scanned ILFORD films I made in school time 40 year ago. Still perfect after so long time, and wonderful memories when you see yourself and your classmates how they where 40 years before.
@@Ilfordphoto just bought a package of 25 x FP4+ 4x5" and went into the woodlands this evening, shooting on ILFORD sheet films now has a very different feeling after knowing the people behind
Magic and superb quality - I worked in Ilford for 30+ years and this so evocative of that time, remember M14 man Kevin Hodgson from when in R+D. The technology is mature now, but your clips of the fantastic kit show well what an incredibly technological product people are using. Amazed to see roll film still in production, backing paper rarely mentioned, yet the source of much angst in my day following complaints from the illustrious David Bailey. 35mm high-speed slitter sourced from Agfa engineers, I was lucky to meet their teams in Germany, we had Slivovitz competitions! Well done and thank you.
Thank you so much for this video! I use Ilford films since the 80's when I started my career in photography. Love HP5 particularly. Now I know how you make your magic!!
"actual darkroom footage" loved it
It really is that dark!
@@Ilfordphoto yes a bit disappointed in that segment. You would have thought they would have turned the lights on so we could see the process...... :-)
One moment I thought, they would go inside :))
@Aykut Karaca. They were inside, that's why it was so dark
@@JAmediaUK would've loved to turn on the the lights to show the process but the factory was in production that day and it would've ruined the rolls of film :D
Hope you guys have as much fun watching this as we had making it! -Exploredinary (Sarah Reyes + Daniel Driensky) #longlivefilm
Great work with making this!
@@AREKU Thanks! We're happy you enjoyed it!
You betcha! Very well made and extremely interesting! Thank you!
Superb work as always. Loving that we have added the voiceover as part of the Exploredinary list of talents - every video needs a Texan drawl y'all :)
We really enjoyed working with you both again. This video makes us smile so much. We couldn't be happier with it.
We had such a fantastic time filming this with the hugely talented folks @exploredinary. We also need to say a huge thank you to everyone on site here at Mobberley who helped with the filming.
The passion that our staff have for our black and white film and paper and their commitment to making sure that our analogue products are always the highest standard possible shines through.
We hope that you all enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.
Please let us know if you did and please share with your friends.
Facinating . And so proud it's made in the UK
You guys are amazing! Thanks for all those beautiful films! HP5+ is amazing.
We know where our bread is buttered but this really has sealed the deal..... Ilford will be the only b&w film that goes in my cameras.... Ilford 'til I die!
Wonderful documentary! Keep up your great work and passion for it!
@@florianbecke3076 Thank you Florian. We will definitely be keeping up the passion for black and white film !
Anyone who still shooting with film should appreciate the hard work of this dedicated guys
Thank you. We are definitely seeing an increase in people either going back to shooting film, or shooting it for the first time.
Is so.
@@Ilfordphoto I'm just happy ilford film is so cheap, 5.99 here in the u.s for 120! Only wish it had the sharpness of t-max 400, but eh..oh well.
@@Adrian-wd4rn Are you using the DELTA PROFESSIONAL 400?
@@Ilfordphoto No, I'm using the cheaper hp5+. I'll some delta instead and see if that is a bit better. I enjoy the flat versatility of hp5. especially when doing portrait or fashion work, allows me to have a bit more control over contrast and blacks etc.
Which is why I don't want a film that does it for me automatically, and which is why I shoot only hp5.
Thank you all Ilford , for your continuity.🥇
Our pleasure! :)
This is fantastic, you should do more movies like this. How you produce sheet films, chemicals, everything. Keep film alive! ;-)
We did have plans to show more of the factory but only had limited time. We'd love to do another on future.
@@Ilfordphoto Please do more! I loved this and seeing even more would be amazing!
@@TheSH1N1GAM1 Thank you so much - There are some more videos coming soon, but for more Behind the Film, check out www.ilfordphoto.com/category/magazine/behind-the-film/
My respects to Ilford. It is a lot of hardworking. We need to keep using film, once they are gone, hard to come back. Thank you Ilford for keeping the dream alive.
Thank you for watching Pepe and for using our film.
We already lost Kodachrome. Goodness save us if we lose PanF 50.
When I shoot film I have more the feeling of collaboration with the people and company that worked on the emulsion. Way more than when I shoot digital. Seeing this documentary just enhance this feeling of mine. There's a certain form of respect for the work of these people by the photographer, and from the companies to the photographer. When I saw how long most of these people have worked for ILFORD, I can really fell the high level of experience. They know their stuff. Great video, I could have watched an entire hour :)
Jérémie Schuler thank you for watching! This company and its employees love film and you definitely feel it when visiting! - Exploredinary (the filmmakers)
As someone born and bred just a few miles from the factory, it's brilliant to see the history and attention to detail. Ilford is, without doubt, my favourite B&W film manufacturer and always will be. Keep on keeping on, Ilford. You're the best.
Thanks for that Paul. It's great to hear that the care and attention to detail comes across.😁
I worked for a company that produced the gelatine that went into photographic film. That included making photographic emulsion to test it. You have to spend a good deal of time working in total darkness yet, surprisingly, it's amazing how quickly you can work in such conditions. Loved every second of it.
Worked for this great company from 1963 for 40 plus years. Glad to see it still making the best products you can buy
My Grandfather used Ilford, my parents used Ilford, I am using Ilford (right know loaded with 3200), my little son knows the ilford. Name that never fails you. Love it for generations
I love this :) Thanks for sharing, this brought a smile to my face this morning. Which camera will you start your son with when he's old enough?
I have an extreme respect for Ilford. They have helped keep this industry running. I’m only 15 and I shoot both film and digital. That shows that you’ll really find love for film everywhere. I hope film will last.
What a kind comment, thank you. We find that most people shoot a mix of film and digital. It's finding whatever works for you. Do you have a favourite ILFORD film?
@@Ilfordphoto I forget what it’s called, I think XP2, it’s the C41 black and white film.
This was really fantastic and fascinating. I loved seeing how my Ilford film is made and had no idea how much QC went into it.
Thanks so much David. Yes there is a lot of quality control, but we're proud of our reputation for high quality consistent black and white film and don't want to lose it:)
@@markharris5771 😂😂
At a time when the true origin of many film products is unknown and brands are invented or revival of past glories with random prices, Ilford remains our true and only certainty for quality black and white film and paper.
Thank you for opening the doors of your legendary factory to us.
Keep it up!
i shoot & develop your films (120 & 35 mm) for 40 years with same pleasure. Congratulations. Continue with the same convictions as long as you can. You are a key actor of photography history. Thanks a lot.
Literally drooling when they showed all that sweet, sweet 120 black and white being rolled
Hopefully you've cleaned yourself up now! Which is your 120 film of choice?
jasonchampagne456 me too....I need four rolls of 120 a half hour.
Without these guys I would be using a USELESS piece of crafted engineering.
Polardriod was 100 a minute.
So this is time lapse?.
@@Ilfordphoto I have a love for PanF 50, but good ol hp5 400 is my go to
Me too!
Greetings to All of you ... from a retired ex-colleague in Marly ... had a great time together ... good luck for the future !
I am wondering do you have younger staff coming up as one day these folks will all retire and the knowledge should be shared as it must take a long time to gain this expertise.
Kevin is the uncle you have to be proud of to have in your family. I’ve been using 120 since the early 2000, and I’m grateful to be a long time customer of Ilford. 3200 is my go to film as I prefer to pull it to 800-1600. :)
I mean come on, what's not to love about this!! Long live XP2!!
Really enjoyed the short time we got to work with 120 film in our Mamiya RZ67 in school. The coolest moment for sure was the short glow you get when ripping of the tape in the dark room. And the worst moment was dropping the film while trying to feed it onto the reel.
I'm huge fan ILFORD FILM! please keep making film forever! :-) Good job guys!
Thanks for watching Petr. Which is you favourite ILFORD film?
@@Ilfordphoto if Petr ain't answering I will! HP5 for push processing grainey cntrasty loveleyness, and FP4 for the smooth skintone rendition. Simple boy me.
@@Ilfordphoto FP4 and HP5, can't beat them.
@@Ilfordphoto exclusive
HP5 & Delta 400! ,-)
@@Ilfordphoto Delta 100 & FP4 for me :-)
Nice to have been able to see part of Room 14 again, the sketch on the wall was energising, as the last time I saw 14 was under construction was in 1983 at Mobberley in Cheshire, as I was going to relocate when it’s site at Brentwood in Essex was to be closed.
I’m a former employee of Ilford Films, and worked at it’s former Woodman Road factory, first at the Emulsion making block, then in the Pan Wash, having also worked in various warehouses sites at Brentwood, eventually moved the the Coating dept, not the Melters, mainly within the Reeling Chambers of Rooms 12 and 14, sometimes the Stockpoints, I also worked in Room 14.
Within Room 14 I worked in with the Stockpoint or Reeling chamber, even to this day, I can recall the noise of the massive drying bays, raw based films were hoisted over a skit in the wall from a warehouse on site into the Stockpoint in what was know as ‘White light’.
The reason why Room 14 was called ‘14’ was due to old coating machines at Brentwood, when I arrived in the middle of 1979, only rooms 12 and 13 were in operation, others closed before I arrived, as were used to store raw-based film from the makers.
I am always in love with Ilford for about 45+ years... Will continue to be with this darling...
Here's to the next 45 years :)
@@Ilfordphoto ..... Will just love it further.... Is Nanoparticle coating possible??? Multilayered or single layered...
Make me so proud that I'm not only using a fantastic product but also using a 100% British product. I only use ilford. Thank you for all your hard work in producing an outstanding film.
Thank you for watching and also for using our products. We wouldn't be here without the fantastic film community
I use Ilford since the late Sixties, it was moving watching these images, thank you
Thank for for watching the video and for using our film.
I had the same experience... funny...
ILFORD is a leading company in the photography industry and I have worked with her products for over 30 years and I love them very much.
Thanks for the lovely feedback Ziad. Do you have a favourite ILFORD film or darkroom paper?
@@Ilfordphoto I've been filming for over 40 years, but now there's no regrets.
I've been shooting with ILFORD film since 1980, the results are always amazing.
In 1954 at the age of 15 I joined GEC who were in Kingsway WC2, the Ilford Showroom was next door and here I spent every spare lunchtime. Great to find this film!
I love this! Thank you for sharing Michael.
Used my first Ilford film in the late 70s and have never had a bad one to date, great company others talk film but Ilford do it. Hate to think what would happen to the world film community if they ever disappeared, keep supporting them folks.Great video and great company.
Ilford photo, Harman technology. National Treasure.
Thanks Richard. We may have to add that to our marketing!
;-)
What a great company. Simple product. Do it big. Has supported the industry and the families who work for it for generations.
Thanks Dennis :)
WOW! When I got my first camera as a birthday gift in 1965 (9th year) I got 2 rolls of Ilford B&W 100 ASA film, and I kept using Ilford film as it was cheaper than Kodak for many years untiol the brand went off the shelves locally. All my photography learning curve and most of my kid and teen memories are still on Ilford negatives. Great memories. Greetings from Paraguay, SoAm.
Thank you for keeping film alive !!!!!! Fantastic video !!!!!
Thank you ILFORD ! We all love you ❤
I'm a french guy using view cameras, medium format and small format cameras as well. Ilford has always been my choice because their films are just amazing. So Happy birthday Ilford ! You have my inconditionnal and active support, I'll keep buying your films and sheet films ( from 4x5 to 8x10) fresh from the factory. On another hand I wonder how many people working in the factory are shooting film... Must be great to shoot a film you work on...
Having started my working life as a Lab Technician in the brand new R&D Labs at Ilford, Mobberley in 1983, this was a fascinating film. I moved on in 1987, but still keep in contact with some former colleagues.
The video doesn't really show how long machine No. 14 is - the length is incredible to ensure the emulsion sets and dries.
Great video, happy memories, keep up the good work.
Some 40 odd years ago I was the darkroom technician / quality controller in a small east coast seaside town in Yorkshire processing all the colour (C35 process) and black and white films and transparencies, before passing the processed films onto the girls making the actual paper prints. I remember it was such a great time for me at the tender age of 17.....! 🤔
Lovely made Ilford Factory Tour, thanks much for the Insight! I do hope Ilford does survive during the next Decades to come. Film is real ! #longlivefilm
Thanks Marc. We certainly plan on being around for lots more years yet!
Ilford Pan F and FP 3 were my favourite films in the Sixties.
A dozen of Ilford 9 x 12 cm glass plates I bought in 1965.
I remember working in the drawing office at Ilford Film in 1986, designing improvements to the film production line. One of the interesting projects, was designing and installing the two hydraulic cylinders on the accumulator, I think that is what was called. Just lying on the floor whilst it was going up and down, it was a little bit scary.
Feels so good to know that analogue photography is back and doing well.
It never went away :)
It’s still going and with young people interested, it’ll keep going.
Wow this brings back memories! During the years from 1986 to 1998 I worked (as Quality Manager) for a large photo processing group in their ancillary laboratory where we carried out all of the B&W processing and printing for the company. We used Ilford paper and chemicals as well as processing thousands of Ilford B&W films of all formats. During a visit to Mobberley I had a tour of the factory and was amazed at the size of the site. There was a golf buggy in use to carry visitors from one building to another! I remember walking around in the area where there was light-sensitive material, using a dull red torch to follow lines on the floor so we didn't get lost. I have always been a keen photographer and moved to a digital camera when the silver halide industry went into decline (sorry!). However I have recently bought an old Nikon F2 and started using film again. My favourite film? ... HP5. Happy days!
Thanks so much for watching Paul and for taking the time to write this. Unfortunately the golf buggy is long gone! It's great to hear that you've picked up a film camera again. We'd finding many people are doing this and enjoying shooting film and often processing it themselves.
Very cool story Paul! Thanks for sharing. -Exploredinary (The filmmakers) @@Ilfordphoto I was going to say, we didn't get a golf buggy! :)
Glad you like the story! I also remember the workers in the dark areas calling out hello to our guide but I couldn't see anyone! He replied to them by name so must have recognised their voice. Made me think of coal mines and the the comradeship that comes from working in the dark together. By the way, I was working with Ilford very closely at that time as we were setting up a high speed automatic colour(!) printer to print on large rolls of Ilford Multi-grade paper. The software had been developed by the printer manufacturer (Gretag) and it was my job to set it up. I even went to Switzerland in 1987 to meet their technical guy at the factory in Zurich!
I just bought a used Olympus XA camera. It was one of my first cameras back in the early 80's. Wish I kept my original, but I gave it to my nephew, who now shoots it.
I'll be shooting some ILFORD in the coming weeks. Looking forward to reinvigorating my love for shooting with film and that Olympus XA.
Love you folks from Ilford for keeping film alive!
Thanks for shooting it Seba!
Engaging documentary . Huge respect for the company and staff for the dedication to quality.Thank you.
The entire experience of shooting with film is something digital photography can never reproduce!!
We agree! What's your favourite ILFORD black and white film to shoot?
It’s interesting to see how differently the two remaining film making companies are responding to the big increase in demand for their products. I still pay pretty much the same price for a roll of HP5 as I did ten years ago. Can’t say the same for Portra 400… Full respect to the guys from the uk for not taking the piss out of us.
Thank you for this. Factory documentaries are always fascinating, but even more so when it’s about the film currently in my camera. Now I know a little about the people who produced it, and because of that I’m going to enjoy shooting it just a little more from now on.
Glad you enjoyed it. We've wanted to do this for a while but it was pretty difficult to get it all organised😀 Which film have you currently got in your camera?
ILFORD Photo I bought three rolls of HP5 at my local drug store.
Ah, memories, thanks for that! I've just been digitising some Ilford FP3 and HP3 35mm and 120 negs from the 1960s. I still have the Ilford print boxes from those days with 8*10 prints stored in them. Great company, glad to see it's still going.
we are endlessly thankfull to the town of mobberley and especially to all the contributing workers who make these great ilford products.
you guys are worth diamonds, much love !!!!
This is absolutely beautiful...
...as are the hard-working and loyal folk in the Mobberley factory!
Thanks Roger. We're really proud of our products and what we do here and hope that you enjoy using them.
Ilford, in my opinion, has always been the bomb with its wide array of film offerings to us folk still wanting to capture images on film. I've been with Ilford products since my early start in photography in 1972. Thankyou for giving me a lifetime of fun. Believe me when I tell you I have some 40 year old stock still in my freezer. 12 % additional development time is all that's needed.
Thank you so much for watching and leaving this lovely comment as well as shooting our black and white film for so many years.
This is absolutely fantastic! I was gonna sell my Nikon F3, but after watching this I think I’ll keep it instead, and get more film for it.
The person that disliked this video must be upset about the darkroom scene. 🤣
I worked at Ilfords in Mobberley for over 10 years. Great group of people
Thank you Ilford. I have used your film from the 80s. Started my professional career in the black an white dark room for Elsa Mann and cooper, Liverpool. I eventually started my own studio in Warrington just 20 minutes away from ilford. I was lucky enough to be invited to ilford when digital was just beginning and bought my 24 inch Epsom printer with ilford software. I have been their a number of times and can say the work force feel like a family. Watching this I can smell my darkroom. Happy times and thank you to all who trained me.
What a life this job gives you.
I was in the darkroom using B&W process 50 years ago. Kodak, Tensi, Ferrania, and many others disappeared, Ilford is still there: long life to Ilford.
Great Great stuff! Hope ilford is enjoying the surge in film!
Thanks Matt. We're most definitely enjoying it.
Watching this I have an OM1n sat on my desk with PanF50 in and My OM10 loaded with XP2 Super. It's good to see that not all British manufactures have gone to the wall and these products are still available, I'm 69 and still get a kick out of developing my own film to scan and print. Long may it last.!
That's great to hear. I hope you're planning on shooting the PANF somewhere sunnier than they UK at the minute!
Love ILFORD films and paper too. I still have some unopened HP5 Plus 400 and Delta 100 films. Amazing films with Oriental Seagull papers too.
Thank you. They're even better with the ILFORD MULTIGRADE Paper ;)
I know there a snowball's chance, but I would love to see 220 film come back. I'll be your first customer! My 220 Nikkor tanks & reels are just sitting on the shelf!
I don't know why they stopped making it. Many manufacturers made 220 holders, and 12 isn't really all that many frames on a single film so I would have assumed it would be more popular.
@@caw25sha According to folks on Internet forums, Ilford stopped because the machine broke and it's too expensive to fix. I guess Kodak & fuji stopped because it isn't profitable anymore.
me too! a big 220 fan. even just maybe one stock like HP5...here's hoping!
and yes, while TXP isn't Ilford, I've been using Multigrade RC and FB papers professionally since the late 1980s, and still do. And Delta 3200 in 120 is just superb! Thanks Ilford and please keep up the good work!
Please keep doing what you are doing Ilford, you´re keeping history alive. And my Cameras happy :) Thanks for sharing.
Worked at Ilford Ltd from 1976 until 1983 as a research technician at Warley and Brentwood. My first job after leaving school after my A's. Happiest time of my life, doing what I enjoyed most... working with B+W films and paper. Had a great boss, (Dave Holland), and the best bunch of colleagues. Always regretted not moving to Mobberly after the Essex sites closed. Wish I could go back in time and change that decision!
I bet some of those that you worked with are still here Dave!
@@Ilfordphoto That would be amazing! Think I'll have to retrieve my print enlarger from the loft, dust it off and go back to my roots... digital's great, but doesn't compare with the real thing!
Fun to see Don’s Photo in here, as I just recently bought some ilford film there!
Don and Todd are the best! Love buying film and used photo equipment there so we wanted to give the shop a cameo :)
It was great that they were happy to get involved. We have so many fantastic dealers around the world who play a huge part in ensuring that our film reaches our customers.
@@Exploredinary it's a bit of a drive for me, as I live in Shreveport, but so worth it to spend time digging around in all the great stuff they have there!
HEY ILFORD....KEEP MAKING THAT FILM!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!
We will :)
Fantastic and long may they continue! Life without Ilford not worth living! 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
What goes into creating film is simply magic
we appreciate your commitment to film photography!
Now I know where my favorite film comes from. Thank you guys for your work, I'll keep using your excellent product to create my best pictures. Best regards from Berlin!
Very many thanks to all the staff for doing what you do. Been using your products for 35+ years. Excellence and dependability!
Thanks Clive. We are really proud of the consistency in our products. Do you have a favourite film?
@@IlfordphotoYes, I think it would have to be HP5 for it's shear versitility, but some of my personal favourite images have been made on Delta 3200 in both 35mm and 120.
@@clivevincent4969 Hp5+ is definitely the favourite film, but we do see a lot of people shooting a mix now and using some faster film like you are doing with Delta 3200 or even going the other way and shooting PANF+ . If you fancy sharing some shots then we are on IG & Twitter @ilfordphoto . Please tag us in and use our film #'s e.g. #ilfordhp5
I was 19 years old when I shot 35mm Ilford Film for the very first time. Now in my mid 50s, I still shoot Ilford Film.
Thank You for "Behind the Film", it brought back a lot of happy memories.
Your hard work and dedication to your craft is great appreciated , Thank you for everything you do for the film community.
Very interesting to see how much work and dedication is involved in making these films. The folks at the Ilford factory definitely have some of the coolest jobs!
Thanks Brad. We enjoy what we do.😁
I have to say, I had thought Ilford had gone the way of so many other non-digital companies, but it's great to see they are still going. Their film still has a special place in my heart from learning photography as a boy, and later doing my own developing and printing. The real groundbreaker for me was the Ilfospeed resin coated papers that gave such stunning finishes.
Long may you continue!
thanks for watching. Do you still shoot film now?
@@Ilfordphoto I'm afraid not, much that I love the medium, it is simply too expensive for a semi-pro. I did consider it but have found that B/W processing now costs as much as colour as well. (It use to be about a third of the price back in my day). It would be nice to have something like a Hasselblad with digital and film backs, but I can't justify the cost.
@@TryptychUK You could always process yourself ;)
@@Ilfordphoto I used to, but it's a long complex and messy process that needs a dedicated space, and to be honest, the quality was never as good as professional labs.
Develop your own and keep at it. It’ll get better then any lab in time. You have control.
When I was a kid I used to love episodes of “Mr Rogers Neighbourhood” where he’d go on factory tours and show how stuff was made. This reminded me south of that with the little model town! Love Ilford films and developers, really glad my local shop stocks them.
Hi Josh - wow, thank you so much we're so glad to hear that crayon factory inspired you too! When we toured the factory that's definitely something we drew comparisons to, and we even re-watched that episode towards the end of editing this project simply out of nostalgia. The tiny scaled model was a complete surprise and not supposed to be part of the tour but we happened to catch it in an old portion of the factory on our last day, and knew it needed to make it into the film. Thanks again for watching. - Sarah & Daniel (Exploredinary)
This makes me love Ilford even more!!!!! Please never stop creating film for us!!!!
As a long time Ilford HP5+ user, I find it fascinating to see the "behind-the-scene" so to speak of making one of my favorite films. Film is definitely not dead #keepfilmalive #filmisnotdead
Thank you for watching. What format do you shoot HP5 in? 35mm or 120 or maybe large format?
3:17 It makes me feel pleasent chills. Amazing footage... CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Thanks Ilford crew for the wonderful work and keeping up with ramping global demand during this pandemic. Your film is the only one I've been able to reliably source during these times.
My Grandad worked as a rep for Ilford from the early 60’s till the early 90’s. He loved it! I’ve still got some of his equipment, tools, documents, photos and other memorabilia
I had no idea the operation was this large and the world still consumes this much B+W film.
And this is only part of it. We couldn't show sheet film production as it's all done in the dark and we didn't touch on paper and other products.
Thank you so much Ilford. I've used your film for many years, and I can only speak to how awesome your products are! Especially thank you to the Staff at Mobberley, who make this possible, and the team at Exploredinary for their beautiful work.
James Rose thank you James, it means a lot to us that you enjoyed watching!
We're glad that you enjoyed it James. We'll make sure that all of these fantastic comments are shared with our staff. Thank you.
Best description of Quality Control ever - "We have to make sure we don't produce any rubbish". :-)
It's true :)
Amazing video!... and thank you for keeping the legacy alive!
It is great to see that Ilford Photo is still producing real film in this digital age. I used Iford in the late 70s in my Minolta SR101. Best wishes to you all at Ilford.
Thanks John. I you still have your Minolta you should definitely put some film through it!
Truly amazing! In 36 years of shooting film I have never had a bad roll of Ilford.... now I know why! Thanks for immortalising the staff on film at the end and oh, I especially enjoyed the 'actual dark room footage'
Thanks for watching Dave and for shooting our film.
dave hyper; Yeah, of the many, many thousands of rolls I've shot, I can't remember a bad roll. Although towards the end of my career in photography I did have a problem with cibachrome. They replaced the film with a generous quantity of film and paid for processing however I had to pay for the re-shoot :-(. That said I never heard of anyone else having the same problem.
Thanks to all the people at Ilford for making a great product.
I'm shooting Ilford films. And i had watched old Kodak's film production movie. But this Ilford's one is wonderful. And seeing the film's life span from the start to end is fantastic feeling that we always shooted film brand.
Brilliant documentary, superbly shot. Love HP5. Great work by the dedicated Ilford staff. Cheers, from 🏴
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. We're really pleases that the knowledge, and passion that we all have for the products comes across.
This beautifully-made video shows perfectly how Harman has succeeded in keeping their great Ilford products alive. The dedication and care with which the people at Mobberley is impressive. Long may it continue!
Thank you for watching and for the lovely comment.
Wow! Didn’t know all this went into making your film. Excellent documentary! When I put my first roll of HP5 into my Canon T70 and had it developed and scanned, I was in B&W heaven - I’ll never go back! Thanks Ilford!!
Since I started making photos on black and white, many and many years ago, Ilford is my film of choice. After decades without photographing on film I´ve returned last month and brought some HP5 exposed and can´t wait to see the results once again. Lots of antecipation I must confess. Thanks for sharing the make of my favorite films. From Brazil I send a warm regard to all involved in the production and managment. I appreciat a lot your job.
This is so good to hear. I hope you enjoy shooting film again. Are you planning on developing yourself too?
@@Ilfordphoto Not this time but soon I´ll dedicate a small room in my house to do so. The rolls I´ve shoot were sent to the professionals...
Shooting films is an awesome experience! Hard to express my feelings it´s like returning in time when I was a teenager and prefer to spend my money with film and not movies or icecream when I was out in vacation.. lol...
Beautiful work you all do! Thanks so much for letting us use your products and enjoy it to produce our art!
i think we should be thanking you all for using our products! Glad you enjoyed the film.
Well made this documentary film! I love the quality of film photography, nothing compares to it.
Thanks for watching Alberto and for shooting film!
Ilford is really, REALLY good film, it's nice to finally see the people who make it what it is
Thanks Dan. Do you have a favourite ILFORD film?
@@Ilfordphoto HP5! Just tried a roll of 120 pushed to 1600 and it did not disappoint! 👍
@@dangoldbach6570 Nice! If you are on IG or Twitter then please share some shots #ilfordhp5
A week ago I scanned ILFORD films I made in school time 40 year ago. Still perfect after so long time, and wonderful memories when you see yourself and your classmates how they where 40 years before.
love this film, time to buy new sheets of FP4 for the 5x4" camera I'm working with. Thanks to all for making this awesome movie!
Thanks Martin. Unfortunately we couldn't film the sheet film process as it's in total darkness. (A bit like the actual darkroom footage!)
@@Ilfordphoto just bought a package of 25 x FP4+ 4x5" and went into the woodlands this evening,
shooting on ILFORD sheet films now has a very different feeling after knowing the people behind
LIVE LONG AND PROSPEROUS ILFORD!!
We aim to! Thanks
Magic and superb quality - I worked in Ilford for 30+ years and this so evocative of that time, remember M14 man Kevin Hodgson from when in R+D. The technology is mature now, but your clips of the fantastic kit show well what an incredibly technological product people are using. Amazed to see roll film still in production, backing paper rarely mentioned, yet the source of much angst in my day following complaints from the illustrious David Bailey. 35mm high-speed slitter sourced from Agfa engineers, I was lucky to meet their teams in Germany, we had Slivovitz competitions! Well done and thank you.
Thanks for watching Tom! Glad you enjoyed it. The factory truly is a special place, thanks for sharing you experience!
Thanks Tom. I'll mention you to the guys in M14 :)
Thank you so much for this video! I use Ilford films since the 80's when I started my career in photography. Love HP5 particularly. Now I know how you make your magic!!
Thanks for watching Jacques and for using our film. We're glad you enjoyed it.