Kodak, Ilford, Kentmere and Fujifilm still manufacture black and white film. Both the traditional type and the C-41 process film that produces black and white prints but develops in color chemicals are available. Film generally is less expensive in bulk.
Instructions
1. Contact the manufacturer directly if you need a large quantity of black and white film. While individual rolls or cartridges of film generally may be purchased from retail outlets or online, ordering directly from the factory will get a shipment of fresh film delivered to your door.
2. Check a photo supply store for deals on buying film in bulk. Also, ask if they have old black and white film they'd like to get rid of as a lot. Photography stores often have sales on outdated film.
3. Order online from photography specialists such as Adorama or B&H Photo. Online businesses often provide discounts for bulk shipments. They also periodically offer sales.
4. Try eBay. Many photographers have or are making the switch to digital and may be clearing out their film. Even if it is out of date, black and white film retains a great deal of its quality even years later. Unlike color film, black and white doesn't not have sensitive dyes that can change over time. Apart from out-of-date film, eBay also often has bulk film for sale that is new and fresh.
5. Check out garage sales and flea markets. Many people long ago switched to digital, but they may only be cleaning out their closets now. Admittedly, these finds probably will be way out of date, but that isn't as much of a problem for black and white film.
6. Buy long rolls of film and load it yourself into reusable film cartridges. You will need a bulk film loader and you must be able to do it in total darkness. In this case, you purchase long rolls of your particular type film, for example, 35mm, then put the roll into the loader and load it into the cartridges. You can buy a loader and cartridges as well as the film at photo stores and online at photographic specialty stores.
Tags: black white, black white film, white film, bulk film, long rolls