Humble Comparison between Japan Camera Hunter vs Fujifilm film case

[kaxdd]

Recently, I saw on Japan Camera Hunter (JCH) website that he has collaborated with a manufacturer to re-make the film cases that Fujifilm has discontinued. I created a mass order on Clubsnap and received pretty good responses. So I went on to make the order and await the arrival of these new cases.

I have 2 of the Fujifilm cases and will be making a comparison against the new JCH. This is in no way to say that either one is bad. Just a comparison which we all humans like to make. But I do applaud Bellamy (JCH) for making the effort to ensure that film history do not go down without a fight. Really appreciate it!

Pardon the low quality picture as I took them with my iPhone 4. They were taken in a bid to quickly send the pictures to the CSers who joined the mass order. They have been eagerly waiting for it, so I thought I should quench some of their "eagerness" with these photos.

First, I will talk about the dimension. The dimensions for both Fuji and JCH cases are very very very similar. One case can hold 10 35mm films. The Fuji case is more rounded at the corner for a smoother ergonomics while the JCH case is slightly more angular but nonetheless still rounded.

Second, the color. The Fuji case is dark grey with marbling effect while the JCH case is a plain light grey. I personally prefer the marbling effect of the Fuji case, but I have seen on JCH website that the next batch of cases he is coming up with might have different colors. I am looking forward to that! I would love to have a transparent one!

Finally, I will be touching a little on the quality of the case. I am no expert on material, so the comparison is based on my "feel" and "comfort". The JCH case feels sturdier and slightly hardier than the Fuji case. Tapping on the JCH case gives a more solid sound than the Fuji one, which sounds a little "plasticky". I tried to look for a weighing scale at home to try to weigh the difference between the two, but it seems that I do not know where the ladies at home place the scale. Nonetheless, the JCH won in this category of quality.

Now that I have completed a mini review, it's time to vote! Hmmm... It's a tough choice. I love the color, marbling effects and the roundness of the corners of the Fuji case. On the other hand, the JCH case seems like a more "quality" case due to its harider material (I could be wrong on this, so please don't quote me!).

*drums roll* I'll gladly take both! Hahaha! Both cases have their pros and it's really hard for me to decide a winner. There is no clear cut distinction in which is more superior, so it is up to individual preference to decide. Since I have both, I'll just keep them for my own use! Lastly, I would like to thank Bellamy from JCH who made time in the midst of his busy schedule to do the packing and shipping and also conceptualizing the revival of the film case. Thanks a million! ^__^

 

[Riotbmx]

Personally I don't really see a need for such a huge case, I'll just put them in a ziplock bag when I'm travelling. Other than that, 2 rolls in my pocket is good enough.

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Hi Kaxdd, great in-depth review and thank you for doing it!

I would just go for whichever is cheaper, because frankly it is just a plastic-container.
And for what it is, it is definitely way, way, way overpriced.
I use the Fujifilm ones and got them at a fraction of the current price, they work great for me.

However, definitely not taking anything away from your effort, good job! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[kaxdd]

I think everyone has got their preference, so this may not be everyone's cup of tea. For me, such film cases are good for travel where I can load my films into these cases for my own convenience.

I know Bellamy may not be someone that everyone likes, but I do applaud him for his effort to keep such film cases alive. Yes, they are overpriced. Yes, I can get a plastic case in Daiso for $2 and do the same job. But in my humble opinion, it is still down to personal preference and convenience.

I have to admit I also just chuck 2-3 films into my bag during weekends. Such film cases work for me when I travel, keeping my films organised and not be crushed somewhere in my luggage.

Thanks Thedraperyfalls and Riotbmx for your comments and compliment.

 

[Riotbmx]

I think everyone has got their preference, so this may not be everyone's cup of tea. For me, such film cases are good for travel where I can load my films into these cases for my own convenience.

I know Bellamy may not be someone that everyone likes, but I do applaud him for his effort to keep such film cases alive. Yes, they are overpriced. Yes, I can get a plastic case in Daiso for $2 and do the same job. But in my humble opinion, it is still down to personal preference and convenience.

I have to admit I also just chuck 2-3 films into my bag during weekends. Such film cases work for me when I travel, keeping my films organised and not be crushed somewhere in my luggage.

Thanks Thedraperyfalls and Riotbmx for your comments and compliment.

Welcome. Keep shooting!

 

[pikapig]

i got 3 of the fujifilm case..thou neater, its taking up alot more space in my bags when i travelled...and its really troublesome to show the custom when i decide to ask for hand inspection of films...a zip lock bag here works better.
I dont know what is the charm over here...but it is not an expensive item to begin with but now become expensive and still people buy them...luxury item suddenly...which i thought that money and time is better spend on shooting on films which is more rewarding...

n to TS, u dont really have to thank him..cos all the above efforts mentioned are factor into the price

 

[dacteo]

Anybody wants?Pm me. I have 3 extra going at $15 each... From Fuji and unused...

 

[kaxdd]

i got 3 of the fujifilm case..thou neater, its taking up alot more space in my bags when i travelled...and its really troublesome to show the custom when i decide to ask for hand inspection of films...a zip lock bag here works better.
I dont know what is the charm over here...but it is not an expensive item to begin with but now become expensive and still people buy them...luxury item suddenly...which i thought that money and time is better spend on shooting on films which is more rewarding...

n to TS, u dont really have to thank him..cos all the above efforts mentioned are factor into the price

Like I said, it is everyone's personal preference, so ziploc bags may work for some while others prefer a hard case. No need to know the charm. It's like why some people die by Leica while others are lamenting on their high price. It is all down to personal preference and what you believe in.

For the last point you mention, I believe it is just basic courtesy to show appreciation for the work people do to keep certain things alive. Same logic for The Impossible Project. I think I don't need to go further.

 

[kaxdd]

Anybody wants?Pm me. I have 3 extra going at $15 each... From Fuji and unused...

I believe this might belong to the BnS section.

 

[Riotbmx]

For the last point you mention, I believe it is just basic courtesy to show appreciation for the work people do to keep certain things alive. Same logic for The Impossible Project. I think I don't need to go further.

Erm.. Can't compare with The Impossible Project. Film makes photos, plastic containers don't.

 

[kaxdd]

Erm.. Can't compare with The Impossible Project. Film makes photos, plastic containers don't.

I shall not dwell into whether "film make photos and plastic container don't" issue as it is not in the interest of this thread. My purpose here is to provide a comparison between the 2 cases. If one thinks that ziploc bag provides a better alternative, I am good with that and I respect your decision to do so. For those who might be interested, this is just my humble opinion and review. You can choose to take this review into your consideration if you are keen. If you want to know how much this "overpriced" and "luxury" item is, you are free to look up JCH website for his pricing. My review does not take into consideration the price of the case, so it is up to your own discretion to decide if the case is for you or not.

 

[dacteo]

Like I said, it is everyone's personal preference, so ziploc bags may work for some while others prefer a hard case. No need to know the charm. It's like why some people die by Leica while others are lamenting on their high price. It is all down to personal preference and what you believe in.

For the last point you mention, I believe it is just basic courtesy to show appreciation for the work people do to keep certain things alive. Same logic for The Impossible Project. I think I don't need to go further.

I think Pikapig is just giving a good honest comment about this whole film case from another view point

 

[kaxdd]

I didn't say Pikapig is not giving good honest comment. I appreciate his comment on using ziploc bag as an inexpensive yet can achieve almost the same outcome alternative. What I really want to point out is that it is all down to personal preference. It is also dependent on what you hope to achieve, like in my case, I'd prefer to keep my films in a hard case so that I can keep them in my check-in luggage during travel. Others might prefer hand carry for inspection which is perfectly fine as well.

The purpose of my thread here is to share with people who might be interested to know more about this case. If the film case, in any way, is not your cup of tea, I cannot force you to like it. There are always alternatives and you are free to use anything you want. Ziploc bag, plastic bags, Daiso $2 case or anything that you deem fit for your own usage is fine.

I am not putting anyone down with my comments. I am merely sharing what I have and everyone is free to state your views. As for my appreciation for Bellamy to continue the film case production, I think it is not right to say that I don't have to thank him. It is an effort nonetheless to keep something that is discontinued going. The price may not be to your liking, but I never state that it is an affordable case.

Thanks for all the suggestions and comments.

 

[pikapig]

sorry...i didnt know my comments would have such an impact....like u mention, i only stating my comments..and in no way am i comparing a ziploc to the case...im only stating my preference...i also use the case.
And like u say..u prefer to use the hard case and i did not tell u to convert to ziploc and say how bad the case is....

And why cant i question about the charm of the case? Its like the king's new clothes...everyone is saying its very good..and i just want to know the charm over it because i have been using it for very long and i never paid much attention to it other than its a carrier for my films.

And i totally agree with you that some love using leica while others are fine with other camera...but thats a mechanical comparison..its an engineered product that we are comparing in terms of specs and handling...but case..hmmm...even bags comparison seems much purposeful...but lets leave this as it is..cause some others may like the detail comparison to help them determine which to buy for.

As for the basic courtesy portion, i totally agree with you too, im only joking..don be so serious about it.
When i go shopping for shoes and bags...i oso thank the retailers when i pay for their quality products and keeping them alive.

Disclaimer, i do not have any negative comments on the products in my above statement...and by no way am i discrediting bellamy on his products or effort. I am a follower of his blog as well.