Cambridge UK Rff and chemical store

[tuanvinh2000]

Hello rff members in Cambridge Uk,
Is there any frequent member gathering here? Im looking for a store with good price for ilford fixer and stop bath. just move here this weekend. silver print in london seems to be the regular destination but would kove to know something similar in cambridge.

 

[Steveh]

Hi there - welcome! I think I may be (have been?) the only Cambridge RFFer, although Simon (Our Man in Tangier) shoots here quite a lot. Perhaps now there are three of us we have a pretext for a meetup. I think there are occasional London RFF gatherings but I've not been to any.

I'm not aware that the Photo shops here sell chemicals - the odd roll of film but that's about it. I get mine online, either Silverprint or AG Photographic.

I'll be looking out to see what you make of shooting here - it can be challenging trying to move beyond the cliches - London is much more fertile ground if you're a street shooter. Have fun!

 

[Paul Jenkin]

If you're looking for kit in Cambridge, there's Campkins and Camtech (Google them). I live s short distance away in north Essex but find myself in Cambridge quite a lot as, in my opinion, it's a much nicer place to wander around than Chelmsford or Colchester.

If there's an Rff get together around Cambridgeshire, Suffolk or Essex in the offing, then I'd be very interested...

 

[OurManInTangier]

Sounds like Cambridge is getting swamped by RFF'ers these days 😉

I've found nowhere in Cambridge that sells chemicals anymore, unfortunately online seems to be both easier and cheaper now.

A mini meet in Cambridge could be fun though I keep telling myself to stay away as I'm losing the ability to see anything I've photographed here so much! I'm actually typing this on the Park & Ride back to my car....with no good pictures 🙁

Seems like theres a few East Anglian RFF'ers now, never actually met one though, perhaps we're private creatures 🙂

 

[Muggins]

If anyone does chemicals in Cambridge, it will be Campkins - one shop in Rose Crescent (recommended for drooling on the windows), and one opposite Kings College Chapel. No harm in asking...

I'd be interested in a Cambridge/Essex meet, though I can't promise actually getting there as I now live in The Other University City.

Adrian

 

[hans voralberg]

I used to live in Cambridge, back in 06, even then there's nowhere to buy chem. Best bet is buy online from Silverprint or stock up when you're down to London. Use next day post there's no reason to buy locally anyway.

 

[tuanvinh2000]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I will stock up when i'm in London then. Campkins looks like a fun place to browse around but i have more than enough to shoot with. I'm new here so it would take some time to understand different areas but i'm open for meetup within weekdays after work for a drink/chat. Weekends are fairly busy.

 

[djhurley92]

Hi, I'm living in Cambridge at the moment too! I don't know of anywhere for chemicals either anymore. Campkins is a bit expensive but as mentioned ogling the front windows is always fun.

For two great weeks I got to use King's darkroom for free (free chemicals / paper / everything) before it was finally closed for 'renovation' and then never reopened. Oh well 😀. I know now I want to move somewhere with a rentable darkroom in the future...

 

[Paul Jenkin]

So, chemical situation at least clarified - if not resolved fully.

Right; who's up for a bracing morning / day in Cambridge / Cambridgeshire one weekend in January (let's get that pesky Christmas nonsense out of the way, eh)???

Could go "street" or a bit of "landscape". Sounds like there's a few of us living in the flatlands.....

 

[tuanvinh2000]

sounds like a good plan. Jan hoping for a sunny sunday? where to meet?

 

[Paul Jenkin]

sounds like a good plan. Jan hoping for a sunny sunday? where to meet?

How about outside Campkins (photographic shop) on Rose Crescent? Just off Market Square and pretty easy to find.

Any dates / times in mind??

 

[Muggins]

I can't promise to come along, it's a bit of a trek from The Other Place, but I shall keep an eye on this thread just in case. I don't think I've ever been to Cambridge for anything other than playing cricket, drinking or shopping before...

Adrian

 

[tuanvinh2000]

How about 19th Jan in front of Campkins, meeting up time can be 1pm, then have a few hours before sun is gone at 4.

 

[bjmc]

I'm another Cambridge-based rff, with access to a darkroom (anyone want dev/prints done?). A meetup would be cracking

 

[hans voralberg]

That's new. 4 years in Cambridge and the only darkroom I know is from a local friend.

 

[bjmc]

It's a college darkroom, originally in quite poor condition but I've lugged in a LPL C7700 and some other kit. 24/7 access is really nice, often end up printing into the wee small hours...

 

[Muggins]

Defend it with all your might - as far as I can find out, Oxford has a total of one active college darkroom!

Adrian

 

[alexnotalex]

me too! I buy all my chems online from macodirect.de in Germany, and soup my negs in the downstairs bathroom 🙂 I did buy my M3 from Campkins 2 years ago, and a strap as an Xmas present to myself. Barry is so happy to talk about Leica gear.

 

[Anthony Harvey]

Count me in too for a meeting somewhere in Cambridge or Essex (or Herts or Suffolk for that matter). I live in East London and enjoy driving.

But perhaps we need to agree on some essentials:

(1) no photshoots, just conversation (but on second thought this might be controversial)
(2) a nice restaurant within easy reach

 

[tuanvinh2000]

It's a college darkroom, originally in quite poor condition but I've lugged in a LPL C7700 and some other kit. 24/7 access is really nice, often end up printing into the wee small hours...

Would love to learn to print some. Teach me and I own you a beer 😉 I'm developing BW myself at home but printing i haven't had a chance to do yet since the setup is a bit more extensive.
From the tiny beatup rollei 35s on a foggy morning (trix 800 + scanned using a macro P&S lens so blurry corners my V600 broken recently):

Haven't had too much time in Cambridge since holidays season with friends/family in London.

How about 25/1 or 9/2?