ERA and GP3 films in Beijing. Walk-in source?

[rich815]

Hello all,

I'm posting here hoping a RFF member in Beijing might reply. I used to live in Beijing from 1998-2001 and knew all the little hide-away photo shops where one could get the better films and darkroom supplies. But with all the changes in China recently I fear that many shops may no longer be there. My wife is in Beijing now visiting her sister and she's looking to pick-up some ERA B&W 35mm rolls and some GP3 120 for me on the cheap. When I lived there there was a decent shop north of the Wangfujing main shopping district that was in a small alley behind a large bookstore about 1 block north of the west end of the Longfu shopping alley. It had good developing service, pro Fuji and Kodak films and then some (There was also a tiny large-format supply store a few stores east of it). I remember them also carrying Fuji 100SS, Shantou ERA and GP3 at good prices.

Anyway, the wife is there for another week and she's going to hopefully load up her carry-on for me. Last I remember ERA and GP3 could be had for something like 6 RMB (0.80 cents USD).

Is that still the best shop to go for this, or does anyone have any recent experience of a place that might be either cheaper or a better place to buy in Beijing? Thanks much.

 

[rich815]

No one? Hello?

 

[kully]

Hallo Rich,

That shop you mention is still there. I was in Beijing last Autumn and used them for C41 processing. There is shop a few doors down (come out and turn left) which does B&W processing.

Err.. sorry, that's got nothing to do with your question 🙂

For the B&W film your after, ask your missus to head down to "Camera City" http://www.tdctrade.com/imn/03110601/optical031.htm. It's best to catch the tube to Wukesong station and a taxi from there (3 mins) than a taxi from the centre.

There is a shop near the 'back' (I can't remember where) which sells those films as well as Lucky &c. The shop near the front is over-priced. If your wife has the films you want written on some paper and asks someone she'll be fine.

 

[-vin-]

do they have a website or an email address?

 

[kully]

The black and white shop / lab is connected to this gallery: http://www.798photogallery.cn/index.php

Do a search here, I remember having the website information and directions in a thread - I can't remember them any more.

 

[-vin-]

It's hard to find something in this forum using the "search" function... 🙂

I decided to send the gallery a mail. Let's see if they answer.


Thank you for the informations!

 

[kully]

🙂 Yes, the search is crap. Lucky I write things down in my notebook.

Here is the www of the shop near wangfujing: http://www.photochance.com/en/xshpath.php

And another shop I was recommended for ERA film but never got round to going to: http://www.greenviewclub.com/lxwm.asp

 

[rich815]

Thanks Kully. I think I know which shop you mean, I do remember the one in front with the higher prices. Did not get out to Wukesong too often, good to know it's still there (got me' a 2.8E Planar Rolleiflex for only about $170USD a few years back from a shop there!).

I think they may have ERA for 6 RMB a roll!

 

[-vin-]

🙂 Yes, the search is crap. Lucky I write things down in my notebook.

Here is the www of the shop near wangfujing: http://www.photochance.com/en/xshpath.php

And another shop I was recommended for ERA film but never got round to going to: http://www.greenviewclub.com/lxwm.asp

unfortunately I don't speak chinese!😛

well, chris, if you'll happen to be there soon, please let me know if they have a mail and can answer in english...😱

that 6RMB price seems nice!

 

[kully]

vin, are you in Beijing? Or are you expecting to get this film mail order?

If you're in Beijing, don't let your lack of language skills put you off - I got by fine.

If you want this mailorder - hmmm.... I wouldn't expect much, it's too much hassle for little gain for them.

 

[-vin-]

vin, are you in Beijing? Or are you expecting to get this film mail order?

If you're in Beijing, don't let your lack of language skills put you off - I got by fine.

If you want this mailorder - hmmm.... I wouldn't expect much, it's too much hassle for little gain for them.

no, I'll be there this summer, but I wanted to order the film via mail... I was going to buy it from an ebayseller, but I doesn't have era film anymore.
Do you think they won't sell film via mail?

 

[kully]

The places I mentioned in my posts - no. They wouldn't when I asked, perhaps they will for you.

Apparently they don't make enough money on the film for them to bother posting it (customs blah blah).

 

[rich815]

Well, my wife nailed 260 rolls of ERA100 for me for 7.5 RMB a roll. She bought all both shops in Wukesong had, in fact one shop pulled back a few 10-packs from her when they remembered they had some mail orders to fill. I think I'm set for a little while. 😀 Time to re-arrange some space in the freezer.

 

[kully]

Cool Rich 🙂

How will your wife get these back to you? Are they going to be posted or in hand-luggage?

 

[rich815]

Already here, she brought them in her carry-on. That photo of the rolls is one I took. They are in my possession!

Already shot two rolls yesterday:

 

[red]

hi there...
what's your soup formula for the ERA100? and times?

thanks...

 

[rich815]

hi there...
what's your soup formula for the ERA100? and times?

thanks...

Top photo was Ilford DD-X at 1-4 dilution for 9 min. at 20C with agitation ever 1minute. The second was developed in DiXactol Lux for 9 min. at 21C with "partial-stand" agitation of every 2 minutes.

 

[red]

thanks for the info. i only have LC29 and maybe HC110. i guess i'll have to formulate the soup myself...😉

we'll see what happens...

 

[rich815]

thanks for the info. i only have LC29 and maybe HC110. i guess i'll have to formulate the soup myself...😉

we'll see what happens...

There's another thread on this site about suggested development times for ERA 100. I suggest you search the terms "Shantou" and "ERA 100".

Also go here:

http://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.html

Pick "ERA films" from the drop down list on the left. They have times for HC-110 with this film.