Penn Camera closing Washington DC

[Stefan Wood]

http://www.penncameras.com/message.html

Very sad news; they have been around almost 60 years, and was my go to place for film developing. Now with the exception of the local drug stores and maybe one or two other places, it will be that much harder to get quality developed negatives or prints made here in DC.

 

[FalseDigital]

That is very sad news. I got my very first medium format roll developed at Penn Camera. It was the only reasonably priced camera company in the Washington D.C. area. Such a shame that another good business is going under.

 

[Dan]

Stefan,

Don't forget about Dodge Chrome for quality processing.

 

[oftheherd]

Wow! That does suck! They were not convenient to me, but I did sometimes go to the Springfield location when I was in that area. Nice selection of film and other accessories. Really sad to see them go.

I don't know where you live, but Dominion Camera is still open in Falls Church, on Broad Street. They still do developing in-store, up to 4x5 that I know of. They also do custom prints. A small customer area, but full service. They also accept film for developing by mail, but don't return it by mail. You have to come to the store to pick it up. They carry film up to 4x5, and some wet-print paper and some other supplies. They also have a few used bins with odds and ends.

 

[Stefan Wood]

Stefan,

Don't forget about Dodge Chrome for quality processing.

Yes I forgot! Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Dominion Camera in Falls Church (Wash. DC) still processes film.

 

[NIKON KIU]

http://www.penncameras.com/message.html

Very sad news; they have been around almost 60 years, and was my go to place for film developing. Now with the exception of the local drug stores and maybe one or two other places, it will be that much harder to get quality developed negatives or prints made here in DC.

Sad news indeed. they were one of the few places around DC where one could rent pro equipment.

May be I should go to the closing sale...

Kiu

 

[D&A]

Sad news indeed! It sounds like three of their stores wil remian open for a while, as they consolidate inventory. I wonder if these will eventually close too or under Chap. 11 reorganization, try to keep these remaining stores open? Anyone have any thoughts? As pointed out, they did have an exceptionaly good rental department so hope as much of Penn can survive.

Dave (D&A)

 

[je2a3]

Aside from film processing, my IIIf and Domke F6 came from the Rockville branch in '97...this is sad news but my fond memories will live on.

 

[Hjortsberg]

in the mid 80's Super-8 film was going out of vogue because of video. Went to Penn camera and picked up a super nice canon camera, elmo projector that recorded onto the sound mag and a splicer and editor.

 

[MikeL]

I'm worried that my favorite camera store might go out of business too. 😡

BB going out of business

 

[AncientCityPhoto]

This is unfortunate. I often run to Penn for last minute items before shoots. I used to rent there as well.

Truth be told, B&H ships next day to the Washington area for free (ASMP member), or for ground shipping cost. They are also cheaper on a lot of stuff. And a few of the online rental houses offer better deals.

As for film development, Pilot Imaging in Rockville has just begun development and scanning as well. They do excellent work, have the best service, and have a fantastic staff. They are also the best printers in the area in my opinion.

http://pilotimaging.com/

I have no vested interest in them, I am just a happy customer that uses them often!

Either way, its sad to see Penn close. Its nice to be able to go into a camera store sometimes!

 

[splitimageview]

Wow, amazing read about BB. But I have to admit, it's dead on.

 

[randolph45]

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Isn't chapter11 for reorgination? Meaning downsizing and finding solutions for more profitible business model.

 

[oftheherd]

Isn't chapter11 for reorgination? Meaning downsizing and finding solutions for more profitible business model.

Yes, it should be. As a commentator on WTOP mentioned today, that is what Ritz did and they are still around in a much diminished capacity. Maybe Penn can do the same.

 

[oftheherd]

This is unfortunate. I often run to Penn for last minute items before shoots. I used to rent there as well.

Truth be told, B&H ships next day to the Washington area for free (ASMP member), or for ground shipping cost. They are also cheaper on a lot of stuff. And a few of the online rental houses offer better deals.

As for film development, Pilot Imaging in Rockville has just begun development and scanning as well. They do excellent work, have the best service, and have a fantastic staff. They are also the best printers in the area in my opinion.

http://pilotimaging.com/

I have no vested interest in them, I am just a happy customer that uses them often!

Either way, its sad to see Penn close. Its nice to be able to go into a camera store sometimes!

Good to see. I haven't used Dominion in Falls Church for development for a while, but it used to be very good. It was done in-store. Hopefully that hasn't changed so those in VA also have a place to go (without membership). I don't know how many Pro photographers use the store. Their web page says they service both ( http://dominioncamera.blogspot.com/ ) and I know the last time I used them for some amature 120 shots, they did very well.

 

[Vince Lupo]

I'm assuming that the location on Reistertown Road north of Baltimore is staying open?

Hate to say, but I agree with those who say that B+H has better prices, selection, and shipping is reasonably priced. Plus, I found Penn's film processing to be a bit on the pricey side (at least at the Reisterstown location).

In my area, the local Costco has just stopped processing film -- getting a bit more tricky to get film processed around here without having to drive an hour or mail it off.

 

[alfredian]

Not R-town

Not R-town

I saw a mini-feature from a Balto-area web site that had a photo of the R-town shop w/the windows papered over & sign posted for phone #, etc. All the Maryland stuff is shifting to Rockville, all DC stuff to E Street, all VA stuff to Tyson's.

I used to shuttle-bounce between the Rockville & Laurel stores, haunting the Used Gear displays, and buy out the Kodachrome & Plus-X racks. The former have been a bit thin recently because KEH has taken to doing Genghis-Kahn sweeps of all the East Coast camera stores.

At least Rockville is still open. From B-more you can hit Philly - I stopped at the Calumet shop that is literally under I-95 (Exit 20). Nice place, a bit picked over the day after Xmas (a good thing?). They do have FILM and CHEMICALS.

The big Clearace at PennCam starts Monday the 9th. I may take the day off from work.

 

[Tuna]

I bought my Contax T2 from them. Very sad. Regrettably, it is now the way of the photographic world we live in. Making prints has all but disappeared - everyone just "shares". Camera sales are rapidly declining - everyone just uses their all-in-one devices. The efforts of those like us that drive this forum are not even a drop in the proverbial bucket which is getting emptier and emptier all the time.

On the bright side - mirrorless cameras are spawning a new era in camera innovation and interest that is invigorating companies to put more money into R&D. More people than ever are taking pictures - all the time, everywhere you look.