Supporting Your Local Store - Do You?

Hi, my grain of salt

I live in Ottawa, Canada. I am PROUD to say that I buy only chemicals that can't be shipped here. Blacks? they simply don't care. Henrys: once sold Arista 24exp 6$ !!!!! Outdated Agfa paper (opened box) 100$... Outdated slide chemistry: 77$ (and no rebates available either...)
Vistek they don't care and screw up developpement ( I even offer a developpement service for a couple frustrated customers). All other small shops: TriX at 10$ a roll, no thanks. Even worse, before Polaroïd discontinuation: 48$ for 10 exp Type 600!!!!

All those figures are true, verify them if you don't believe me.

Film in Canada is so expensive, this is simply a hack. A big one, 33% or even 200% compared to US prices. There is always that bull**** about distributors that can't stock enough, small market and all. I am sorry, I don't get it. Canada is part of NAFTA, so Kodak (us made films) should cost the same price. And shipping from Rochester to eastern canada is not expensiver than shipping to Texas. And, before it changed, Ilford warehouse for Canada was in the north-est US, prices were a joke. Shipping to Ottawa is not more expensive that shipping to California.

The proof there is a bunch of crooks? Preloaded film cost 33-200% US price, Bulk rolls: always around the same price, and sometimes cheaper.... Try to find a logic to that. Chemicals? always about the same, even cheaper sometimes.

It seems that they got stuck when the Canadian dollar, that is now roughly 1:1 was 0.68 : 1...

This being said, if the price is the same in US and Canada, I buy here at stores that care about film photography.

I am really tired of Canadian bashing those not buying locally, I am sorry.

ps I am really sorry for being rude, but I had to take this of my chest.

Kris
 
My nearest store used to be pretty good. They were Contax specialists and new their stuff. Now however they mainly stock 'toy' digicams and a few DSLRs.
The last time I visited I tried to buy some dev from them and was told it would take around three weeks to arrive. I bought it over the net instead and got it in three days. I've not been back since.

However I am fortunate to have an awesome shop about 40 minutes away in Manchester.
They have a massive range of secondhand stock, are very into rangefinders, and are willing to haggle and offer part exchange deals. The staff are all serious about photography and always happy to chat.

Also, Jem (the owner) is willing to dance if you point a camera at him. 😉

Like others have said, if it's not too much dearer, I'd always prefer to buy from quality shop than anonymously over the net.
 

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Kris: you want film? try Photoco (based in Quebec I think). I've been buying from the mfor a little over a year. They have the best prices on bulk film here in Canada that I could find.
 
scorpius73 said:
I live in Washington, DC. I try to support my local shop. My local shop is Penn Camera. The prices are usually more than B&H or Adorama. But, I try to support them because without them I will have to use Ritz Camera.
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My "local" camera store would be CVS (for 1 hour) or Ritz (at Potomac Mall for expired film). However, Dominion Camera in Falls Church, VA, carries film and chemicals (small amount), and does their own developing of all film up to 4x5. Unfortunately I don't live in Falls Church. I usually only get there when I have to go to the local Kaiser. But when I do, I stock up on film or drop off development I'm not in a hurry for. They even take film from the mail, develop it, and hold it for people. The Penn store near Springfield Mall is decent too.

Dominion and Penn have used photo gear they sell for themselves and on consignment. However, I usually buy used photo gear from ebay as I am looking for my best price. Still, both stores are worth visiting from time to time. Their sales people are friendly and mostly know what they are talking about.
 
jky said:
Kris: you want film? try Photoco (based in Quebec I think). I've been buying from the mfor a little over a year. They have the best prices on bulk film here in Canada that I could find.
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Hi,

I know them, and I order bulk film since the price is ok. By the way it is true they are really great to deal with. Shipping is cheap and fast. However, the other formats are still really too much expensive. Moreover, they respect film photography a lot.

Dealers should fight to get better prices, otherwise they will loose all the market to the internet. I cannot fight for them.

Finally, yes Photoco seems to do its best.

Kris
 
oftheherd said:
However, Dominion Camera in Falls Church, VA, carries film and chemicals ... The Penn store near Springfield Mall is decent too.
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Last I knew, you all have Fuller & D'Albert in Fairfax as well (if you live in or visit the Virginia side of greater DC). I used to get supplies there when taking photo class in high school 20 yrs ago. Having been away from DC for 10 years now, I visited them during a trip last year, for the first time in forever. Found them to have a small offering of used kit (mostly SLRs, and no MF), but at least still alive and kicking and selling accessories, supplies, etc.
—Dave
 
Yes, yes, yes to the OP's question.
We have a great analogue only photo shop in Portland called Blue Moon Camera and Machine. They're an excellent group of people with nearly everything I need. I go out of my way to patronize their business.
 
I would if I had one! The closest dealer who handles new RF cameras is in Atlanta, as is KEH for used equipment, and they're both over 70 miles away! It would be wonderful to walk into a dealer and wrap my greasy paws around new RF "stuff"! 8o(
 
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