Poor service in camera store

Discussion in 'Film Photography' started by Craig Sherriff, Nov 9, 2021.

  1. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2017
    Messages:
    3,171
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Equipment:
    60D, 10D, 50D 1dmark3, T70, AV1, lenses ranging from 28mm to 600 mm, canonet Junior, Canonet QL 25, Mamiya C3 and 3 lens sets,Mamiya 645 pro TL and 3 lenses. Pentax MG and various lenses, Toyoview 4 * 5 inch large format camera,Calimat C1 8*10 inch ultra large format camera.
    Does anyone have much trouble when it comes to getting service in a camera store when inquiring about large format film and photographic paper?
    I went in to one of the two camera store in Hobart and inquired about some sheet film.
    They advertised in the store about supplying rolls of film and processing .
    I purchased two rolls of Kodak Portra 160, it seem they were out of stock of 400 speed films and asked about 8x10 sheet film availability and how long it would take to order some in.
    Just then another customer come in and asked about a lens in one of his cupboards, he excused himself and rushed over to help her and ignoring me, This customer did not purchase anything and he wandered out the back. sometime later he come back into the store and did not look to happy to see me still waiting there. I explained my need to order ulf sheet film, darkroom photo paper and chemicals and how long it would take to get them in, By now he was getting a bit frustrated and claimed that Ilford had gone broke and no longer supplying and it was not 20 years ago where you can order these items, When I got home I looked up ilford as I have a account with them and all items were available, I then looked up the business web site and most of what I wanted was available on their web site intend to go back with this information and order the items, just to piss this mongrel off.
    i can handle the store being busy and no stock available but to be lied to is another matter.
     

  2. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2017
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Fargo, ND
    Equipment:
    5dMk4, 5dsR, 5dMk2, 20D, 70-200 2.8L IS, 100mm 2.8 Macro USM, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 17-40mm 4.0L, TS-E 24mm 3.5L II, Rokinon 14mm 2.8; Pixma Pro-100
    Well it definitely sounds like he was being a bit of jerk, and I would probably take business elsewhere myself as well if I could.
    I have lost the small shops in my town all over a decade ago, they do not make money on photo supplies and some of them stopped trying to stock them many years before closing up shop. The only real way these places do stay in business is selling gear they have a decent profit margin on, and frankly big box stores carry most of the same stuff.
    It doesn't excuse him being a jerk, and he was not giving accurate information... he is right they did go bankrupt in 2004 but were able to continue on and replaced many of the films in their lineup.
    Sadly sheet film is a dying breed, my favorite Velvia 50 was just announced to be discontinued so keep your eye out on news on your favorites.
    Do have the ability to order from a B&H/Adorama/Calumet type large photographic supply house?.... they tend to have stock if you have something in your neck of the woods down under.
     
  3. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2017
    Messages:
    3,171
    Location:
    Tasmania, Australia
    Equipment:
    60D, 10D, 50D 1dmark3, T70, AV1, lenses ranging from 28mm to 600 mm, canonet Junior, Canonet QL 25, Mamiya C3 and 3 lens sets,Mamiya 645 pro TL and 3 lenses. Pentax MG and various lenses, Toyoview 4 * 5 inch large format camera,Calimat C1 8*10 inch ultra large format camera.
    I have not given up on purchasing from this store as we only have two in Hobart, ordering overseas virtually doubles the cost, armed with the information from the mainland store and their website, I have gone back to argued about his wrong information, they have 8x10 B&W. sheet film listed on their website.
    I needed a large Grey Card, and and was served by the store's junior this time and she was more professional, Mr Grumpy had seen me but ignored me and again went out to the back of the store . I do not intend to be rude but I intent to visit this store, just to stress Mr Grumpy a bit.
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2021
    JRS950 likes this.

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