Where do you buy your film?

robhooley167

robhooley167

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Hi all

I'm looking into trying a large amount of different films out, mainly black and white and I'm curious to know where you all buy your films from.
The sites ive used are AG-Photographic.co.uk and sevendayshop.com. i wasn't impressed with the selection that was present in the latter, mainly fuji colour neg and Kodak t-max and I'm after some more interesting stuff.

So where do you go and what do you use?
 
7dayshop, not an issue since they stock everything I want and I don't shoot any Ilford.
 
AG photographic or ebay, used to be the local camera shop but the prices are ridiculous. only go there if Im desperate! Silverprint look quite good, will try them next.
 
Bought my last batch at Firstcall Photographic, decent prices but the delivery is a bit steep - i was getting some other stuff as well so i thought it was worth it.
 
I've bought some stuff from Mailshots a while ago - they occasionally have specials on short dated film.

To be honest, until I actually get out and shoot a bit more film and use some of the contents of the 3 large boxes in the fridge/freezer, I'm not in the market for anything at the moment, and I'm going to pretend that this thread isn't here...

:)
 
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Other than the ones mentioned above, I used the uk arm of digital truth when they had a good offer on the last of the LegacyPro 400. edit - forgot to say good service!
But Mailshots, Firstcall and AG Photographic have among the best selection.

On other forums, Silverprint have a very good reputation, haven't got around to using them myself though.
 
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Ag have always been my first choice, good price and staff who like Radiohead, which is always a plus ;)
 
offline said:
On other forums, Silverprint have a very good reputation, haven't got around to using them myself though.
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Silverprint have a £30 minimum order value though so unless your buying loads of stuff at once their not quite the easiest place to use. They do sell a wide variety of products though.

7dayshop is good for most C41 negative and E6 slide films, but as they now don't sell Ilford stuff their black and white range is limited to Kodak and Fuji. They are fairly cheap and the postage is quite quick, but only if its in stock, if not they place it on backorder and it could be months before you get it.

AG Photographic sell pretty much everything you could ever need, including more unusual and specialist films and they have excellent service.
 
Most of my film has come from 7dayshop, AG Photographic or direct from Ilford. I do pick up OOD film off the forum now and again too.

EDIT: Not forgetting Calumet, there is one 5mins from my Office, and their prices in store seem to be as good as any one online, inc eBay.
 
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what type of film do you want to try speed, contrast etc


7dayshop sells alot of B&W film thats out there TBH

there are a few that are not like adox etc
 
POAH said:
7dayshop sells alot of B&W film thats out there TBH

there are a few that are not like adox etc
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Not really anymore, they no longer stock Ilford as they claim that they were unable to negotiate a cheap enough price from them, so they only stock Kodak and Fuji which is fairly limited, especially in the slow speed range.
 
I use Ag photographic who are very helpful over the phone if you need any advice, and Discount film direct who have a very fast delivery.
 
7dayshop suits me for the film I like to use, it is a shame they don't stock Ilford any-more though :(

I have friends who use Firstcall, but only when making big orders as a group from work to keep the pretty high postage down.

Silverprint also seem to be fairly reasonable and prompt on delivery in my experience - they also stock a nice wide range of bits and pieces to tempt you with.
 
s162216 said:
Not really anymore, they no longer stock Ilford as they claim that they were unable to negotiate a cheap enough price from them, so they only stock Kodak and Fuji which is fairly limited, especially in the slow speed range.
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calument even jessops have a not so bad range of film. I used to buy my FP4 from jessops cause they were stupidly cheap for some reason. I bought my adox CHS 25 from retrophotographic but they no longer seem to be around.

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/black--white-film-1-c.asp

supply efke/adox CHS along with Foma, ilford and rolli

same with http://www.silverprint.co.uk/Catalogue.asp?PrGrp=22 for B&W film
 
Silverprint are my first choice every time. The service is great, friendly on the phone and just a genuinely pleasant experience every time I've used them. They also support a lot of more niche items like the toning handbook which they have had reprinted (y)

Sadly I'm in a similar boat to TBY when it comes to shooting and using my not insignificant stock pile, but I would recommend Silverprint to anyone and everyone
 
As has been said already, AG at Birmingham is very, very good in all respects. Have a chat with Matthew - he is very open to suggestions, thoughts etc and will get film for you (obviously he is running a business) he does try very hard.

Raathistle: I have posted this and just seen your mail come up - sorry if it seems I am trying to compete - rest assured I a not.
 
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redddraggon said:
EDIT: Not forgetting Calumet, there is one 5mins from my Office, and their prices in store seem to be as good as any one online, inc eBay.
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i must have completely missed the film when i was in there last week, probably blinded by all the shiney things ill never be able to hope of affording :p
 
ah right, that makes sense, will have to pop in again
 
alistair.o said:
Raathistle: I have posted this and just seen your mail come up - sorry if it seems I am trying to compete - rest assured I a not.
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no worries, I've only used AG once and they were very good. I suspect most of the current players are good, the rubbish ones will have gone out of business or developed a name for themselves.

I'd forgotten calumet tbh, they are very good and the only place on the high street I bet you can guarantee your film has been stored properly :D
 
i normally buy mine from the pound store lol - not really much help for buying various rolls but they sell basic 24 shot iso200 rolls of kodacolour film for a pound!
 
Mailshots have ordered me film in before, even if they don't have stock as long as you have a decent order they should be able to sort you out + they are pretty cheap

p.s was speaking to Neil last week and they have Neopan, BW400CN, TMAX, TMY, TRIX, ROLLEI RETRO 100,400 , AGFA APX, EFKE IR, EFKE 25,50,100, ILFORD DELTA 100,400,3200, HP5, FP4, Pan F and XP2 theres plenty of choice there and thats just B&W
 
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Hmm was not a big fan of 7dayshop, there are a few things I might get from them but film isn't one, no way to tell if it's stored properly :(
 
well - i've had film that was short dated/OOD from 7day, and it's been fine - no colour casts or problems, so I'm quite happy buying their general stock film :shrug:
 
7dayshop = cheap but slooooooow delivery.
AG Photographic = still very good value, far better selection of film (and accessories) and much quicker delivery.
 
It varies as I said above on 7dayshop, if its in stock then generally I get it within 5 days but if however it says 'on order' then it could be months before you get it as they place it on backorder. The last time I ordered something from them I ordered it on Friday and it was with me on Tuesday, using their free delivery. If it does say on order for anything, don't bother and get it somewhere else.

About storage conditions, as we've discussed here many times, its not necessary to freeze or even refrigerate film. The dates on (consumer film at least) film are based on it being out of cold storage. As long as film is not subjected to the very hot or humid conditions then it'll be fine. I freeze my film as I want it to be in top condition, but you don't have to.
 
Looks like I might have to take a trip to silverprint. Its only round the back of Waterloo and relatively easy for me to get to. Otherwise my film comes from 7DS, although their not stocking ilford any more will be changing it. Its my preferred B&W brand.
 
s162216 said:
It varies as I said above on 7dayshop, if its in stock then generally I get it within 5 days but if however it says 'on order' then it could be months before you get it as they place it on backorder. The last time I ordered something from them I ordered it on Friday and it was with me on Tuesday, using their free delivery. If it does say on order for anything, don't bother and get it somewhere else.

About storage conditions, as we've discussed here many times, its not necessary to freeze or even refrigerate film. The dates on (consumer film at least) film are based on it being out of cold storage. As long as film is not subjected to the very hot or humid conditions then it'll be fine. I freeze my film as I want it to be in top condition, but you don't have to.
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Even the fussier "Pro" films like Velvia recommend being stored "under 15C/59F" - but it's certainly better to keep 'em in the 'fridge if you can.
 
Just put in a big order at Silverprint, I have needed one or two darkroom items for a while and never got around to buying them (storage bottles etc) so I bought a few rolls of Tri-X whilst I was at it.

I really like to support my 'local' - Station Cameras in Reading. Often I just chat to them for ages and never feel any pressure to buy, but I will go there to stock up on film for my Easter hols to Italy and just soak up the extra few quid as it's worth the extra.

ped
 
POAH said:
calument even jessops have a not so bad range of film. I used to buy my FP4 from jessops cause they were stupidly cheap for some reason. I bought my adox CHS 25 from retrophotographic but they no longer seem to be around.

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/black--white-film-1-c.asp

supply efke/adox CHS along with Foma, ilford and rolli

same with http://www.silverprint.co.uk/Catalogue.asp?PrGrp=22 for B&W film
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Jessops? You're kidding. I went to Hammersmith branch to get 2 rolls of FP4 this afternoon, as my stock of Tri-X is a bit too fast for my old FED when the sun's bright. They had one roll in stock, so now they will order another roll for their in store stock.
 
Mostly college but I go to my local independant photography shop when I have a bit more to spend.
 
For the bulk loaders out there, Silverprint currently has 30m bulk rolls of expired (10/08) Superia 400 for £15. I know they keep all their fresh stuff in properly cooled storage so I see no reason why the bulk roll won't be as well. Thought someone might appreciate the heads-up.
 
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