My local camera store is National Camera, I've never had the kind of experiences mentioned in the video or comments. Still very much aimed at enthusiasts and pros with very knowledgeable staff. It's all about the quality of the store itself, not if it's local or not (B&H is a local camera store for NYC residents.)
I am a photographer but I am also a citizen and a member of a real community with people I see everyday on the bus and in the streets (unlike an online virtual community). I most definitely will support my local shop. I got a good deal on a used Nikon FM2 just two days ago at a mom and pop camera shop. I was able to inspect my camera and interact with a live human being who was knowledgeable and friendly. What a rare thing these days! This shop is a little hub for film enthusiasts. They also carry darkroom supplies and yes their film is more pricey than what I can buy online. I am thrilled that a shop like this still exists in my hometown given the onslaught of digital , box stores and e-commerce which have literally sucked the life blood out of our downtown businesses.
This is a perfect example of why "brick and mortar" stores are complaining about online retailers putting them out of business. The truth is the "brick and mortar" stores are putting themselves out of business with their ridiculous prices and almost non existent or rude customer service. I actually started my shopping online years ago as a way to avoid dealing with the rude ass personel in the stores. I will say that with the exception of "food items" I purchase about 95% of everything online and have it shipped to my home.
Tony Blackwell I feel the same way. The days of the knowledgeable camera store are long gone sadly. Now they will just tell you how to update firmware and take photoshop classes
In a specialty shop markups aren't bases on per item; markups are based on how much does the item have to sell for to allow me to stay in business. Sales of commodities like film have to support the sales of items that only sell sporadically, in low numbers. Therefore film might have a 50% markup to allow me to carry, and maybe sell one or two a year items like the rubber eye-cup that only fits one or two models of a camera.
Oh yeah, we had a few camera stores in NW Indiana. Back years ago, these employees were rude, and very unhelpful to the photographer. They were like”what do you want?” Pay and get out! I think that finally bit the local camera shops. I always felt if you shop local you pay for service.
I don't think Forestfilm lab is telling us to hate all local camera stores. Only support online and local stores that don't gouge prices. See his description where he sourced local film shop.
In Germany you have a lot of dedicated local shops that still offer great service and fair prices, for example my photo lab offers drum scans of 4x5 film for 10 dollars.
"You don't have to support your local camera shop if your local camera shop doesn't support you" Buddy, if YOU don't support your local camera shop, your local local camera shop CAN'T support you. By shopping online you're contributing to the shift that you're complaining about. Stores can't count on selling the quantities needed to maintain a low mark up, so they charge more to compensate. Fairly simple economics as far as I'm concerned. There will always be the outstanding indie stores who are making sacrifices for the community, but they're few and far between and they often aren't sustainable. Support your brick and mortar. Build a relationship, create a community and the relationship will become symbiotic. As it stands, you're part of the problem.
I'd rather pay more at Indie in Philly than buy from places like B&H, who are assholes. I'm more flexible with eBay dealers etc., but If you want a more fair price from a well intentioned local shop, then buy from them and they'll be able to give a better price. And they'll go into a local coffee shop/bar/restaurant and support your friends. It's a tradeoff, and do try to err towards local when buying film, processing, and scanning whenever feasible. Peace. :)
The Camera Store in Calgary has better prices than what I have found online and very knowledgeable staff. This is not the case everywhere but lets not generalize. Some local stores actually support film photography. Would not surprise me if they're running the analog side at a loss.
Oh, and another thing. You are assuming that your local shop can buy film at the price your friendly shop can buy it. Very often, the price you pay is dependent on the amount of stock you can sell. I used to own a retail business, I know exactly what I am talking about.
At my local shop in Toronto, a single roll of Portra 400 35mm is $12.74 plus tax (Canadian). However, they have a membership program ($20 a year) that gets you 25% off all Kodak film plus a few other perks, so the total cost for one roll after discount, plus tax, and converted to US dollars, would be $8.87, so not too bad considering it has to go over the border.
Colin Medley see that's excellent. Although you've got to use the membership it's a great value! $20 is the amount they charged me extra per pro pack! Support that shop!
That sounds like Downtown Camera - they've really reset expectations for what we pay for film in Canada (at least when it comes to Kodak stuff). Props Downtown Camera.
I get it. But if you don't buy it, they won't sell it. And unfortunately, although it's a long time, film does expire. I have no problem buying expired film as a hobbyist, but would you trust expired film on a paid shoot? The local camera store has to mark up a perishable item, that isn't in high demand, in order to make it worth their while to stock it. The good news is that they stocked it! What would you have done if you didn't have a store within 100 miles that stocked Portra? It's like why milk costs 80% more at a gas station than a grocery store. You're paying based on convenience. I feel extremely fortunate that in my tiny rural town the drug store still sells and develops color film. A roll of Ektar 100 their is $14 after tax. Yes, that's a lot. But it's nice to know that if I need it in pinch, it's there. I have no problem paying $14 for a roll of film if I need it "today".
Also, Local drug store develops and scans for $4. I can drop off a roll over my lunch break, and have it back before my break is over, usually. Far faster and cheaper than any online/mail-away option. (Only for color, though. And a prefer to develops B&W myself)
I didn't realise how lucky I was here in Brighton (UK). We not only have a dedicated old school camera store that specialises in film photography but also a great professional lab for development. They're always friendly and staffed by passionate people who really know their stuff. I'm sorry it's not like this elsewhere :(
I'm the same, where I live in Australia (South Australia to be exact ) I have a camera store in the main city of Adelaide that I go to...the shop has been in the same spot since 1969 and they stock not only digital but a very large range of old film cameras..from Canon's and Nikon's, Pentax's, Mamiya's..Rollieflexes..medium and large format etc up to Hassleblads and Leica's as well as a big range of film as well. all the people working there are passionate photographer's themselves and one has a collection of over 1800 cameras...and as such they know what theyr'e talking about when it comes to giving advice.so wonderful to have a place like that I can go to :-)
OMG, I'm in Brisbane and this undeveloped Queenslander doesn't have either good camera store or lab. Moving to SA next year are they selling chemicals how much if film there?
Yes, they sell developing chemicals as well..mostly Ilford I think (I dont home develop yet so not up to speed on what brands / types they do stock.) film is varying in price from around 10$ a roll for the cheaper ones up to 17$ for some of the slide films they have...so around average for what you'll pay here, plus there is also Twin City camera house, also in Adelaide( 15 minute walk from Photoco ), they too deal in secondhand cameras though not as many as Photo co camera house do.plus within walking distance of that store we have Diamonds camera store and down the road from them a Teds as well, though they are more focused on digital gear.hope that helps :-)
Stuart Carden I'm in Berkshire and I'm looking for a good lab to develop my film. I would be most grateful if could mention the lab you're talking about. I'm looking for colour film negatives only. I scan my own negatives. Thanks in advance.
Jas Mann - No problem. It's called colourstream. Here's the website: www.colourstream.net - it's £5 to develop (£4 for students) and they have all the postage information on the site. Let me know if you need any more info :)
Hey Travis, I totally understand the frustrations, but keep in mind smaller shops are going to get a higher cost price from the distributor than companies like Adorama and BH since they buy much more at a time then smaller shops. And this is coming from someone who has been a buyer at a camera store for a long time. You'll always get a better deal on film from places like BH or Adorama, just base on on the volume they purchase.
Support the camera store that supports the photographer, why are people so offended by this? Passion over Profit, I think the overall concept of this video was great, Keep up the great work Travis! Always look forward to your videos and the honesty that comes along with them.
For a pro, you should always have a good stock of film at all times. I keep a minimum of 50-75 rolls of each of the various film types I use. In my personal stock there's at least 400 rolls of just 35mm for my Nikon f2 and f3 bodies of which I have six of each with motors. I rotate bodies and they will last two lifetimes. Half that in food for my 3 Pentax 67 and RB67 systems. I have three of each. When I get paid for the gig, the first thing is replenishing my stock.
Don't forget about the Film Photography Project! They have the cheapest prices on kodak film ANYWHERE as well as a lot of rare and unusual films all at very good prices. They are a VERY small business that totally negates the argument made by price-gouging brick and mortar stores when they say they have to price film on these ridiculous margins in order to keep the lights on. BS! If they charged a fair price I would purchase film, chemicals, paper, accessories, etc etc from a local store. Instead they get none of my business
Amazon UK usually sells 5-packs of 35mm Portra 400 for the Sterling equivalent of $70. 😲 Fuji C200 on the other hand is sold as Agfa Vistacolour for £1 (approx $1.30). Film is generally expensive this side of the Atlantic, with few exceptions such as Ilford which is manufactured over here.
Kai Thompson I buy my Ilford from Boots the chemist when they do their buy one get the second half price 😃 Bought dozens of the Agfa colour film from poundland, I'd suggest you grab whatever stock they have as once it's sold they have no more. I suspect poundland just can't get the film rolls cheap enough anymore given the growing popularity of 35mm overall ☺
The last time I saw Ilford (HP5) in boots, it was £7.99 per roll for 36 exposure. I've never seen them do an offer, but I'll keep a look out for it. Ordering online, when you factor in postage it works out about £6 per roll, so around the same as boots on offer. One to look out for is Bergger Pancro 400. It's a pretty nice film, comparable to HP5.
Same thing in my town. Finally got a camera store and it's the same thing over here. I was so disappointed. It's online shopping for me exclusively now. *sigh*
I support my local camera shop every chance I get - they deal in a lot of vintage items and I'd rather support the small local business than support a big box store.
not film related but i bought a part to fix my washing machine at a local shop for $10.99. faded packaging, covered in dust, had probably been on the shelf for a decade or two. the part was available on amazon for $0.79 but i needed it that day. leaves a real shit taste in your mouth.
That's my same experience in my local area. Except for one small shop, which usually hooks me up with his old analog gear and develops my color for a fair price, all the other shop started to raise prices once the digital age came. They saw new enthusiasts coming in, a shorter obsolescence turnaround, jacked up the prices and they drove themselves to the ground, one after the other. Guess what? The small shop guy is still there.
This is the only reason why I still keep going to B&H for my photography needs. I hate them cause of their labor practices, but I do love their prices.
I own a small shop up the Italian mountains, Dolomites, far from any big city and i sell kodak portra 400 for 8,50 Euros ...so after this video i think i am quite cheap.....
not sure who you use but I normally get through www.discountfilmsdirect.co.uk/ if I'm not in a rush, or if I am sending some rolls to ilford labs for development I will normally get a couple of rolls from them (even though I can get them a little cheaper else where)
my local store sells Portra at £10.32 ($13.62) per roll for 36exp 35. However, I'm mostly a B&W shooter and their prices for Ilford stocks are cheaper than Ebay. So I'm happy to support them in that department. Oh and chemicals too. Very lucky to have that option as you said!
I don't live in US ! however i was curious and checked B&H prices and they are way cheaper than anywere else ! ( as I know ) so a Protra 400 120 film ( pack of 5 ) is $29.95 which is a really good price ! so is there any extra charges if I wanted to buy from B&H ?
There is reasonable pricing here in Chicago for Kodak film. The weird one for me is Fuji pricing: a 36exp roll of Provia 100 can be $17 (!) while a 5pack of Provia in 120 is $37, which is totally in line with other places.
In addition to the mark ups, the knowledge of the clerks in most camera stores these days is terrible. In my experience at least, the average camera store is run by clerks not photographers. You realize this as soon as you ask them questions and you get the "Deer in the headlights" look. So sad.
that is because they are getting minimum wage clerks. you get what you pay for. they are usually young people getting money for now, and they plan on being brain surgeons some day. why should they really care?
You are totaly right about local shops that sale film. I live in germany and i usally buy my film online because my next shop who sales film is to much away from where i live. But sometimes i buy a couple of rolls in my local shop but they want over 50% more for the exact same typ of film online (for example Kodak Color Plus at my local shop 5€ online only 2.50€)
I'm from Estonia and the same 35mm Portra 400 5-pack is 59 usd. So pretty close. 120 Portra 800 5-pack is 83 USD. The 120 5x Fujicolor Pro 400H goes for 53 USD. 1 roll of Fujicolor C 200 is only 3.9 USD.
I have to agree. In germany I see many stores with ridiculous mark ups. I've found two really small stores (one in Dresden, one in Kassel) that don't have ridiculous prices on film and gear. Additionally they are way more friendly and helpful, even when you might not buy something. I went to a couple of stores, because I had a problem with my camera and just asked if they might be able to help or have an idea what the issue might be... Nope they could let their technician take a look at it for 25€/hr, I asked if I could speak to him and apparently I already was... So I left and never went back.
I live in a college town. The college has a pretty large cinema photography dept. The local downtown camera store that had been there since the film days folded about ten years ago Another one took its place and was dead in less then a year. The alternative is the Best Buy and walmart with there half broken display cameras. Best Buy has a small selection of tripods , filters and bags though.
late comment but I very much agree. Here in Southern Ontario Canada, a roll of Portra 400 in 35/120 is 11.99 (or 9.50 USD, still 11.99 for me). My local shop processes my film for 7 bucks dev only. As much as I would love to support them even more with film sales, its actually cheaper for me to buy my film from B&H or sometimes eBay. It's one of those things that sort of bothers me that I don't support my local shop with film sales, but then again I might not even be getting my film developed there if I also bought film there. And like you say, I get no discount for buying a pro-pack
Thankfully, my store Unique Photo here in NJ charges $6.75 for a roll of Portra 160 and $5.25 for HP5 - both 36 exposures. Our friend also needs to remember that he's west of the Rockies and prices tend to be higher.
As a UK resident, I'd like to give a shout out to Palm Labs, Birmingham. They are totally dedicated to the film shooter, like an artisan bread or cake shop to a baker if you will. Their prices just about match online, but I'm willing to pay just a little bit more because of the fact they 'get it' and even though I generally deal with them by post, I want them to survive as a front of house business. I went there a while after years of a photographic hiatus hoping the guy would remember me, but no. I got a lump in my throat actually... blub, blub. If I'm in the city and have a jiffy bag of film roll I'll pop in. After I left Uni I really wanted a job in the Darkroom there.... forever. P.s I am not affiliated with Palm Labs, Birmingham whatsoever. Also, while it's third party and may not generate demand from Kodak, stock up and keep your eye out for random sellers on Ebay. I just grabbed four rolls of Portra 400 for £18 (though he could have been lying about the 2018 exp date, we'll see). I see it sold in massive bulk also, I wish I could just buy 50 rolls of it at a time.
Man Beadle I'll be sure to check Palm out, I'm resident not far from Birmingham and visit the city occasionally. Got to be better than Boots developing which I currently use for my C41 development ☺
Maybe it's where I am but the camera shop near me sells film at the same price as Freestyle and sometimes less not even factoring in shipping. The other store near me is really bad with markups so I never go.
Online stores offer a wider variety at lower cost, so they win in that way. But absolutely no one can beat the awesome service and cool vibe of my local camera shop. I plan to keep them in business for as long as I need someone to develop my film for me. I could take it to the big chain department store and get the same prints at the same price, but the cool vibe isn't there, and the service is a lot more lacking. My local camera shop is legendary around here. They were the first, and they might just end up being the last.
I feel, as some commenters below have pointed out, that the problem is selling film is really not what camera shops do these days. And as many of you have also noted, there's very few dedicated camera shops left these days. I you walk into one you'll likely see more accessory items and things like telescopes than cameras and lenses. They're really more about the digital and they'd rather sell you SD cards or a point and shoot. For the smaller stores film sales really just aren't there and the reason they gouge on the pricing of film is that they probably sell so little of it that they have to make something on it otherwise why bother. Thats not to justify the gouging but just an explanation as I see it.
Some mark up is ok but to the video's point, it's too high. If they supported the film community more than they in turn will help the local shop(processing film, prints, accessories, et.c )
One thing to maybe note is that where you say "We're not there to buy cameras from them, we're not there to buy anything but film" - that's actually WHY a lot of these stores charge a lot, because it's their only shot at squeezing money out of you (I'm not saying that's good or bad, just mentioning it). I started an online store selling film because the main chain in Canada charges $20 for a roll of Ektar, which sucks, but I know why they do it: Because the only people who go there to buy film are people who find an old film camera, think "Hey let me give it a go", visit the store, and buy 1 roll. Those people will never ever come back to that store, because they're like "Whoa that was expensive". Truth is, if a lot of people came in, like you did, and bought 10 rolls, they wouldn't do it anymore, but it's sort of a vicious cycle. I have people who come to me and buy 10 rolls, and I make the same money as the chain store does by selling 1 or 2 rolls, but those people will actually keep shooting film longer. Also want to add, I love your Fuji C200 shots - I've sent numerous people to your IG when they ask how if C200 is any good. Awesome stuff!
Way down here in new Zealand Portra 400 is 18-20 dollars a roll. I buy my film from the Film Photography Project in the USA . Even paying the shipping down here it works out at about 11 dollars a roll if i order 10 or more at a time . I spent july traveling around America and they sent it to hotels for me mostly the next day .
I totally agree with the gouging. I don't have a local film store. The closest one is Glazers in Seattle and I like ordering from them because they're close, prices are close to the big online shops, and shipping isn't too bad. But, their selection of film and chemistry isn't as wide as freestyle. Like you said, the internet is killing the good local businesses when they can't keep up. Another tip: you can filter your search for local results on eBay too.
My local store is pretty bad too. Bad service. The used equipment is a hit or miss, they normally try and hide defects and brush things off. There's a local art school, and you can bet they mark up prices because of that. I went when I was in the area, a ND filter was $70, but on all the major online stores, the same filter was $30. Photography has REALLY split into who uses it. There are basically a few types in my area; Rich Soccer Moms, Wedding/Wildlife, Tinkering Hobbiest, and the Artist/Invested Hobbiest. For the Artist/Invested Hobbiest, our local camera store offers basically nothing.
Hi Travis, The worst price I have ever seen was in a Camera Shop in London they wanted 10.00 for a roll of Ilford FP4... not 10 Dollars ... 10 POUNDS Which worked out to About $18.00 US at that time... More than 100 Percent markup. My solution to this is a Big Freezer, I buy my film on line and put it on ice, I keep the films I use most in stock, and replace as I use it up. This way I am not going to get ripped by local camera shops, they want to make film photography Look expensive so they can suck you in with a new Digital $$$$$ camera. Keep up the the good work
Travis, although film photography is becoming more and more popular, both with the younger generation who are trying their hand at film, or the older guys reminiscing, film is definitely being phased out, slowly but surely. First, just look at how many different types of film were available in the 80's and 90's, then look at how many different places there were available to have your film developed. Now look at how many types of film are gone just in 2017. FUJI SUPERIA 800 finished, FUJI SUPERIA 1600 finished, FUJI SUPERIA 400 24 exposure finished, Fuji SUPERIA 200 & FUJI ACROS 100 to be phased out in 2018. Personally, it's so sad for me, because I grew up with film and still shoot it, but I'm now looking at selling all my film cameras and lens, and only keeping my Nikon collection and my 3 medium format cameras. I think the retailers have a big hand in the diminishing film types, because they buy from the manufacturer and sell at a very high price, making film a non option for the many, and only available for the few. I've stared buying film whenever I can get a reasonable deal and storing it in the fridge. I can feel the time is approaching fast, where film will slowly become more and more expensive, and hence, more and more difficult to get a hold of, concluding to a slow but definite extinction.
I think that I'm fairly lucky here in Sheffield. We have a local camera shop which still sells some film and also has a good selection of used film cameras. Their colour film is quite expensive but surprisingly their b&w film competes well against online retailers (on a price per single roll basis).
My favorite brick and mortar store here in Northern NJ is one of the few that is geared for professionals and they have a great staff. The place is a 30 minute drive from my house. There are one or two crap stores that are closer to me, but, I'm happy to drive a little bit further out of my way for quality customer service. I just looked at their website and they list Porta 400 at $7.45 for a roll of 36 exp. If you are lucky enough to find a good store that is actually in the business of helping photographers, use them. BTW, the lab manager at the camera store where I go tells me that they are doing a lot more film these days.
Fortunately for me, I have one "dedicated" shop here in the "burbs" of Houston (whom I have worked with since the early 80s) and are still a regular stop by for various odds-n-ends. While I occasionally shoot some film, I am primarily a digital shooter nowadays. However, the staff most of whom I have known for decades are extremely knowledgeable (as are their clerks, most are semi-pro shooters) in all things photographic. They have always had my back and I feel a sense of loyalty. This is where I send my rigs for cleaning and repairs, an occasional film and processing purchase and as mentioned a few knick-knacks, filters, cables etc...Yeah, I could do everything online and no doubt, cheaper, but I have always been an advocate of supporting the small hometown business, and frankly, they have saved my bacon on more than a few occasions, not to mention, within walking distance.
The only store near enough to me is Action Camera,and I usually only go there for the swap meets.Looking forward to the next one in Oct.They have a good selection of equipment,but it's almost all digital.I almost always order film online because it's the only way I can afford it.
Well idk my local camera store sells film cheaper than i can get it online, like amazon. I can get a roll of portra for around 8.75 and hp5 400 for 7.55 On Amazon Portra is 12 and HP5 is 10.. So I wouldn't go out and say don't support your local shop because this isn't the case for everyone. You just have to be a smart shopper and realize no one ever ship on the weekend..... And the reason for the local shops around you having similar high prices is because stores tend to price check what their neighbors are selling film for.
Don't say "Don't support your local store.", that's way to general. Then just say "Don't pay too much.". Just don't support unnecessarily high pricing. - I actually have a local store that's pretty good with pricing, but then they're also a pretty fancy store. Not very big, but they have a lot of stuff, including some film, and the film isn't that expensive. This is in Europe too...
That is not necessarily true across the board. Here in Austin, TX, Precision Camera sells HP-5 & Pan-F are $0.20 more than B&H. Portra 400 5 pack goes for $39.80 which is about $0.60 more than Freestyle. The store also has a policy of matching internet prices which may explain why they still have a thriving business. So, I think you may be a little presumptuous to paint all camera shops like the one's in CA
So film does cost more than digital? ;) *Btw, 1 roll of film costs over $20 per roll for Portra 400 in Australia, and over $30 per roll for C200 (24 shots) in New Zealand. Also, they do not hand check film in the airports of those countries.
I find that 'camera stores' now are in reality 'digital photography equipment' stores. For example: one of the major photographic equipment suppliers in my area used to be my 'go to' place to get just about anything I needed: if I needed a specific filter for example: I knew I could walk into there and they would have exactly what I need. Now, I walk into there and if it's not related to digital photography, odds are they won't have what I want or the prices are ridiculous. Therefore in a lot of cases you're just about forced to do business with on-line suppliers. I understand that retailers have to go with what makes money for them though.
I am with you. I was at a local camera shop perusing through used equipment for almost an hour. After finding nothing I felt guilty taking up space so I bought roll of Kodak Color Plus 200 (online $2.99) This store asked for $7 and change. I purchased it but it was the last time I'll buy film from them. The roll of XP2 in the bag was worse.
You should check out what Ilford's distributor in Japan does. Ilford film is double to triple what it costs in the US. Developers are 3-6x! A 1Liter bag of Microphone costs 6x times the US price here in Japan. I really wanted to support the local shops but sorry at that price I can't. I now only buy at macodirect and freestyle. They love film and they are trying to support the community.
That is a specific issue with Japan, and it isn't that Ilford does it, it's the Japanese distributor that does it, but much of that jackup is the import duties, not raw profit.
Eric Dan Because Microphen is a kinda specific developer, they probably sell it much less than ID-11, which is very common and universal, equivalent to Kodak D-76. So they don't keep as large stocks for Microphen as for ohter much common developers, they import it in fewer quantities and sold it at higher retail prices. Same story for Perceptol I guess.
My local shop charges almost $11 for a roll of HP5. They also have those cheap clamps with the orange tips that you get at the dollar store for around 10 bucks each. Crazy.
Listening to the prices that you are able to buy film for in the U.S.A. makes me sad to be in the U.K. The cheapest we can hope to find portra 400 for is about £8 sterling per roll. And that is from online bulk sellers. The best deal that I have had recently is Fuji Superia 200 (36 exp) in packs of 5 for £14.10 per pack.
Eric Hartke , yeah ... but we Canadians have health care and a hot prime minister, with an 18,000.00 swingset in his backyard .... plus the smell of pot wafting through the 34,000.00 walking trail he has as well ... let’s count our blessings
Good that you mention glasskey SF. They're fair! They embody the old camera store spirit. The new camera stores dont. Its easy to tell in their pricing.
Robert Thompson don't worry my 1-2 rolls a year will be 0 from here on out. Keep in mike this was not just ONE store. This was every store in Sacramento charging these prices. How can I support all of these shops when they are carrying three film stocks and charging nearly double what it's worth online. I shoot over 150+ rolls a year so I'm sorry if I can't spend $11 a roll but I just can't.
I did some research after watching this video and stumbled across something that’s really interesting. Not only is there such a thing as “Grey Market Film” but some distributors dabble in this. Also, B&H has a page discussing grey market items including film and they state that they sell grey market film because of the cost difference. Google it and read their page. So it seems the issue is not these stores marking up film 50%, but rather that they don’t have a grey market distributor.
I don't get how you think Fuji C200 is comparable to Portra 400. I tried C200 and found the colour ok but quite bland and grainy compared to Portra. You cannot put C200 in the same league as Portra. There's a reason why C200 is a lot cheaper. If I was to pick one of the consumer films I would choose Kodak Gold over C200 anyday.
"Don't support your local shop if they don't support you" Sorry, you admittedly quit supporting them by shopping online and were then upset when your online shopping FAILED and you NEEDED them? That's called poetic justice...not unfair. Photogs quit utilizing local shops to save a few bucks online. The photogs decided that the SERVICE of a local shop weren't valuable. Shooters created the new environment, not the shops.
Film is trending again, some stores arw hiking up film prices. Im in NYC so i've seen some local shops selling portra 800 as high as $15. My camera guy store that i go to sells porta 160 for about $7.49, i think 400 is the same price and 800 is i believe $10.49.
The last time I bought film personally in a local photo was probably 8 years ago, being 2 100 foot bulk rolls of Ektachrome 100. The shop was clearing out its film inventory, so my price was about $35.00/roll. I buy all of my film on line from a major store, usually Adorama or B&H (good sales). I would not buy film on ebay because you do not know how the seller has handled it before sale and you have no recourse. Saving 10-25% on ebay isn't worth the risk and hassle inherent that market, when I spend far more on the trip or experience to take the photos. Likewise, and for the reeasons stated, buying expired film on ebay is just a crap-shoot.
About the time you made this video I could source ILFORD HP5 from overseas cheaper than I could buy in the UK yet I live less than a hundred miles away from the ILFORD factory, bought two rolls last week and cheapest I could find on Ebay was 2 36 ex rolls of HP5 for £10.00.As for Tri-x well that is about £210 for a 30 meter roll while HP5 is around £65.00 for the same length..... Pass the DSLR.........
i had a similar experience over here in Ireland. I got a Canon EOS300 and I decided to shoot a film with it. I had no idea what a roll costs nowadays since I hadn't shot film in many years. I found a camera store in a mall and asked for film and the were asking for 15 Euros (17-18 $) for a single roll of Fuji Superia 200! I was shocked and left. Then I walked by a Fuji Lab were you could print your digital photos but they also still had the equipment for processing film. I asked them how much a roll costs and they said, well, if you have a film processed and printed with us, you will get a free roll of Fuji C200! I said, ok, can I buy one to start with? And they gave it to me for free! So of course I went back and had it processed there and since then I am a film shooter again. Now I also sometimes buy film on ebay or when I am back in Germany I buy film in a drug store (e.g. three rolls of Kodak Gold for 8 Euro / 9 $) or have my parents send me some.
The local store sells much less less film because of digital so because they don't buy film in large quantities they themselves probably have to pay more......I could be wrong but who knows....
I live near Bill's Camera and the chain store of Samy's. I don't like the prices of film for Samy's though they have a larger selection of film than Bill's Camera. But also Bills camera is cheaper I guess.
There are more film photographers in SF, so it means it's a bigger market, it they sell it for 10 bucks per roll they will be easily defeated by other local stores because of higher demand. I believe the demand in your city is far smaller than SF. So you are basically paying that 3 more bucks for their support to sell film rolls in smaller cities. In SF, if you wanna by a roll of film for urgent use, you can easily find tons of shops that you can choose, but it's a different story in smaller cities. It's all about demand and supply bro.
I just paid £14 for a roll of Portra 800, £10 for Portra 160, from a local store. Impulse purchase while I waited to meet my girl in town (Bristol UK) My jaw hit the floor. I know this is 3 years later but man, £24 uk sterling for 2 rolls of film!! That's $34...
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My local camera store is National Camera, I've never had the kind of experiences mentioned in the video or comments. Still very much aimed at enthusiasts and pros with very knowledgeable staff. It's all about the quality of the store itself, not if it's local or not (B&H is a local camera store for NYC residents.)
I am a photographer but I am also a citizen and a member of a real community with people I see everyday on the bus and in the streets (unlike an online virtual community). I most definitely will support my local shop. I got a good deal on a used Nikon FM2 just two days ago at a mom and pop camera shop. I was able to inspect my camera and interact with a live human being who was knowledgeable and friendly. What a rare thing these days! This shop is a little hub for film enthusiasts. They also carry darkroom supplies and yes their film is more pricey than what I can buy online. I am thrilled that a shop like this still exists in my hometown given the onslaught of digital , box stores and e-commerce which have literally sucked the life blood out of our downtown businesses.
Looking back! Those costs have went up from back when this video was made. The online cost is almost 10.99 a roll for Porta 400 in 2021.
I was just looking it up and yeah the price went up a bunch
This is a perfect example of why "brick and mortar" stores are complaining about online retailers putting them out of business. The truth is the "brick and mortar" stores are putting themselves out of business with their ridiculous prices and almost non existent or rude customer service. I actually started my shopping online years ago as a way to avoid dealing with the rude ass personel in the stores. I will say that with the exception of "food items" I purchase about 95% of everything online and have it shipped to my home.
Tony Blackwell I feel the same way. The days of the knowledgeable camera store are long gone sadly. Now they will just tell you how to update firmware and take photoshop classes
Sadly, I couldn't agree more.
In a specialty shop markups aren't bases on per item; markups are based on how much does the item have to sell for to allow me to stay in business. Sales of commodities like film have to support the sales of items that only sell sporadically, in low numbers. Therefore film might have a 50% markup to allow me to carry, and maybe sell one or two a year items like the rubber eye-cup that only fits one or two models of a camera.
Oh yeah, we had a few camera stores in NW Indiana. Back years ago, these employees were rude, and very unhelpful to the photographer. They were like”what do you want?” Pay and get out! I think that finally bit the local camera shops.
I always felt if you shop local you pay for service.
Pro trick: you can watch movies at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.
I don't think Forestfilm lab is telling us to hate all local camera stores. Only support online and local stores that don't gouge prices. See his description where he sourced local film shop.
In Germany you have a lot of dedicated local shops that still offer great service and fair prices, for example my photo lab offers drum scans of 4x5 film for 10 dollars.
"You don't have to support your local camera shop if your local camera shop doesn't support you"
Buddy, if YOU don't support your local camera shop, your local local camera shop CAN'T support you.
By shopping online you're contributing to the shift that you're complaining about. Stores can't count on selling the quantities needed to maintain a low mark up, so they charge more to compensate. Fairly simple economics as far as I'm concerned. There will always be the outstanding indie stores who are making sacrifices for the community, but they're few and far between and they often aren't sustainable.
Support your brick and mortar. Build a relationship, create a community and the relationship will become symbiotic.
As it stands, you're part of the problem.
I'd rather pay more at Indie in Philly than buy from places like B&H, who are assholes. I'm more flexible with eBay dealers etc., but If you want a more fair price from a well intentioned local shop, then buy from them and they'll be able to give a better price. And they'll go into a local coffee shop/bar/restaurant and support your friends. It's a tradeoff, and do try to err towards local when buying film, processing, and scanning whenever feasible. Peace. :)
The Camera Store in Calgary has better prices than what I have found online and very knowledgeable staff. This is not the case everywhere but lets not generalize. Some local stores actually support film photography. Would not surprise me if they're running the analog side at a loss.
Oh, and another thing. You are assuming that your local shop can buy film at the price your friendly shop can buy it. Very often, the price you pay is dependent on the amount of stock you can sell. I used to own a retail business, I know exactly what I am talking about.
If the shops were able to answer even simple questions then i wouldnt mind a reasonable markup.
You really must take the long-view and do what it takes to support who's doing it right. Less convenient, more cost. Do it!
At my local shop in Toronto, a single roll of Portra 400 35mm is $12.74 plus tax (Canadian). However, they have a membership program ($20 a year) that gets you 25% off all Kodak film plus a few other perks, so the total cost for one roll after discount, plus tax, and converted to US dollars, would be $8.87, so not too bad considering it has to go over the border.
Colin Medley see that's excellent. Although you've got to use the membership it's a great value! $20 is the amount they charged me extra per pro pack! Support that shop!
That sounds like Downtown Camera - they've really reset expectations for what we pay for film in Canada (at least when it comes to Kodak stuff). Props Downtown Camera.
Colin Medley Good thing Downtown camera has reasonable prices for film. Henry's on the other hand just racks up their prices.
I get it. But if you don't buy it, they won't sell it. And unfortunately, although it's a long time, film does expire. I have no problem buying expired film as a hobbyist, but would you trust expired film on a paid shoot? The local camera store has to mark up a perishable item, that isn't in high demand, in order to make it worth their while to stock it. The good news is that they stocked it! What would you have done if you didn't have a store within 100 miles that stocked Portra? It's like why milk costs 80% more at a gas station than a grocery store. You're paying based on convenience. I feel extremely fortunate that in my tiny rural town the drug store still sells and develops color film. A roll of Ektar 100 their is $14 after tax. Yes, that's a lot. But it's nice to know that if I need it in pinch, it's there. I have no problem paying $14 for a roll of film if I need it "today".
Also, Local drug store develops and scans for $4. I can drop off a roll over my lunch break, and have it back before my break is over, usually. Far faster and cheaper than any online/mail-away option. (Only for color, though. And a prefer to develops B&W myself)
I didn't realise how lucky I was here in Brighton (UK). We not only have a dedicated old school camera store that specialises in film photography but also a great professional lab for development. They're always friendly and staffed by passionate people who really know their stuff. I'm sorry it's not like this elsewhere :(
I'm the same, where I live in Australia (South Australia to be exact ) I have a camera store in the main city of Adelaide that I go to...the shop has been in the same spot since 1969 and they stock not only digital but a very large range of old film cameras..from Canon's and Nikon's, Pentax's, Mamiya's..Rollieflexes..medium and large format etc up to Hassleblads and Leica's as well as a big range of film as well. all the people working there are passionate photographer's themselves and one has a collection of over 1800 cameras...and as such they know what theyr'e talking about when it comes to giving advice.so wonderful to have a place like that I can go to :-)
OMG, I'm in Brisbane and this undeveloped Queenslander doesn't have either good camera store or lab. Moving to SA next year are they selling chemicals how much if film there?
Yes, they sell developing chemicals as well..mostly Ilford I think (I dont home develop yet so not up to speed on what brands / types they do stock.) film is varying in price from around 10$ a roll for the cheaper ones up to 17$ for some of the slide films they have...so around average for what you'll pay here, plus there is also Twin City camera house, also in Adelaide( 15 minute walk from Photoco ), they too deal in secondhand cameras though not as many as Photo co camera house do.plus within walking distance of that store we have Diamonds camera store and down the road from them a Teds as well, though they are more focused on digital gear.hope that helps :-)
Stuart Carden I'm in Berkshire and I'm looking for a good lab to develop my film. I would be most grateful if could mention the lab you're talking about. I'm looking for colour film negatives only. I scan my own negatives.
Thanks in advance.
Jas Mann - No problem. It's called colourstream. Here's the website: www.colourstream.net - it's £5 to develop (£4 for students) and they have all the postage information on the site. Let me know if you need any more info :)
Hey Travis, I totally understand the frustrations, but keep in mind smaller shops are going to get a higher cost price from the distributor than companies like Adorama and BH since they buy much more at a time then smaller shops. And this is coming from someone who has been a buyer at a camera store for a long time. You'll always get a better deal on film from places like BH or Adorama, just base on on the volume they purchase.
Support the camera store that supports the photographer, why are people so offended by this? Passion over Profit, I think the overall concept of this video was great, Keep up the great work Travis! Always look forward to your videos and the honesty that comes along with them.
For a pro, you should always have a good stock of film at all times. I keep a minimum of 50-75 rolls of each of the various film types I use. In my personal stock there's at least 400 rolls of just 35mm for my Nikon f2 and f3 bodies of which I have six of each with motors. I rotate bodies and they will last two lifetimes. Half that in food for my 3 Pentax 67 and RB67 systems. I have three of each. When I get paid for the gig, the first thing is replenishing my stock.
Wow, They do this in my country too. The local shop gives you 5 rolls of film for the same price (25$). Fucking unbelivable.
Don't forget about the Film Photography Project! They have the cheapest prices on kodak film ANYWHERE as well as a lot of rare and unusual films all at very good prices. They are a VERY small business that totally negates the argument made by price-gouging brick and mortar stores when they say they have to price film on these ridiculous margins in order to keep the lights on. BS! If they charged a fair price I would purchase film, chemicals, paper, accessories, etc etc from a local store. Instead they get none of my business
Amazon UK usually sells 5-packs of 35mm Portra 400 for the Sterling equivalent of $70. 😲
Fuji C200 on the other hand is sold as Agfa Vistacolour for £1 (approx $1.30).
Film is generally expensive this side of the Atlantic, with few exceptions such as Ilford which is manufactured over here.
Kai Thompson I buy my Ilford from Boots the chemist when they do their buy one get the second half price 😃 Bought dozens of the Agfa colour film from poundland, I'd suggest you grab whatever stock they have as once it's sold they have no more. I suspect poundland just can't get the film rolls cheap enough anymore given the growing popularity of 35mm overall ☺
Kai Thompson Ebay is better than Amazon in terms of price, i've seen 5 packs of Portra for much less than that on Ebay.
The last time I saw Ilford (HP5) in boots, it was £7.99 per roll for 36 exposure. I've never seen them do an offer, but I'll keep a look out for it. Ordering online, when you factor in postage it works out about £6 per roll, so around the same as boots on offer.
One to look out for is Bergger Pancro 400. It's a pretty nice film, comparable to HP5.
Same thing in my town. Finally got a camera store and it's the same thing over here. I was so disappointed. It's online shopping for me exclusively now. *sigh*
High rent = High price. No rent = better deals
High Rent plus High Internet Sales = Freestyle or B&H
Now we’re dealing like pros
I support my local camera shop every chance I get - they deal in a lot of vintage items and I'd rather support the small local business than support a big box store.
Food also has a huge mark-up, which is why I try to go to the farmers market.
For Street photography I also like to shoot C200! It's cheap, but the quality is good for its price. Also, Kodak gold 200
not film related but i bought a part to fix my washing machine at a local shop for $10.99. faded packaging, covered in dust, had probably been on the shelf for a decade or two. the part was available on amazon for $0.79 but i needed it that day. leaves a real shit taste in your mouth.
That's my same experience in my local area. Except for one small shop, which usually hooks me up with his old analog gear and develops my color for a fair price, all the other shop started to raise prices once the digital age came. They saw new enthusiasts coming in, a shorter obsolescence turnaround, jacked up the prices and they drove themselves to the ground, one after the other. Guess what? The small shop guy is still there.
This is the only reason why I still keep going to B&H for my photography needs. I hate them cause of their labor practices, but I do love their prices.
I own a small shop up the Italian mountains, Dolomites, far from any big city and i sell kodak portra 400 for 8,50 Euros ...so after this video i think i am quite cheap.....
I thought we paid a lot in the UK! I have to mail order all my film as there isn't anywhere in my area, love your passion and enthusiasm
Andrea's Attic have you heard of nik and trick photography?
Yes I have bought from them and will be sending some E6 to them they have a very fast turn around on sales
not sure who you use but I normally get through www.discountfilmsdirect.co.uk/ if I'm not in a rush, or if I am sending some rolls to ilford labs for development I will normally get a couple of rolls from them (even though I can get them a little cheaper else where)
my local store sells Portra at £10.32 ($13.62) per roll for 36exp 35. However, I'm mostly a B&W shooter and their prices for Ilford stocks are cheaper than Ebay. So I'm happy to support them in that department. Oh and chemicals too. Very lucky to have that option as you said!
I don't live in US ! however i was curious and checked B&H prices and they are way cheaper than anywere else ! ( as I know ) so a Protra 400 120 film ( pack of 5 ) is $29.95 which is a really good price !
so is there any extra charges if I wanted to buy from B&H ?
There is reasonable pricing here in Chicago for Kodak film. The weird one for me is Fuji pricing: a 36exp roll of Provia 100 can be $17 (!) while a 5pack of Provia in 120 is $37, which is totally in line with other places.
In addition to the mark ups, the knowledge of the clerks in most camera stores these days is terrible. In my experience at least, the average camera store is run by clerks not photographers. You realize this as soon as you ask them questions and you get the "Deer in the headlights" look. So sad.
that is because they are getting minimum wage clerks. you get what you pay for. they are usually young people getting money for now, and they plan on being brain surgeons some day. why should they really care?
You are totaly right about local shops that sale film. I live in germany and i usally buy my film online because my next shop who sales film is to much away from where i live. But sometimes i buy a couple of rolls in my local shop but they want over 50% more for the exact same typ of film online (for example Kodak Color Plus at my local shop 5€ online only 2.50€)
I'm from Estonia and the same 35mm Portra 400 5-pack is 59 usd. So pretty close. 120 Portra 800 5-pack is 83 USD. The 120 5x Fujicolor Pro 400H goes for 53 USD. 1 roll of Fujicolor C 200 is only 3.9 USD.
I have to agree. In germany I see many stores with ridiculous mark ups. I've found two really small stores (one in Dresden, one in Kassel) that don't have ridiculous prices on film and gear. Additionally they are way more friendly and helpful, even when you might not buy something. I went to a couple of stores, because I had a problem with my camera and just asked if they might be able to help or have an idea what the issue might be... Nope they could let their technician take a look at it for 25€/hr, I asked if I could speak to him and apparently I already was... So I left and never went back.
in Japan it's easy to find variety of film in camera shop
even in 7-11 if you want the standard consumer films
I live in a college town. The college has a pretty large cinema photography dept. The local downtown camera store that had been there since the film days folded about ten years ago Another one took its place and was dead in less then a year. The alternative is the Best Buy and walmart with there half broken display cameras. Best Buy has a small selection of tripods , filters and bags though.
late comment but I very much agree. Here in Southern Ontario Canada, a roll of Portra 400 in 35/120 is 11.99 (or 9.50 USD, still 11.99 for me). My local shop processes my film for 7 bucks dev only. As much as I would love to support them even more with film sales, its actually cheaper for me to buy my film from B&H or sometimes eBay. It's one of those things that sort of bothers me that I don't support my local shop with film sales, but then again I might not even be getting my film developed there if I also bought film there. And like you say, I get no discount for buying a pro-pack
Thankfully, my store Unique Photo here in NJ charges $6.75 for a roll of Portra 160 and $5.25 for HP5 - both 36 exposures. Our friend also needs to remember that he's west of the Rockies and prices tend to be higher.
As a UK resident, I'd like to give a shout out to Palm Labs, Birmingham. They are totally dedicated to the film shooter, like an artisan bread or cake shop to a baker if you will. Their prices just about match online, but I'm willing to pay just a little bit more because of the fact they 'get it' and even though I generally deal with them by post, I want them to survive as a front of house business. I went there a while after years of a photographic hiatus hoping the guy would remember me, but no. I got a lump in my throat actually... blub, blub. If I'm in the city and have a jiffy bag of film roll I'll pop in. After I left Uni I really wanted a job in the Darkroom there.... forever.
P.s I am not affiliated with Palm Labs, Birmingham whatsoever.
Also, while it's third party and may not generate demand from Kodak, stock up and keep your eye out for random sellers on Ebay. I just grabbed four rolls of Portra 400 for £18 (though he could have been lying about the 2018 exp date, we'll see). I see it sold in massive bulk also, I wish I could just buy 50 rolls of it at a time.
Man Beadle I'll be sure to check Palm out, I'm resident not far from Birmingham and visit the city occasionally. Got to be better than Boots developing which I currently use for my C41 development ☺
Maybe it's where I am but the camera shop near me sells film at the same price as Freestyle and sometimes less not even factoring in shipping. The other store near me is really bad with markups so I never go.
Brian A. That's awesome! Keep buying film from those guys! They are here for the photographer clearly.
Online stores offer a wider variety at lower cost, so they win in that way. But absolutely no one can beat the awesome service and cool vibe of my local camera shop. I plan to keep them in business for as long as I need someone to develop my film for me. I could take it to the big chain department store and get the same prints at the same price, but the cool vibe isn't there, and the service is a lot more lacking. My local camera shop is legendary around here. They were the first, and they might just end up being the last.
I feel, as some commenters below have pointed out, that the problem is selling film is really not what camera shops do these days. And as many of you have also noted, there's very few dedicated camera shops left these days. I you walk into one you'll likely see more accessory items and things like telescopes than cameras and lenses. They're really more about the digital and they'd rather sell you SD cards or a point and shoot. For the smaller stores film sales really just aren't there and the reason they gouge on the pricing of film is that they probably sell so little of it that they have to make something on it otherwise why bother. Thats not to justify the gouging but just an explanation as I see it.
Some mark up is ok but to the video's point, it's too high. If they supported the film community more than they in turn will help the local shop(processing film, prints, accessories, et.c )
One thing to maybe note is that where you say "We're not there to buy cameras from them, we're not there to buy anything but film" - that's actually WHY a lot of these stores charge a lot, because it's their only shot at squeezing money out of you (I'm not saying that's good or bad, just mentioning it).
I started an online store selling film because the main chain in Canada charges $20 for a roll of Ektar, which sucks, but I know why they do it: Because the only people who go there to buy film are people who find an old film camera, think "Hey let me give it a go", visit the store, and buy 1 roll. Those people will never ever come back to that store, because they're like "Whoa that was expensive". Truth is, if a lot of people came in, like you did, and bought 10 rolls, they wouldn't do it anymore, but it's sort of a vicious cycle. I have people who come to me and buy 10 rolls, and I make the same money as the chain store does by selling 1 or 2 rolls, but those people will actually keep shooting film longer.
Also want to add, I love your Fuji C200 shots - I've sent numerous people to your IG when they ask how if C200 is any good. Awesome stuff!
Way down here in new Zealand Portra 400 is 18-20 dollars a roll. I buy my film from the Film Photography Project in the USA . Even paying the shipping down here it works out at about 11 dollars a roll if i order 10 or more at a time .
I spent july traveling around America and they sent it to hotels for me mostly the next day .
I totally agree with the gouging. I don't have a local film store. The closest one is Glazers in Seattle and I like ordering from them because they're close, prices are close to the big online shops, and shipping isn't too bad. But, their selection of film and chemistry isn't as wide as freestyle. Like you said, the internet is killing the good local businesses when they can't keep up. Another tip: you can filter your search for local results on eBay too.
My local store is pretty bad too. Bad service. The used equipment is a hit or miss, they normally try and hide defects and brush things off. There's a local art school, and you can bet they mark up prices because of that. I went when I was in the area, a ND filter was $70, but on all the major online stores, the same filter was $30. Photography has REALLY split into who uses it. There are basically a few types in my area; Rich Soccer Moms, Wedding/Wildlife, Tinkering Hobbiest, and the Artist/Invested Hobbiest. For the Artist/Invested Hobbiest, our local camera store offers basically nothing.
Hi Travis, The worst price I have ever seen was in a Camera Shop in London they wanted 10.00 for a roll of Ilford FP4... not 10 Dollars ... 10 POUNDS Which worked out to About $18.00 US at that time... More than 100 Percent markup.
My solution to this is a Big Freezer, I buy my film on line and put it on ice, I keep the films I use most in stock, and replace as I use it up. This way I am not going to get ripped by local camera shops, they want to make film photography Look expensive so they can suck you in with a new Digital $$$$$ camera.
Keep up the the good work
Travis, although film photography is becoming more and more popular, both with the younger generation who are trying their hand at film, or the older guys reminiscing, film is definitely being phased out, slowly but surely. First, just look at how many different types of film were available in the 80's and 90's, then look at how many different places there were available to have your film developed. Now look at how many types of film are gone just in 2017. FUJI SUPERIA 800 finished, FUJI SUPERIA 1600 finished, FUJI SUPERIA 400 24 exposure finished, Fuji SUPERIA 200 & FUJI ACROS 100 to be phased out in 2018. Personally, it's so sad for me, because I grew up with film and still shoot it, but I'm now looking at selling all my film cameras and lens, and only keeping my Nikon collection and my 3 medium format cameras.
I think the retailers have a big hand in the diminishing film types, because they buy from the manufacturer and sell at a very high price, making film a non option for the many, and only available for the few. I've stared buying film whenever I can get a reasonable deal and storing it in the fridge. I can feel the time is approaching fast, where film will slowly become more and more expensive, and hence, more and more difficult to get a hold of, concluding to a slow but definite extinction.
I think that I'm fairly lucky here in Sheffield. We have a local camera shop which still sells some film and also has a good selection of used film cameras. Their colour film is quite expensive but surprisingly their b&w film competes well against online retailers (on a price per single roll basis).
My favorite brick and mortar store here in Northern NJ is one of the few that is geared for professionals and they have a great staff. The place is a 30 minute drive from my house. There are one or two crap stores that are closer to me, but, I'm happy to drive a little bit further out of my way for quality customer service. I just looked at their website and they list Porta 400 at $7.45 for a roll of 36 exp. If you are lucky enough to find a good store that is actually in the business of helping photographers, use them. BTW, the lab manager at the camera store where I go tells me that they are doing a lot more film these days.
Unique is unique, that's for sure.
Yes
Fortunately for me, I have one "dedicated" shop here in the "burbs" of Houston (whom I have worked with since the early 80s) and are still a regular stop by for various odds-n-ends. While I occasionally shoot some film, I am primarily a digital shooter nowadays. However, the staff most of whom I have known for decades are extremely knowledgeable (as are their clerks, most are semi-pro shooters) in all things photographic. They have always had my back and I feel a sense of loyalty. This is where I send my rigs for cleaning and repairs, an occasional film and processing purchase and as mentioned a few knick-knacks, filters, cables etc...Yeah, I could do everything online and no doubt, cheaper, but I have always been an advocate of supporting the small hometown business, and frankly, they have saved my bacon on more than a few occasions, not to mention, within walking distance.
The only store near enough to me is Action Camera,and I usually only go there for the swap meets.Looking forward to the next one in Oct.They have a good selection of equipment,but it's almost all digital.I almost always order film online because it's the only way I can afford it.
Well idk my local camera store sells film cheaper than i can get it online, like amazon. I can get a roll of portra for around 8.75 and hp5 400 for 7.55 On Amazon Portra is 12 and HP5 is 10.. So I wouldn't go out and say don't support your local shop because this isn't the case for everyone. You just have to be a smart shopper and realize no one ever ship on the weekend..... And the reason for the local shops around you having similar high prices is because stores tend to price check what their neighbors are selling film for.
FYI: here in Belgium, the 5-pack of Portra 400 is €41,95. It’s around $50.49.
I pay about USD59 for a five pack Porta 400 from Amazon UK plus shipping to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Don't say "Don't support your local store.", that's way to general. Then just say "Don't pay too much.". Just don't support unnecessarily high pricing. - I actually have a local store that's pretty good with pricing, but then they're also a pretty fancy store. Not very big, but they have a lot of stuff, including some film, and the film isn't that expensive. This is in Europe too...
That is not necessarily true across the board. Here in Austin, TX, Precision Camera sells HP-5 & Pan-F are $0.20 more than B&H. Portra 400 5 pack goes for $39.80 which is about $0.60 more than Freestyle. The store also has a policy of matching internet prices which may explain why they still have a thriving business. So, I think you may be a little presumptuous to paint all camera shops like the one's in CA
In a pinch for B&W film, I'll grab a box of the cheapo Fuji color 400 film from Walgreens, shoot it at ASA100 and stand develop for 1 hr in Rodinol.
yeah... here in Bucharest ( f64.ro ) portra 400 120 is $14.88 (no 135), velvia 100 in 135 was $20,5 and yes the fuji C200 is $3.22
So film does cost more than digital? ;)
*Btw, 1 roll of film costs over $20 per roll for Portra 400 in Australia, and over $30 per roll for C200 (24 shots) in New Zealand. Also, they do not hand check film in the airports of those countries.
I find that 'camera stores' now are in reality 'digital photography equipment' stores. For example: one of the major photographic equipment suppliers in my area used to be my 'go to' place to get just about anything I needed: if I needed a specific filter for example: I knew I could walk into there and they would have exactly what I need. Now, I walk into there and if it's not related to digital photography, odds are they won't have what I want or the prices are ridiculous. Therefore in a lot of cases you're just about forced to do business with on-line suppliers. I understand that retailers have to go with what makes money for them though.
I am with you. I was at a local camera shop perusing through used equipment for almost an hour. After finding nothing I felt guilty taking up space so I bought roll of Kodak Color Plus 200 (online $2.99) This store asked for $7 and change. I purchased it but it was the last time I'll buy film from them. The roll of XP2 in the bag was worse.
57USD is 43GBP. That's how much we pay over here in England, which is an incredibly expensive Country for anything. Crazy
You should check out what Ilford's distributor in Japan does. Ilford film is double to triple what it costs in the US. Developers are 3-6x! A 1Liter bag of Microphone costs 6x times the US price here in Japan. I really wanted to support the local shops but sorry at that price I can't. I now only buy at macodirect and freestyle. They love film and they are trying to support the community.
That is a specific issue with Japan, and it isn't that Ilford does it, it's the Japanese distributor that does it, but much of that jackup is the import duties, not raw profit.
Jonathan Walters true true. Just wondering what makes Microphen 6x more expensive to import than ID-11
Eric Dan Because Microphen is a kinda specific developer, they probably sell it much less than ID-11, which is very common and universal, equivalent to Kodak D-76. So they don't keep as large stocks for Microphen as for ohter much common developers, they import it in fewer quantities and sold it at higher retail prices. Same story for Perceptol I guess.
My local shop charges almost $11 for a roll of HP5. They also have those cheap clamps with the orange tips that you get at the dollar store for around 10 bucks each. Crazy.
Listening to the prices that you are able to buy film for in the U.S.A. makes me sad to be in the U.K. The cheapest we can hope to find portra 400 for is about £8 sterling per roll. And that is from online bulk sellers. The best deal that I have had recently is Fuji Superia 200 (36 exp) in packs of 5 for £14.10 per pack.
It’s your own damn fault for waiting until two days before the wedding
Henry's(chain camera stores) here in Ontario charges a mind boggling $24.99 CAD a roll of Portra 400!! wrap your mind around that.
Eric Hartke , yeah ... but we Canadians have health care and a hot prime minister, with an 18,000.00 swingset in his backyard .... plus the smell of pot wafting through the 34,000.00 walking trail he has as well ... let’s count our blessings
Good that you mention glasskey SF. They're fair! They embody the old camera store spirit. The new camera stores dont. Its easy to tell in their pricing.
HP5 bulk (100 feet) is 59 bucks in USA and 78 euro (94 dollars) in Italy ... And there's no ocean between Italy and England!
Lesson - plan ahead.
gorpalm1 Agreed.
Robert Thompson don't worry my 1-2 rolls a year will be 0 from here on out. Keep in mike this was not just ONE store. This was every store in Sacramento charging these prices. How can I support all of these shops when they are carrying three film stocks and charging nearly double what it's worth online. I shoot over 150+ rolls a year so I'm sorry if I can't spend $11 a roll but I just can't.
dude, stores exist for profit, for money. not to make favours.
January 2024 and I just saw a roll of Kodak E100 in Henry’s for $ 46.00.
I left it on the shelf.
I did some research after watching this video and stumbled across something that’s really interesting. Not only is there such a thing as “Grey Market Film” but some distributors dabble in this. Also, B&H has a page discussing grey market items including film and they state that they sell grey market film because of the cost difference. Google it and read their page. So it seems the issue is not these stores marking up film 50%, but rather that they don’t have a grey market distributor.
I don't get how you think Fuji C200 is comparable to Portra 400. I tried C200 and found the colour ok but quite bland and grainy compared to Portra. You cannot put C200 in the same league as Portra. There's a reason why C200 is a lot cheaper. If I was to pick one of the consumer films I would choose Kodak Gold over C200 anyday.
"Don't support your local shop if they don't support you" Sorry, you admittedly quit supporting them by shopping online and were then upset when your online shopping FAILED and you NEEDED them? That's called poetic justice...not unfair. Photogs quit utilizing local shops to save a few bucks online. The photogs decided that the SERVICE of a local shop weren't valuable. Shooters created the new environment, not the shops.
Amen
Just bought some Portra 400 35mm 36exp 5pk for $48.59. Not to mention shipping on top of that. From Freestyle
Sacramento film shooter here too! Mike's on J Street is a racket for film. A roll of cheap fujicolor 400 for $8.
Film is trending again, some stores arw hiking up film prices. Im in NYC so i've seen some local shops selling portra 800 as high as $15. My camera guy store that i go to sells porta 160 for about $7.49, i think 400 is the same price and 800 is i believe $10.49.
The last time I bought film personally in a local photo was probably 8 years ago, being 2 100 foot bulk rolls of Ektachrome 100. The shop was clearing out its film inventory, so my price was about $35.00/roll. I buy all of my film on line from a major store, usually Adorama or B&H (good sales). I would not buy film on ebay because you do not know how the seller has handled it before sale and you have no recourse. Saving 10-25% on ebay isn't worth the risk and hassle inherent that market, when I spend far more on the trip or experience to take the photos. Likewise, and for the reeasons stated, buying expired film on ebay is just a crap-shoot.
Who cares... A couple bucks... At least they carry it...
About the time you made this video I could source ILFORD HP5 from overseas cheaper than I could buy in the UK yet I live less than a hundred miles away from the ILFORD factory, bought two rolls last week and cheapest I could find on Ebay was 2 36 ex rolls of HP5 for £10.00.As for Tri-x well that is about £210 for a 30 meter roll while HP5 is around £65.00 for the same length..... Pass the DSLR.........
i had a similar experience over here in Ireland. I got a Canon EOS300 and I decided to shoot a film with it. I had no idea what a roll costs nowadays since I hadn't shot film in many years. I found a camera store in a mall and asked for film and the were asking for 15 Euros (17-18 $) for a single roll of Fuji Superia 200! I was shocked and left. Then I walked by a Fuji Lab were you could print your digital photos but they also still had the equipment for processing film. I asked them how much a roll costs and they said, well, if you have a film processed and printed with us, you will get a free roll of Fuji C200! I said, ok, can I buy one to start with? And they gave it to me for free! So of course I went back and had it processed there and since then I am a film shooter again. Now I also sometimes buy film on ebay or when I am back in Germany I buy film in a drug store (e.g. three rolls of Kodak Gold for 8 Euro / 9 $) or have my parents send me some.
In Europe there is VAT; some countries up to 25%!!! So it's not just mark up.
The local store sells much less less film because of digital so because they don't buy film in large quantities they themselves probably have to pay more......I could be wrong but who knows....
good watch bro I own a Fujifilm fine pix HS20 EXR and a Nikon f50 with a koboron af 28~200 lens on her heavy as but built like a tank
Portra is a very specific film.IMO only very good for portraits.For general photography I find it very average.
Thanks man! ... I can add that film is perishable stuff. It expires, just like food. The store should impose a price that stimulates the film sales.
Watching this post apocalypse where that box is 157$ and I was happy that my camera store had 1 roll of portra 400 and he sold it to me for 20$.
"its not insulin, its film. Its a hobby, we could do it if we want. We dont have to" lol! fake news. im addicted
I live near Bill's Camera and the chain store of Samy's. I don't like the prices of film for Samy's though they have a larger selection of film than Bill's Camera. But also Bills camera is cheaper I guess.
Went to my local camera store the other day to buy Rodinal. $25!
$10 more than Freestyle.
There are more film photographers in SF, so it means it's a bigger market, it they sell it for 10 bucks per roll they will be easily defeated by other local stores because of higher demand. I believe the demand in your city is far smaller than SF. So you are basically paying that 3 more bucks for their support to sell film rolls in smaller cities. In SF, if you wanna by a roll of film for urgent use, you can easily find tons of shops that you can choose, but it's a different story in smaller cities. It's all about demand and supply bro.
No local stores where I live. Seattle has one store I won't shop at. I buy used gear and everything else from Freestyle.
I just paid £14 for a roll of Portra 800, £10 for Portra 160, from a local store. Impulse purchase while I waited to meet my girl in town (Bristol UK) My jaw hit the floor. I know this is 3 years later but man, £24 uk sterling for 2 rolls of film!! That's $34...
In Sweden I have to pay 150 SEK (about 16 USD) for 1 roll of Portra 400 and about 300 SEK (33 USD) for a roll of Portra 800....