Adorama sent me expired film

roteague · Mar 10, 2005

jcausey said:
I've always had excellent service, on the other hand, from Freestyle and Calumet.

I've always been happy with the service that I've gotten from Calumet; I haven't tried Freestyle yet.

Max Power · Mar 10, 2005

I've had excellent service in Canada from Henry's in Toronto...Really expensive but excellent service.

A few months ago I ordered a bunch of stuff from them including a 30m roll of Delta-400. They sent a roll of Delta-100 instead. When I called them up to explain the situation, and ask what to do, without hesitation the chap on the 'phone said just to pack it off in the mail and he would send out the roll of D-400 right away with a refund for the film and postage to my credit card.

Now that's service.

Kent

MattCarey · Mar 10, 2005

Here are my varied experiences

B&H: very early on, I found that they were listing an item number that was different than the description. The manufacturor's item number included parts that B&H was not including, allowing them to advertise a low price. They were so rude on the phone I litterally hung up on them. However, since then, I have had good success with them. Once, I called to change an order 30 minutes after submitting it via internet. They had already packed the order, so they sent the additional items with no shipping charge.

Adorama: Waited 4-5 months for some tri-X. This was when everyone was out of the 400asa film. When it did come in, it took a few pings to get them to ship (the price had climbed significantly since my order, but I got it at the original price). When I had a problem with a rollfilm back for my mini-speed, they told me I could send it back at my own expense and they would look into it. I was not impressed.

JandC: ran into the delay caused by the miscut 4x5 film last year. Great communication during the delay. He offered better film as a replacement, but I waited for the JandC pro as I didn't have that much instant need. Traded other emails about products, and have received quick, informative replies.

Photowarehouse: just got an order of some stuff. Two week delay with no communication. Prices are not the same as on their website (but are the same as their catalogue). Some items backordered, some items listed as shipped missing in the order. This was a couple of days back, and I am still waiting for a response to my email.

I may try Freestyle soon (to check out their supposedly HP5+ sheet film). Perhaps I will duck out for a visit in my trip to LA this weekend...

In summary, B&H and JandC are my favorite groups right now. I have been trying a lot of different films lately, but when I standardize on the film, I will standardize on the supplier.

Matt

c6h6o3 · Mar 10, 2005

David H. Bebbington said:
How DO these bums stay in business?

There's one born every minute.

c6h6o3 · Mar 10, 2005

JandC is the best. You get what you pay for and then some with John.

If they don't carry it, I order it from Calumet. They're never the cheapest, but I always get treated there as if they'd like me to buy something else from them someday. What a concept!

L Gebhardt · Mar 10, 2005

I have been ordering a lot from Adorama lately without any problems. I usually use B&H but they won't ship certain items like color developers, even though they use UPS now (same as Adorama). The only problem I had was a sealed box of Tetenal C-41 kit had a small leak. I called them up and they sent out another kit that day, and told me to keep the first kit (as if I could have mailed it anyway). The first kit still worked fine, so I made out. All the film and paper I have ordered has been fresh.

raw_toe · Mar 10, 2005

adorama....

on my first order a couple of months ago, placed on a wednesday and got 3 day shipping. a week later and still not shipped. they ended up sending it next day in the end, but i had to keep after them.

i'm on my 2nd order from them, couple of packs of ilford paper, we'll see. i ordered it yesterday.

David Brown · Mar 10, 2005

David H. Bebbington said:
How DO these bums stay in business?

I call it the "Walmart" syndrome. Many people will put up with bad service, and buy lesser goods, just to save a marginal amount.

I've only been to B&H once, but there were lines at the checkouts, just like Walmart, et al. Fortunately for me, Adorama was closed that day ...

I try to trade locally as much as possible, but when they don't have anything to buy, whadayado?

Cheers

David

David Brown · Mar 10, 2005

Emergency post!!!! When I referenced "some people" in my previous post, I, of course, didn't mean ANY APUG members!!!!

david b · Mar 10, 2005

well, I use the local place for last minute emergencies. Pan F+ sells for $6.00 there so buying from adorama for $2.49 makes sense even with shipping.

But I will now be ordering from calumet from now on. They sponsor the site just like I do and they ship relatively quickly.

I WILL NEVER ORDER FROM ADORAMA AGAIN.

jim appleyard · Mar 10, 2005

We all make mistakes, but what counts to me is how they are corrected. I usually order from Adorama. Once they sent 35mm instead of 220. No big deal, as I would eventually use the 35 and there's plenty of room in the extra freezer. I called my rep and he sent the 200 w/free shipping.

I've had them make other mistakes, but they've fixed them.

Bring to their attention that the film you ordered was out of date and see how they correct the problem.

david b · Mar 10, 2005

Their idea of fixing the problem is to have me return the film at my expense and then they would send the newer stuff they now have (which is dated 12/2005).

The other fix was to credit me 50 cents a roll. Wow!! How generous.

(I was also told that I should not be concerned as the film will be good for another year or so.)

kjsphoto · Mar 10, 2005

I agree I buy everything from Calumet. ONe of the best companies going. ANd they always makes thigs right if soemthing is wrong. For example I order some chemistry adn the bottle leaked in shipping. 1/4 of the bottle was gone. I called then and they sent me a new one free of charge. I may pay a little more but it is worth it in the long run especially with their awesome customer service. I have used them for years and will continue to do so.

bennoj · Mar 10, 2005

About 8 years ago when I first started buying photo gear and supplies online I saw an online buying FAQ (can't recall where it was, possibly photo.net) that emphasized:

1. B&H is the only reputable NYC online seller

2. Even when buying from B&H ALWAYS specify Long Date in the comments section of the order form when ordering perishable supplies.

You think Adorama or 42nd Street Photo (are they still around?) are bad with online customer service? When I used to live in NYC in the late 80's I went into them a few times and was either ignored completely or if I had a question, was answered in as few words as possible (it was pretty clear the salesmen knew nothing other than the price and model numbers). If it was clear I was unsure or not going to buy right then I was immediately ignored.

I've never had problems with B&H, J&C, Calumet or Badger Graphic. Once Calumet sent me the wrong paper (Bergger Warm Tone instead of Normal) and when I called they immediately sent out a UPS packing label for me to use to return the paper and I had the correct paper back in just a few days. No cost to me other than a trip to a UPS outlet to send it back.

Keep shooting!

Max Power · Mar 10, 2005

So Where do other Canadians order from?

Sorry, but I'm going to hi-jack this thread (only a bit) for a moment.

For Canadians, where do you order by mail from? I've been getting stuff from Henry's lately. I find their prices very high, but the shipping is really fast and a decent price.
I ordered from Photoco in Montreal last week and it was a really good price, especially shipping, but their reaction time is a bit slow (I've been to their shop in Montreal and they are very knowledgeable, but it is a pretty small operation).

I was looking at some of the US sellers, especially because their prices on film are quite low, but I was wondering about the effect the shipping itself might have on film...Do the USPS and Canada Post nuke packages? How long does it take to get stuff across the border?

Anyone up here in the Great White North have any experience or recommendations?

Cheers!
Kent

colrehogan · Mar 10, 2005

Max Power said:
Sorry, but I'm going to hi-jack this thread (only a bit) for a moment.

For Canadians, where do you order by mail from? I've been getting stuff from Henry's lately. I find their prices very high, but the shipping is really fast and a decent price.
I ordered from Photoco in Montreal last week and it was a really good price, especially shipping, but their reaction time is a bit slow (I've been to their shop in Montreal and they are very knowledgeable, but it is a pretty small operation).

I was looking at some of the US sellers, especially because their prices on film are quite low, but I was wondering about the effect the shipping itself might have on film...Do the USPS and Canada Post nuke packages? How long does it take to get stuff across the border?

Anyone up here in the Great White North have any experience or recommendations?

Cheers!
Kent

I'm not Canadian, but got these sites from a Canadian. See also: http://largeformatphotography.info/lfforum/topic/501147.html

www.beauphoto.com - Vancouver

www.leoscamera.com - Vancouver

www.vistek.com -- Toronto

david b · Mar 10, 2005

Now to make matters even worse, I just got a credit notification for $10.45.

This means the credit I received was/is .41 and not .50 as promised.

ADORAMA SUCKS...

Woolliscroft · Mar 10, 2005

Oh well, I recently used what may have been the last 5 rolls of 220 Delta 400 in existence. It expired in 1997 and hadn't been frozen. I had put the pack in a drawer and forgotten about it. The results were fine. See if you can get a refund then use the film.

David.

Flotsam · Mar 10, 2005

I just got my stuff from Adorama. Everything was there so the first thing I did was check the Exp. date on the Tri X. Whew! 02/2007. The only problem is that the print tongs they had pictured on their site weren't the ones I got. Bummer because I wanted the specific tongs they pictured but they were cheap and the ones that they sent lock closed and have hanging hooks so they'll be useful for pulling prints and hanging them over the tray to drain the excess solution. Something that I have been trying to find a convenient way to do for some time. Kind of neat.

Anyway, as someone mentioned earlier in this thread, the real measure of a good company is how they deal with their customers when a problem arises. Luckily, I haven't had to test this with Adorama yet.

Canuck · Mar 11, 2005

Max Power said:
Sorry, but I'm going to hi-jack this thread (only a bit) for a moment.

For Canadians, where do you order by mail from? I've been getting stuff from Henry's lately. I find their prices very high, but the shipping is really fast and a decent price.
I ordered from Photoco in Montreal last week and it was a really good price, especially shipping, but their reaction time is a bit slow (I've been to their shop in Montreal and they are very knowledgeable, but it is a pretty small operation).

I was looking at some of the US sellers, especially because their prices on film are quite low, but I was wondering about the effect the shipping itself might have on film...Do the USPS and Canada Post nuke packages? How long does it take to get stuff across the border?

Anyone up here in the Great White North have any experience or recommendations?

Cheers!
Kent

Have you tried www.thecamerastore,com based out of Calgary. Been buying stuff for years from them though not mailorder, since I live only an hour away. Good people though, to deal with.

Tom Duffy · Mar 11, 2005

I never buy anything from Adorama or B&H without physically inspecting it. Luckily, Adorama is 5 blocks from my office. I buy my color film from Calumet, at least you know what you're getting. At Adorama, I always check the expiration date on the film I'm buying. Couple of times I've insisted on fresher film. Guess they send the stuff I reject to New Mexico.
I think the big problem with these places is that they get returns in less than pristine condition which they then pawn off as new. B&H once tried to sell me a an expensive polarizer with palm prints on it...
Take care,
Tom

david b · Mar 11, 2005

I love knowing that this thread has been viewed over 1100 times.

Thomas Bertilsson · Mar 11, 2005

ADORAMA SUCKS

Well, I'd love to add to this thread. Adorama sent the wrong amount of film a couple of times. I have also been sent color film that was expired. I can accept a mistake (especially considering the size of their operation), and am a very understanding person if I get a reasonable explanation, or at least an excuse.
But when you call back and get an attitude about it, that's way above where I draw the line. These guys have TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE customer service. I will never in my life buy anything from them again. I'd rather buy film on eBay.

On the contrary, to give some contrast, I once purchased and tried the Gigabit film when J&C was carrying it. It shipped quickly, and arrived with a broken developer bottle. I sent J&C an email about it, being used to Adorama level service I was worried about "What's next? How do we solve this faux-pas?". Two days later I had a new film/developer kit. J&C rules! They are great at what they're doing. Why support a place like Adorama when you get such good service at J&C!

Just my 2 pennies.

- Thom

jcausey · Mar 11, 2005

huggyviking said:
Why support a place like Adorama when you get such good service at J&C!

Precisely! The service at places like Calumet and J&C is so much better that I'd pay way, way, WAY more. Of course, the prices are nowhere near that much higher, if they're higher at all.

mfobrien · Mar 11, 2005

I have been buying my film from Freestyle and J&C. Never had any problems with either, and the shipping is cheaper than from NYC.

Adorama sent me expired film

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