B&H not shipping chemicals anymore?

Ko.Fe. said:

IMO, it is shame to be Canadian resident and not to buy chemicals from argentix.ca. They do have chemicals which I can't buy locally.

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A) Argentix.ca won't sell me the many small random bits of photo and audio gear that commonly got added into orders as needed.
B) Of the film and chemistry that I do order, I apparently can't buy more than half of it off their site anyway.
C) Their prices on most of what I order were always at a hefty premium, even after duty and exchange, any time I compared there.
I'm also not very keen on supporting a business who can't be bothered to adopt an even remotely modern website.

So yeah, I'm rather annoyed with B&H changing their policy, because it means paying more and putting up with less convenient shopping. I bought from them purely on the basis that they made my life easier, and they're now actively working against that.

TheFlyingCamera said:

I contacted them about this a while ago as it relates to C-41 chemistry. They insist it is because they are ORM-D materials that they can't ship it, even by truck or rail. I tried to point out the grand irony/hypocrisy of being able to have it shipped to their store, but them somehow being unable to ship it to their customers, but they were having none of it and cut me off. At this point, it is their policy to not ship chemistry of most sorts, and no amount of whining on our part is going to change their mind on it it seems. I solve the problem by ordering my C-41 from Freestyle with enough lead time it's not an issue, and ordering in enough volume that the shipping cost is spread over multiple items so it isn't so onerous coming from the opposite coast.

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Born2Late said:

If they don't mind losing the business, I certainly don't mind taking it elsewhere.

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I would rather go to FreeStyle for photochemistry.

Sirius Glass said:

I would rather go to FreeStyle for photochemistry.

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problem with freestyle is that they only use the most expensive mode of shipping to Canada, with one of the choices Fed ex international mail, which is limited to a MAXIMUM 150 dollar order, and sends your stuff to Sweden where it is put into the mail to Canada. Certianly I have enjoyed the ability to combines my Film and Chemistry purchases, along with the misc accessories I need form time to time. If I can't buy the chemicals from B&H I would hardly be disposed to buy film from them.

I would rather drive to FreeStyle than B&H.

I'd be more than happy if a Cdn member was going to make a drive down to pick up some supplies. I'd chip in gas money.

Sirius Glass said:

I would rather drive to FreeStyle than B&H.

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An extremely useful and helpful bit of information. Would you drive to Freestyle for me and ship me my regular order of DD-X, Microphen and various packs of paper (only about 400 sheets) for free?

I received a reply from B&H yesterday...

Thank you for contacting the Sales Department at B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.

Unfortunately, many photo chemicals that we were able to ship are now for store pick up only due to a hazmat issue. The problem is that until recently, these products were mis-coded as being shippable when they were not. We regret this inconvenience.

Please let me know if you require any further assistance.

Thank you for choosing B&H.

So take that for what it's worth. I guess between this and Henry's reply in this thread this is the most information we're going to get regarding this change.

Yesterday I placed and order from Freestyle for film and paper developer.

cmacd123 said:

problem with freestyle is that they only use the most expensive mode of shipping to Canada, with one of the choices Fed ex international mail, which is limited to a MAXIMUM 150 dollar order, and sends your stuff to Sweden where it is put into the mail to Canada. Certianly I have enjoyed the ability to combines my Film and Chemistry purchases, along with the misc accessories I need form time to time. If I can't buy the chemicals from B&H I would hardly be disposed to buy film from them.

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You can still get film and common chemicals (incl DD-X) at competitive prices off the shelf in Ottawa from GPC Labworks (film only) and Galaxy Camera. That's where I buy it. I just bought some more exotic chemicals from Argentix. Reasonable prices and excellent service. I wanted to try out the new Adox MCC developer and ordered some from Freestyle in the spring and had 2 bottles delivered to Ogdensburg NY. I can easily do without chemicals from B&H.

Sirius Glass said:

I would rather drive to FreeStyle than B&H.

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id rather walk to B&H than drive to freestyle.

hahahahahahaha

brian steinberger said:

I received a reply from B&H yesterday...

Thank you for contacting the Sales Department at B&H Photo Video and Pro Audio.

Unfortunately, many photo chemicals that we were able to ship are now for store pick up only due to a hazmat issue. The problem is that until recently, these products were mis-coded as being shippable when they were not. We regret this inconvenience.

Please let me know if you require any further assistance.

Thank you for choosing B&H.

So take that for what it's worth. I guess between this and Henry's reply in this thread this is the most information we're going to get regarding this change.

Yesterday I placed and order from Freestyle for film and paper developer.

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then when you go to the store, they tell you its not in stock. their darkroom department is mostly bare shelves.

Luckless said:

A) Argentix.ca won't sell me the many small random bits of photo and audio gear that commonly got added into orders as needed.
B) Of the film and chemistry that I do order, I apparently can't buy more than half of it off their site anyway.
C) Their prices on most of what I order were always at a hefty premium, even after duty and exchange, any time I compared there.
I'm also not very keen on supporting a business who can't be bothered to adopt an even remotely modern website.

So yeah, I'm rather annoyed with B&H changing their policy, because it means paying more and putting up with less convenient shopping. I bought from them purely on the basis that they made my life easier, and they're now actively working against that.

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Each case is different, I guess. I don't need audio gear for stills pictures and Argentix prices are not inflated comparing to others pricing for products I'm buying from Argentix. For lyth and E-6, C-41 chemicals it is even cheaper with them to me. But to be honest, for bw bulk film brand and types which I'm using it is easier with BH. And for now I have one place near by where I'm with darkroom paper, if suddenly they have to be closed one day, I'll look at BH first and Argentix second or smuggle container of Slavich paper from mother Russia

paul ron said:

then when you go to the store, they tell you its not in stock. their darkroom department is mostly bare shelves.

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I had promised myself that I wasn't going to comment further on this topic, but this is too much.

I wouldn't mind if B&H was upfront about this, but they aren't - they are BSing us. They have been selling this stuff for 43 years and they just now figured out it is too hazardous to ship! I have been in the manufacturing sector longer than B&H has been in business. Hazardous material is shipped via UPS, Federal Express and all the rest every day, I know, I've been on the receiving end nearly every day of the week. Darkroom chemicals pale in comparison next to some of the things we receive. Freestyle can ship it, Adorama can ship it and many more. You can also bet that most all of what is delivered to those same stores is shipped to them by the same carriers.

Come on B&S, your customers deserve a truthful answer.

I think you nailed the issue on the head. It's the blatant dishonesty that is troubling. If they are being dishonest about this, what else are they being dishonest about.

I will be interested in what the manufacturers of the materials think. If they cannot get their products into the hands of photographers, they have a problem. B&H have a sizable chunk of the North American market, and if they cannot ship it, they cannot sell it.

I've been buying from Freestyle and B&H for many years.More B&h in the past couple of years for chemistry.I usually buy tmax RS,4 at a time.If B&H don't want to sell to me,I'll buy from Freestyle.And while I'm at it I'll get anything else I need there.Simple really

I'll continue to use B&H for all that they have in stock, can ship and use Freestyle for what can't be shipped from B&H.

I long ago realized that the whole film / analog ethos would go through major changes due to near vertical decline so I never take any of what we have and how we get it for granted.

The only thing you can count on in this life is that nothing stays the same, so live for today.

Born2Late said:

I have been in the manufacturing sector longer than B&H has been in business. Hazardous material is shipped via UPS, Federal Express and all the rest every day, I know, I've been on the receiving end nearly every day of the week. Darkroom chemicals pale in comparison next to some of the things we receive. Freestyle can ship it, Adorama can ship it and many more. You can also bet that most all of what is delivered to those same stores is shipped to them by the same carriers.

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Very important post, and i'm quoting here to see if B&H takes notice.

I'll also say that for Canadian, Argentix is a great option. Legacy Pro Eco Ascorbic acid developer that is just like XTOL. Lots of Photographers Formulary stuff and pick your flavour of fixer...he's got a lot of stuff that you'd otherwise need to go to Freestyle for. Great service and fast shipping for anyone in Ontario and likely great for the rest of the country as well.

Ai Print said:

The only thing you can count on in this life is that nothing stays the same, so live for today.

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But stock up for tomorrow.

I'm surprised to learn B&H shipped chemicals at all! They lost my chemical business years ago, when they stopped shipping Ilfochrome chemicals for some sorry-ass reason. I started getting all my chems elsewhere right then and there.

faberryman said:

But stock up for tomorrow.

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Last inventory check shows:

38 units of Xtol
41 units of Dektol
64 units of fixer
45 units of HC-110
22 units of Rodinal
18 units of Ilfostop

I'll top off later this month...;-)

B&H's governmental regulations excuse is pure BS. Here is a list of the photographic chemicals that Bostick & Sullivan will happily sell and ship to you every day of the week:

Aluminum Potassium Sulfate
Ammonium Chloride
Ammonium Citrate Dibasic
Ammonium Dichromate
Ammonium Dichromate 5% Sol.
Ammonium Ferric Oxalate
Ammonium Ferric Oxalate Sol. No. 1
Ammonium Ferric Oxalate Sol. No. 2
Ammonium Thiocyanate
Ammonium Thiocyanate Sol 2%
Ammonium Thiosulfate 60% Solution
Cadmium Bromide
Calcium Carbonate
Cesium Chloride
Chromium Potassium Sulfate (Chrome Alum)
Citric Acid
Citric Acid - 40% Solution
Collodion
Copper Chloride
Copper Sulfate
Cyanotype Sol A - Classic Formula
Cyanotype Sol B - Classic Formula
Developer - Kallitype Black
Developer for Pt-Pd- Ammonium Citrate
Developer for Pt-Pd- Cold Bath
Developer for Pt-Pd- Potassium Oxalate
Developer for Pt-Pd- Sodium Citrate
EDTA Tetra Sodium (B+S Clearing Agent)
Ethyl Ether
Ferric Ammonium Citrate
Ferric Nitrate
Ferric Oxalate - Dry Pack No. 1.
Ferric Oxalate - Dry Pack No. 2.
Ferric Oxalate Powder
Ferric Oxalate Sol. 20% - (Kallitype)
Ferric Oxalate Sol. No. 1 (for pt and pd)
Ferric Oxalate Sol. No. 2 (for pd or pt)
Ferrous Sulfate, FCC High Purity Grade
Ferrous Sulfate, Technical
Formaldehyde 37% Solution
Gallic Acid
Gelatin 250 bloom
Glacial Acetic Acid
Glycerin
Glyoxal 40% Sol. in water
Gum Arabic Powder
Gum Arabic Solution 14 Baume
Gum Sandarac
Hydroquinone
Lamp Black
Lavender Oil
Lead Citrate
Lithium Chloride
Lithium Ferric Oxalate
Magnesium Carbonate
Metol
Old Workhorse Collodion
Oxalic Acid
Phenidone
Phosphoric Acid
Polyvinyl Alcohol - 10% Solution
Potassium Bromide
Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Chlorate
Potassium Chloride
Potassium Cyanide
Potassium Dichromate
Potassium Dichromate - 10% Solution (For Gum)
Potassium Ferricyanide
Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium Iodide
Potassium Metabisulfite
Potassium Monobasic Phosphate
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium Oxalate Powder
Potassium Permanganate
Potassium Sodium Tartrate (Rochelle Salts)
Pumice Powder
Pyro PMK Developer A Solution
Pyro PMK Developer B Solution
Pyro Rollo Developer A Solution
Pyro Rollo Developer B Solution
Pyrocat HD Developer - 500 ml A&B
Pyrocatechol (Catechol, Pyrocatechin)
Pyrogallic Acid
Rapid Fixer
Selenium
Silane (Glass Coating Treatment)
Sodium Acetate
Sodium Bisulfite
Sodium Borate Decahydrate
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Diacetate
Sodium Dichromate
Sodium Ferric Oxalate
Sodium Formate
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Metaborate
Sodium Silicate
Sodium Sulfide
Sodium Sulfite
Sodium Thiocyanate
Sodium thiosulfate
Sodium Tungstate Dihydrate
Sodium Tungstate Solution 40%
Starch - Arrowroot Powder
Succinic Acid
Sulfamic Acid
Tannic Acid
Tartaric Acid
Thiodipropionic Acid
Thiourea Practical
Tween 20 10% sol
Tween 20 50% sol

So I'd rate B&H's statements as four Pinocchios, which, unfortunately, has become the new normal for civil discourse in the United States.

Ai Print said:

Last inventory check shows:

38 units of Xtol
41 units of Dektol
64 units of fixer
45 units of HC-110
22 units of Rodinal
18 units of Ilfostop

I'll top off later this month...;-)

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You may have me beat I panic bought XTOL and Bromophen some of its ten years old still good as new sealed in air tight containers . Seems like I've been given about 40 lbs of sodium sulfite , gallons of stop etc.
Better safe than sorry !
Best Regards Mike

faberryman said:

Citric Acid
Hydroquinone
Metol
Phenidone
Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Hydroxide
Rapid Fixer
Sodium Sulfite

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So almost everything needed for preparing your own developer can be shipped. Plus stop bath and fixer.

cmacd123 said:

problem with freestyle is that they only use the most expensive mode of shipping to Canada, with one of the choices Fed ex international mail, which .... sends your stuff to Sweden where it is put into the mail to Canada.

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Crazy World