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Canadian bulk chemical suppliers?

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MurrayMinchin

MurrayMinchin

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Know any Canadian suppliers of bulk darkroom chemicals?

Since I last had a darkroom jdphotochem has closed, which is where I used to get my ammonium thiosulfate for TF-3 and other photo chemicals for making my developer.

I've found quite a few references to Nymoc in Toronto, but was wondering if there are any other sources.

Murray
 
You might try Anachemia, canadawide.ca or Fisher Scientific. Prices in Canada are often ridiculously inflated, unless one is purchasing larger quantities.
 
Nymoc in Toronto is where I purchase bulk chemicals , not sure of any other reliable sources.
 
I looked recently, and found it was much cheaper to order from Bostick and Sullivan in the U.S. than Nymoc, even after paying the high shipping charges. I didn't try the others Ian mentions though.
B&S couldn't ship Sodium Hydroxide (except in ridiculously small amounts) across the border, but I found a local soap maker who can keep me in supply.
 
I forgot to mention that a pharmacy that does compounding might be able to procure chemistry.
 
Thanks for the tips so far. I'll check out the end cost to get the stuff I need to where I live.

Living where I do is great for photography, but it sure sucks when it comes to getting materials!

Murray
 
It is sad with our dollar so high that prices here are still out of this world! I order from the states unless absolutely necessary, again sad to say. I'd like to buy local but don't like paying more just for that ideal of buying Canadian, especially when none of the products are actually Canadian (or where is HC-110 made?).
 
If you need some high end darkroom accessories, Alistair Inglis is Canadian, and an APUG advertiser!

Dead Link Removed
 
MurrayMinchin said:
Know any Canadian suppliers of bulk darkroom chemicals?

Since I last had a darkroom jdphotochem has closed, which is where I used to get my ammonium thiosulfate for TF-3 and other photo chemicals for making my developer.

I've found quite a few references to Nymoc in Toronto, but was wondering if there are any other sources.

Murray
Click to expand...

I know it isn't Canadian, but Photographer's Formulary sells bulk chemicals. Some chemicals can be sent through the mail internationally, but other chemicals can't. Their website tells you what they can and cannot ship. If you can arrange it, get it sent to an American address and pick the chemicals up. You can carry them over the border (taxes & duty apply). Most states have a border service for Canadians where you can get US orders sent. They will hold them for you. The fees are generally quite reasonable. I pay $5 for the first package and $3 for each additional. I have also ordered photographic chemicals from Dead Link Removed. Same issue: some chemicals can only be carried over the border.
 
 
That's right Matt, perched right on the edge of Paradise :smile: and 1200 miles from Vancouver by road.

I get my Glycin from Photographer's Formulary, and used to order TF-4 from there until I switched to TF-3 and started ordering ammonium thiosulfate from JDPhotochem.

Looks like its getting narrowed down to Nymoc and PF. Will have to contact Nymoc for their prices in a couple days.

Murray
 
MattKing said:
Murray is in Kitimat, which is just a little bit distant from the border with the USA.
Click to expand...

Not TOO far from Alaska. but still hard to arrange personal visits I would imagine. I have not visited the US since they started wanting a passport, as it is way to much hassle to get a passport just to visit Syracuse.
 
This is only for sodium thiosulphate, pentahydrate form, but I've found a bulk supplier that sells it quite cheap. They are in the US, just down in Ferndale WA, and unlike most suppliers they will ship into Canada. Their Canadian affiliate has it too, but at twice the cost. A 40 lb bucket is $60 US compared to $108.95 for 50 lbs at the formulary. They supply for the fish hatchery market, but I called and confirmed it is photographic grade. http://www.wchemical.com/SODIUM-THIOSULFATE-P51C9.aspx

Dana
 
I use a supplier in Quebec named Argentix - www.argentix.ca He is good and has formulary products and lots of other cool film stuff. My order (200g elon, 5lbs sodium sulfite, 1 lb sodium metaborate) came to $137.22 CAD all in with shipping and taxes. Same order from B&H comes to $172.73 CDN all in taxes, duty, shipping. This puts it at about 50 cents per roll for developer (2 bath D23). He's well deserving of our support - imho.
 
I've always wanted to go to Kitimat! I've never gotten farther north than Williams Lake...

It might be worth while considering Caffenol recipes...at least as a backup when things are running low. I'd expect that instant coffee, washing soda, & vitamin C can be had just about anywhere.
 
Thorney said:
I use a supplier in Quebec named Argentix - www.argentix.ca He is good and has formulary products and lots of other cool film stuff. My order (200g elon, 5lbs sodium sulfite, 1 lb sodium metaborate) came to $137.22 CAD all in with shipping and taxes. Same order from B&H comes to $172.73 CDN all in taxes, duty, shipping. This puts it at about 50 cents per roll for developer (2 bath D23). He's well deserving of our support - imho.
Click to expand...

+1

I ordered rodinal and some film from them. Prices are decent and shipping is fast.
 
Thorney said:
I use a supplier in Quebec named Argentix - www.argentix.ca He is good and has formulary products and lots of other cool film stuff. My order (200g elon, 5lbs sodium sulfite, 1 lb sodium metaborate) came to $137.22 CAD all in with shipping and taxes. Same order from B&H comes to $172.73 CDN all in taxes, duty, shipping. This puts it at about 50 cents per roll for developer (2 bath D23). He's well deserving of our support - imho.
Click to expand...

mehguy said:
+1

I ordered rodinal and some film from them. Prices are decent and shipping is fast.
Click to expand...

And Argentix is an APUG advertiser too!
 
The Chemistry Store while based in the US ships to Canada. They do not sell developing agents but do sell other chemicals such as sodium sulfite and sodium thiosulfate. They also sell different amounts from a pound up to large amounts.
 
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cmacd123 said:
Not TOO far from Alaska. but still hard to arrange personal visits I would imagine. I have not visited the US since they started wanting a passport, as it is way to much hassle to get a passport just to visit Syracuse.
Click to expand...
looks a way away for Norwegian skis and husky team!
And you now need a passport with a bio chip if you cross the big pond.
 
MurrayMinchin said:
That's right Matt, perched right on the edge of Paradise :smile: and 1200 miles from Vancouver by road.

I get my Glycin from Photographer's Formulary, and used to order TF-4 from there until I switched to TF-3 and started ordering ammonium thiosulfate from JDPhotochem.

Looks like its getting narrowed down to Nymoc and PF. Will have to contact Nymoc for their prices in a couple days.

Murray
Click to expand...

Hi Murray, I also live in the Skeena region. Have you made headway on finding suppliers that support northern BC?
I am trying to endeavour into making tintypes and I thought learning the process would be the hardest part, but I am finding it impossible to find key chemicals for mixing up my solutions.
 
Meau said:
Hi Murray, I also live in the Skeena region. Have you made headway on finding suppliers that support northern BC?
I am trying to endeavour into making tintypes and I thought learning the process would be the hardest part, but I am finding it impossible to find key chemicals for mixing up my solutions.
Click to expand...

Welcome to Photrio! You could always check out argentix.ca. Jacques does carry bulk chemicals. I have no clue what chems are required for Tintypes, but you could give him a try.
 
Meau said:
Hi Murray, I also live in the Skeena region. Have you made headway on finding suppliers that support northern BC?
I am trying to endeavour into making tintypes and I thought learning the process would be the hardest part, but I am finding it impossible to find key chemicals for mixing up my solutions.
Click to expand...

Hey, someone close to where I live! Welcome aboard 👍👍

Argetix is the go-to place I've found in Quebec, but sometimes runs low on items: https://www.argentix.ca/index01.php

Beau Photo in Vancouver sometimes has oddball stuff, and can order things in as well: https://www.beauphoto.com

This spot in Surrey is where I get Sodium Thiosulfate: https://dynamicaquasupply.com

Artcraft Chemicals in the US is small, but has a good supply: https://artcraftchemicals.com

Bostick & Sullivan in the US is good: https://www.bostick-sullivan.com

Photographers Formulary in the US is also good: https://stores.photoformulary.com

This thread is from 2011...I'm now wandering in the valley of alternative processes, currently playing with Argyrotypes.

Have you got a large format camera? Darkroom?
 
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