Darkroom equipment sources

Dikaiosune01

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
69
Location
Hong Kong
Format
Large Format
Are there any places in Toronto to source Darkroom equipment?
I've started to build my darkroom
The sources in Hong Kong are scarce and difficult to deal with.
I'm hoping that my home home, Toronto, might have better resources for me.
Thanks.
Biggest on the list is a black and white light source (preferably a diffusor) for a Beseler 45MX
 

samcomet

Subscriber
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
378
Location
Sydney, Australia
Format
35mm RF
KHB Photographix

These are who I use in Australia, although they are in Mississauga.....good luck they have been great with me down under.....cheers, sam

http://www.khbphotografix.com/
 
Last edited by a moderator:

naeroscatu

Subscriber
Joined
Oct 15, 2004
Messages
1,031
Location
Newmarket On
Format
Multi Format
+1 for KHB - I bought few enlarger lenses from them. Friendly and very knowledgeable.
 

edwardeastman

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2011
Messages
27
Location
Oakville, On
Format
Medium Format
2 complete darkrooms for sale

Hello: I live in Oakville, about 20 minutes from Toronto, and have 2 complete darkrooms for sale (4x5 enlarger (2), lenses, 2 - sink (6 feet), 2 - stand, trays (8x10, 11x14 & 16x20), easels (Saunders 4 blade), light box, film developing tanks (120 and 4x5), everything you need to set up and starting working immediately). I also have some paper (refrigerated) and books. Leave me a message if you are interested.
 

Marek Warunkiewicz

Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
145
Location
Toronto, Can
Format
Medium Format
I find KHB is terrible because of extremely high prices and awful customer service. Each time I have gotten stuff from them I have been let down on a number of levels. The last and worst example was when I called them about a manual for a late model Beseler CB7. I told them that I was specifically looking for detailed information on alignment. I have had this enlarger since I was 18 or so which means I have had it for around 40 years. It has been shipped a number of times when I moved. They told me that they did indeed have a manual for the enlarger and it did have detailed info on alignment. Bought the manual. When it arrived, it had nothing about alignment except for a phrase in it that said I should purchase the extra technical manual to do the alignment. I called them and they told me that I should have looked at the manual before I bought it! Huh? OK, it was only twelve bucks. So I asked if they could do the alignment. They said yes, they could, it would cost a minimum of $250, more likely $500. I asked them how they know how to align the machine. They told me they had a manual. I asked if I could buy the manual since that was what I wanted in the first place. They said no. They wanted me to bring the enlarger to them and then take it back And that's when things go out of alignment. This is typical of their service and their attitude. I will NEVER buy anything from them again and would recommend nobody does either. Better to wait for something to come up on Craigslist or on forums like this and Large Format Photography, even eBay.

I now this is a long diatribe abut what might seem like a trivial matter, but it was the last straw of many.
 

kpphoto

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2005
Messages
8
Location
Toronto
Format
35mm
KHB - Questionable Customer Service

I second Marek...
I had an episode where I went to them for a few items and the employees were saying unmentionalble things about their bosses behind their backs. Hmmm...
I brought in a flash pack for repair and they ended up using it for parts and never contacted me and they were not apologetic at all when I called them about it.
I have heard other stories that would fry your mind.
 

CGW

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
Messages
2,896
Format
Medium Format
Business couldn't be that good! Don't recall seeing rent-a-cops directing customer traffic around the place...
 

Uncle Bill

Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,395
Location
Oakville and
Format
Multi Format
I called KHB once a few years back and was not impress with who answered the phone. That and the fact they wanted to sell me a Devere 504 manual for $50 which was a spiral bound booklet on inkjet paper. Thanks but no thanks.....
 

canuhead

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2006
Messages
832
Location
Southern Ont
Format
Multi Format
I bought several manuals there, well they're really just photocopies, and not cheap ones at that. Really didn't want to spend my time trying to find free ones online so I sucked it up paid...
 

Film Noir

Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2014
Messages
3
Format
Medium Format
CGW said:
Business couldn't be that good! Don't recall seeing rent-a-cops directing customer traffic around the place...
Click to expand...

Best Place to buy darkroom equipment. They have everything. I'm not sure about the employees statement, I only see one person running the entire place. Very knowledgeable.
 

Simian Summit

Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2014
Messages
6
Format
35mm
Axle said:
Also if you're looking for another source, Burlington Camera, their basement is almost all dedicated to Darkroom equipment and supplies. http://www.burlingtoncamera.com/
Click to expand...

I second the motion for Burlington Camera. Not only is their basement full of darkroom goodies (both new and used), but the people who work their told me not to buy things because I would be wasting my money.
 

canuhead

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2006
Messages
832
Location
Southern Ont
Format
Multi Format
sorry its time sensitive but there's camera show this Sunday. will have to dig up the flyer but it's at the Delta Hotel off the 401, Kennedy exit.
 

Axle

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2010
Messages
543
Location
Milton, ON
Format
Multi Format
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