I have to admit spending quite a bit of money in my local Jessops recently, and went in a few times over the last 3 weeks, they had customers every time ordering prints, buying cameras & accessories. They had RC paper and B&W chemistry on the shelf but are always let down by the poor stock levels of film, Boots had more but only 35mm.
When I started in B&W in the late 60's there were 3 photographic suppliers in the town, unfortunately there's now only Jessops, who took over a much better shop and dumbed it down. The store is good for processing and I do use them for colour snaps, and had some excellent prints done by them last Saturday -OK they were from Stoo Batchelors digital files from the APUG Cornwall meet but they've always done an excellent job with my Fuji Superia negs, the staff are experienced.
Tim Brookes, the then Chairman, regenerated Jessops around 6 or 7 years ago ready for privatisation, they prided themselves then that they could supply anything photographic at a competitive prices and would always price match, in addition anything they sold online or in their catalogue could be in your local Store within 24 hours. They'd also get you items not in the catalogue !!!
There was a point around 2002/3 maybe 4 where I was buying virtually everything I needed from Jessops, LF films, 120, B&W papers, shemistry, and then Tim left and the rot set in again.
Ian
