Great Service at Midwest Photo Exchange

[roteague]

All,

I just wanted to pass along my recent experience with Midwest Photo Exchange.

I just purchased a used Horseman 6x12 back from them for my Toyo. I ordered it on Friday, and received it today. Even though it is used, it looks brand new. Before I bought this item, I asked Jim, at MPEX, a number of questions, which he promptly answered. I am very happy with the quality of the service I received from them, and I would not hesitate to buy from them again.

Now to play with my new toy.....

 

[Peter Schrager]

MPX

Jim is a totally honest and real guy. Several years ago I sold them a large lot of Photographic paper. The deal was done over the phone and I recieved my payment fast. No BS or lies involved. I've also bought several used lenses from them that were pristine. One would be hard pressed to find a better retailor.
Best, Peter

 

[Robert Kerwin]

I recently bought a spotmeter off their website, nothing major, but the price was great, the meter was shipped promptly and was in great condition. MPEX is a great company for used gear and I'll certainly buy from them again.

- Robert

 

[Kino]

Yeah, I used to live in Columbus about 10 years ago and dropped by often for their out of date film specials and their bargain basement that was FULL of Graflex parts (all new).

Now, I don't get over there so often, but can highly recommend them from past experience.

 

[Andrey Donchev]

I have totaly different opinion on MPX. I attempted to contact them several times with e-mail. Through they eBay store and directly trough their WEB site and never received any answer. I'm living in Bulgaria and transcontinental phone calls are not the most appropriate way of making contacts. Anyway I definitely lost interest. It is pity because in the time of shrinking analog photography market we all must try to support each other!

 

[photobum]

Indeed, great to deal with. But... if Jims out on a shopping run it could be like banging your head against a wall if your looking for L/F. Which brings up a point for Adonchev. When Jim's not around I, e-mail him to his address. He's been in the middle of nowhere and will get back to you when he gets to his motel room at night. Providing that they have internet access.

With all the junk mail you get today the stores computer may have a filter that rejects your e-mail thinking it's like a morgage offer from Nigeria.

If I don't know the person sending me something or recognize the subject as being intended for me it's deleted faster than you can kiss a duck.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've also had good experiences with MPEX for LF things. It's good to know there's a place where you can order a Sinar lensboard with an Ilex #5 flange, and know they'll have it in stock and make it up properly without having to explain anything.

Congrats on the 6x12 back! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I guess that means that now you can get some mo' local kine E-6 processing.

 

[Aggie]

Indeed, great to deal with. But... if Jims out on a shopping run it could be like banging your head against a wall if your looking for L/F. Which brings up a point for Adonchev. When Jim's not around I, e-mail him to his address. He's been in the middle of nowhere and will get back to you when he gets to his motel room at night. Providing that they have internet access.

With all the junk mail you get today the stores computer may have a filter that rejects your e-mail thinking it's like a morgage offer from Nigeria.

If I don't know the person sending me something or recognize the subject as being intended for me it's deleted faster than you can kiss a duck.

I second this. I had dealt with a snooty young girl over the phone, and was run in circles. Jim was not pleased that he had not been told about this. Jim took care of the problem, and gave me his private contact info in the process. put your emails attn: Jim and hopefully Adonchev you will get exactly what you want.

 

[naturephoto1]

I too have had good success with Midwest Photo Exchange. This includes buying directly from them many years ago at Photo Plus East at the Javitts Center in NYC and with Jim over the telephone.

 

[roteague]

Congrats on the 6x12 back! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I guess that means that now you can get some mo' local kine E-6 processing.

I'm really looking forward to trying it, but Calypso will get the film for processing. I don't think there is anyone left here who processes E6. I didn't mention it but, the largest and oldest camera store (Francis Camera) in the state is going out of business next week - that only leaves a couple of small stores and Ritz/Wolf.

 

[Aggie]

I don't think there is anyone left here who processes E6.

Dead Link Removed They are a sponsor of apug!

 

[roteague]

Dead Link Removed They are a sponsor of apug!

I've used them for B&W, and they do good work, and I will use them again. However, for E6, they are much more expensive than Calypso ($2.00 per sheet versus $1.30) - that little difference adds up when you are doing hundreds of sheets.

 

[davekarp]

Jim at MPEX is as good as it gets. He has responded to me via e-mail from Japan, despite jet lag and has always followed through on anything he ever told me. I have bought several used lenses from him. Each better than advertised. Each looks like it has never been used.

He sold me a used Walker Titan 4x5 SF. The back was a bit loose and Mike Walker told me he would fix it for free and give the camera an overhaul if I shipped it to him. Jim had me ship it to him and then he shipped it to Mike for free. I should get it back this week.

By the way, the Walker is a very very nice camera. Rigid, good movements, very well made.

 

[Russ Young]

I've done business with Jimmy & Stu for about 13 years. They have been flawless, honest, fast, precise AND usually great prices. This applies to both email and telephone contact. Have bought 35 mm, 120, 4x5 and 5x7 equipment and lenses- oh, and film and paper too... plus all of the little accessories you need like cable releases (he has GOOD ones), hoods, filters, holders, cases, etc.
I get back East about once a year and try to drive by the store and stop in- just to torture myself. Best if April comes along and holds my wallet and check book...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'm really looking forward to trying it, but Calypso will get the film for processing. I don't think there is anyone left here who processes E6. I didn't mention it but, the largest and oldest camera store (Francis Camera) in the state is going out of business next week - that only leaves a couple of small stores and Ritz/Wolf.

That's too bad about Francis Camera. I think I stopped in there once on one of our trips out to the islands. Is that little place still hanging on? I've put at least three people in touch with them about that big Linhof TL, but I don't think anyone bought it.

 

[roteague]

That's too bad about Francis Camera. I think I stopped in there once on one of our trips out to the islands. Is that little place still hanging on? I've put at least three people in touch with them about that big Linhof TL, but I don't think anyone bought it.

Yes, it is still there; they have a real niche market, their sales mostly come from college students looking for B&W film.

 

[harleygsb]

Based on my experiences, Jim is as good as its gets when purchasing photo gear. Jim has treated me extremely well.

For E6, I use Color Services (now Specialty Color Services) in Santa Barbara. $1.75 per sheet. They have been extremely consistent and reliable over the years. They also process B&W. http://www.colorservices.com/

 

[kjsphoto]

Jim is one of the best people I know. Honest and a pleasure to deal with. If I ever need anything I use Mid West are their service is just top notch.

Best in the business as far as I am concerned.