Ilford film and Simon

[kjsphoto]

I would like to let everyone know that Simon really helped me out and that Ilford is a company that I will back form this day forward. This is a company that not only listens when a concern arises but acts on it to make sure they do everything to offer you help and a solution.

Simon I would like to thank you very much and to let you know that you have my support for HP5+ from this day forward!

Thank you again for your help and professionalism,

Kevin

 

[ijsbeer]

Same for me, Because Simon sent me an very good book for free Te manual for the darkroom is very helpfull for me. So Thanx again Simon

 

[BWKate]

Yes Simon is awesome! Very helpful and tries to answer whatever question you may have personally.

 

[kjsphoto]

What I find truly amazing is that the customer service offered by them is of that of a mom and pop shop and I am completely impressed. Look how big they are, a big corporation, but yet they still listen to us, their users of their products and do everything possible to make it right when most other companies tell you to deal with it, or jsut ignore you. Simon went above and beyond of what I could ever have expected.

I am really impressed and I am serious when I say I am sticking with HP5+ from now on. I switched over from Kodak about 4 years ago mainly a TMAX 400 user and at that time I was looking for a 400-speed replacement film and after trying many out I choose HP5+. I have had a few issues here and there and the last one was annoying to say the least and I posted asking if anyone else was experiencing the same sort of issue as I was. I made the post on the forum and never expected the service I received from Simon.

All I can say is that they are a top-notch company and with service like this I see them in the business for a long time coming. I am just in awe with how politely, friendly and professionally everything was handled. Even if they raise prices so what, with service like I received why would I considered leaving for a few dollars. To me service is more important than price and what they ( Simon & Ilford ) has sown is that they actually do care about their users.

Again Simon thank you for everything,


Kev

 

[noseoil]

"Look how big they are, a big corporation, but yet they still listen to us, their users of their products and do everything possible to make it right when most other companies tell you to deal with it, or jsut ignore you. Simon went above and beyond of what I could ever have expected."

Kevin, you have hit on the essence of the situation. A company like Ilford (or for that matter, The Great Yellow Father) is only as good as their word and their word, in this case, is backed up by a very decent person. Simon had been put into a position which seems to be unique in today's world. He is willing to listen to any and all and then reply in a manner which is both timely and informative. Someone with a bit of knowledge about customer service has selected him to be the conduit for information between the company and the end-user, this small group of people. It seems that Ilford is on a solid footing because of the people who are both running the company and who represent it.

It is refreshing to see this attitude in the somewhat "hit and run" world economy which is so common today. Take a look at this type of post, and then look at the ones we normally see about a certain small camera manufacturer with the opposite approach. Seems we might draw some simple conclusions about who will be in business longer. tim

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I must also add my praise for Simon here. When they were introducing their new Warmtone and Cooltone developers, I asked if I could get a sample, and offered to document my results here. Simon sent me an entire CASE of each developer. It was a very smart marketing move, as not only did it make a profound impression on me, but it got the product into the hands of a half-dozen other folks I shared it with. And back then, when Simon gave me the developer, I was even more of a no-name entity here than I am now. I was not then, and still am not, a Les McLean or a Roger Hicks with a publication track record and a professional reputation commensurate with corporate sponsorship or largesse.

I can also say that, I'm still working through that case of developer, and it is still good, a year later, and an open bottle of it is still good six months after being opened and partially used. Terrific, long-lasting product.

 

[rtuttle]

I agree, having Simon here is quite the selling point for Ilford. In fact when I first started getting back into photography after almost ten years off I was looking at various companies to buy from. I believe I met Simon at the NYC show back in November and he tossed me a couple of rolls of HP5 for my son who was taking photo in college. After reading him here and talking to the Ilford people in NY I have made up my mind on FP4. It's a good product and by contributing to Ilford it helps assure of B&W availability in the future. Ilford seems to be listening to what it's consumers want at this point. It's kind of refreshing.

 

[JLP]

Although there is some unsertainty about the FAR future of analog photography we really are a spoiled bunch. With a direct link to Simon and Ilford, the largest supplier of film, paper and chemicals in addition to many other suppliers still in business, a wast supply of old as well as new cameras, lenses and other gadgets that makes analog photograpy so highly individual and creative, we really are spoiled. How many photographers using the digital media could posibly communicate directly with any of the suppliers? None.
So, thank you Simon for your continued support and the supply of great materials for many years to come.


jan

 

[herb]

Simon and Ilford

An old guy who was in Hitler's camps at one time and survived to make it in America, told me:

"a deal is no better than the people you are doing business with"

Amen

 

[Ole]

I used to prefer Ilford film many years ago, when there was a lot of different films to choose from.

After the tour of the facilities in Mobberley, I like it even better. Ilford has my full support - at least as long as they make the film sizes I want.

 

[SusanK]

I'll continue to lend my support.... putting my money where my mouth is. I have purchased a significant amount of Ilford film/paper/chemistry over the past month.

 

[Matt5791]

I think one thing that is seriously in Ilford's favour is that Simon and the rest of those who run the company are, above all, VERY enthusiastic about the products they sell and really believe in them.

Because they themselves are enthusiats, helping out other enthusiasts is second nature.

This is one of the greatest assets of that company and whay it has succeded and continues to thrive - the enthusiasam is infectious.

Matt

 

[jgjbowen]

Hey Simon,

We need a silver chloride paper

Thanks for all you do for us.

 

[Black Dog]

Agreed!I've been an Ilford user for nearly 25 years, man and boy.

 

[MurrayMinchin]

This thread should be sent to Simon's boss!

Murray

 

[copake_ham]

I haven't had need to call upon Simon personally - but as I am right now scanning some HP5+ that I shot - I certainly am liking what I'm seeing!

 

[Tom Kershaw]

As I understand it Simon is one of the six directors who own the business. (please correct me if I'm wrong). I don't know who the Managing Director is though.

Tom.

 

[Chazzy]

I'm still holding out for 220. But I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Dinesh]

OK. I didn't want to bring this up but Simon tried to grab my ass at the APUG conference.

 

[eddie gunks]

thanks ilford and simon

i think it is great that ilford and simon did the right thing. it is great to see that some people still care about good customer service and still make great products. i use ilford. thanks!

kevin, i read your last post about this ((there was a url link here which no longer exists)) and i thought you were being a D..k at that time. there are easier ways to get what you want than the kind of public display that you put on. i think even more highly of simon and ilford now cause i would have treated you in a similar manner that you were treating them....i would have acted like a D..k.

so once again. nice job simon.. ....and for kevin....thumbs down for you.

eddie

 

[Alex Hawley]

This all makes good business sense. Take care of the customers and they will take care of you. Having company Directors who are engaged in the art themselves is big plus - unlike those of another major photo company we all know.

At the end of the day, all this has prodded me to move more of my business to Ilford. Right now, my useage is limited to roll film but that will shift to include LF sizes as my current stock runs out.

 

[johnnywalker]

Dinesh said, "OK. I didn't want to bring this up but Simon tried to grab my ass at the APUG conference."

Eddie replied, "i think it is great that ilford and simon did the right thing. it is great to see that some people still care about good customer service"

Couldn't agree more Eddie!

 

[wfwhitaker]

I don't know what motivated this thread, but while you guys are heaping on the praise, ask Simon what the deal is with the sheet film order situation. We were promised an update on January 22nd, but still have heard nothing.

 

[winger]

I was first directed to Ilford papers in about 2000, when I wanted to try fiber paper and wasn't liking Kodak RC paper. I loved it from the first and was heartbroken when they went into receivership. I was hopeful and then quite happy when they came back. Seeing how Simon replies to requests and actually cares about our answers is just great. The return of postcard paper and SFX come to mind.

hint - how 'bout another postcard contest but with a larger window for when the photo is taken?

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear All,

Ahhh.. Mr.Whitaker is my undoing...we did promise a reply by the 22nd, unfortuanately I have to wait for a final piece of info, it will be done as soon as possible, I will PM you when its posted.

Just to confirm the statement made, I am one of the six directors who own the business, each of the six of us took the decision to actively communicate with our customers directly. Why ? we think its obvious, it is good for our business that people can tell us directly their issues, that way we can address them, its not always the answer they may wish, but its an answer.

The six of us ALL attend trade shows ( not all at the same time obviously )and work the stand..even our financial director ( whose photo knowledge is coming on well, and he has just bought an SLR kit ? have'nt got him in the darkroom yet, shame as all the rest of us do actually print )

We gain a great deal from being on APUG, this is a changing, dynamic and challenging market...if you do not know what is going on at the coal face, from the biggest issue affecting our customers..to the smallest thing...how can we respond, adapt our thinking and be prepared for what is likely in teh future. Its also very important to realise that the APUG community includes some of the most knowledgeble people in our craft and art and we do value what they say about our products and services. Also many of you choose to spend your money with us, that is your choice, not our right, and for that we believe you need to be able to have your views heard.

Finally....its good fun...the people are nice, I really enjoy it, its not a 'task', and I have learned a great deal, honestly..its my favourite hour of the day.

Thanks for the positive feedback, and thank you for buying and valuing
ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology products.