Photo gears in Denver

shuimo · Dec 15, 2005

Hi, Everyone,

I will be in Denver for maybe two nights next week. It looks my hotel is quite close to the downtown. Can any gentlemen advise me where is the best place to seek for old lenses fitting for large format?

Although I am currently using a linhof tech V, I will consider lenses also capable for 8x10, in case for a future update. I do 4x5 both color and BW for pure hobby. When 8x10 format is considered, BW will be the primary. So my interest will not be in massive and expensive modern optics. Older staff with good image reputation are preferred.

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.
Wang

vet173 · Dec 15, 2005

I was in Denver last october. I was encouraged to visit the Camera Obscura Gallery. It's not a visit it's a pilgrimage. It's the oldest photography gallery west of the big creek (mississippi). Go to the masters room. I finally got to see a lot of prints that I had only seen in books before. 67 different masters. Karsh, and Weston, (both) and Man Ray oh my. It's around the block from the entrance to the Denver Art Museum. Check with Paul at the Denver Darkroom for advice on where to look. Let me repeat this is a do not miss.

Paul Sorensen · Dec 15, 2005

I have yet to buy a large format lens here locally, they all seem to be a bit pricy. The only places that will likely have anything in stock at all will be The Camera Trader and Englewood Camera, neither of which is anywhere near downtown. If you want more info, click on their respective names.

There is a decent sized Wolf camera downtown, it is a part of the Ritz camera chain, but I don't know that they stock any kind of large format equipment.

If you need film and supplies, either Englewood, or Dead Link Removed have decent selection and prices. I personally prefer Englewood, but Denver Pro Photo is much closer to downtown and easy to get to via light rail.

Have fun, let me know if there is anything you need. We might even be able to take you on a night shoot downtown if you like!

Paul.

roteague · Dec 15, 2005

Paul Sorensen said:
I have yet to buy a large format lens here locally,

Paul,

Didn't there used to be a big camera store in the downtown area? It has been more than a dozen years since I was there last, but I remember looking at their LF lenses.

Paul Sorensen · Dec 15, 2005

roteague said:
Paul,

Didn't there used to be a big camera store in the downtown area? It has been more than a dozen years since I was there last, but I remember looking at their LF lenses.

There was Robert Waxman, which was bought out by Wolf. They may have had some large format, I wasn't looking for it back then. There was also Werner's Mile High camera and they probably did have LF gear, but they went out of business several months ago. Seems Werner wanted to retire. That's all I know of, and only Wolf is left. It is a much better store than a suburban mall camera shop, but it is not someplace I would go to buy an older large format lens. I suspect they don't even have new ones, but I don't know for sure.

roteague · Dec 15, 2005

I remember those two shops, but I do remember that Mile High had LF gear. Sorry to see them go. I grew up in Colorado Springs, so I didn't get the Denver much. I used to shop at Shewmaker's Camera in Colo Sprgs, which is still in business.

Paul Sorensen · Dec 15, 2005

roteague said:
I remember those two shops, but I do remember that Mile High had LF gear. Sorry to see them go. I grew up in Colorado Springs, so I didn't get the Denver much. I used to shop at Shewmaker's Camera in Colo Sprgs, which is still in business.

I went to Colorado College and used to shop at Shewmaker's, but I haven't been there in probably 20 years. I remember it as being a pretty nice shop, but there were a lot of pretty nice shops 20 years ago. Things sure have changed, and mostly not for the good.

roteague · Dec 15, 2005

I was just at the local camera store and noticed they still had a supply of Kodak B&W paper (VC). I thought about making them an offer for the whole lot, but wasn't sure if there was a maket for reselling it or not.

Charles Webb · Dec 15, 2005

Shewmakers in C Springs is still a nice place, not at all like it used to be, looks wise, but if they don't have it they can get it very shortly. Not a whole lot of LF, but the Manager I believe John, is a large for mat shooter and does some remarkable work. They don't keep the refridgerator full of LF film any more as very few are buying it. I usually order some time advance of needing film, and they simply ship to my door.

Charlie....................

Michael Kadillak · Dec 15, 2005

Werners used to be in downtown Denver and carrier LF, but they closed several years ago. Camera Trader as previously mentioned is about your best bet and they are far from Downtown. There is an occasional Mike's Camera, particularly the store in Boulder that has carried select LF gear in the past because it may have come into the store in a trade, but it is not a regulary carried item. Anymore, being in a large city does not always translate to stores that carry LF gear. Why? The option to auction this equipment and reach a large audience affords the seller the ability to defer a 20-30% discount from a physical reseller.

Just my $0.02. Have a wonderful time in Denver. Lived here for 23 years and I feel pretty damn lucky every day to call this place home.

VoidoidRamone · Dec 15, 2005

There is a nice, but small shop on Santa Fe and about 11th-ish (?) that I think is called "Ray's Photo" or somehting like that (someone help me out). I took an old folder to him for a CLA and while he was working on it he lent me a 2x3 pressman including a box of tri-x just so I could play around with something while he had my camera. I just returned the camera to him when I was done. I remember seeing a Technika in one of his cases when I was there too... so I would think he might have some lenses or at least an idea if where to go. And if you want to get film processed in town I recommend Reed- which is on Federal and 8th-ish.
-Grant

markrewald · Dec 16, 2005

Werners was awesome. I am glad they closed because my work moved to a building about a block away from them. I am sure my boss would not appreciate the amount of time I would have spent there. Something about doing a days work for a days pay thing. Man boss's can be such a drag!

shuimo · Dec 17, 2005

Thanks everyone. I will check all your recommondations on Google map, and see what I can do in Denver.

Keith Pitman · Dec 30, 2005

A little late, I suppose, but Jerry's in the Cherry Creek North area usually has some large format used equipment. It's at 3rd and Columbine. In the next block west is Photographers' Gallery.

Photo gears in Denver

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