Problem so far has been in getting either reliable or quick supplies. I would prefer either ilford or kodak chemistry I suppose but ilford is not very widely available for shipment to India (or costs too much) and D-76(on ebay) is where the dates vary wildly - I could very well be trying to use stuff older than my camera. :|
What would the recommendation be?
(Updated/rephrased for more emphasis on the supply bit - not doubting manufacturing of any of the biggies!)
Hi,
I too am from India and I get most of my supply from outside so here are my 2 cents.
There are three places from where you can purchase your chemicals
1. Freestyle (http://freestylephoto.biz) - USA : Ships all powders and most liquids to India. Only items marked ORM-D will not be shipped. Economy shipping method - FIMS (Fedex International Mail Service) is available. Always use insurance with FIMS. Shipping time is about 1 week.
2. Maco Photo (http://macodirect.de) - Germany : Ships everything to India. Shipping via DHL - Deutsche post : at par - only slightly expensive than FIMS. Shipping time is about 2-4 weeks.
2. Fotoimpex (http://www.fotoimpex.de/shopen) - Germany : Ships everything to India. Shipping via DHL - Deutsche post : at par - only slightly expensive than FIMS. Shipping time is about 2-4 weeks.
Since all these shops stock most chemicals, you can have your choice of developer/fixer.
Some of the chemicals are also available in India, however the supply is erratic at best.
For D-76 and fixer (ammonium hypo/sodium hypo) you can contact Madanji in Delhi
for Adox Adonal and Foma chemicals/films, you can contact Eastern photographic in Delhi.
If you have any specific queries, shoot.
Cheers!!
Darshan
Didn't I message you a list of about 80-100 film labs names, phone numbers, and addresses in India? (Or was that another guy?) I can't believe there's not a single one you can call that has chemistry to sell you...
Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks Darshan, I do already get some chemicals from Eastern but I would prefer Ilford chemistry and of course, films - neither of which they have.
It's interesting, the freestyle chaps actually advised me against using FIMS for 'sensitive stuff like chemicals and films' - their words, not mine - awaiting order there. The shipping time bit is heartening!
Is Madanji still having chemistry? I thought he wasn't anymore, or so I got told.
- via tapatalk.
I know only a handful of Indians, and from what I gather, they(or family) travel back and forth fairly often. Why not try to find someone to bring you some from the states(or any other country). Work some kind of arrangement where you pay for one piece of excess luggage for them in exchange for bringing your supplies. You get your gear and they get to take more stuff back to their family/friends/etc. If you pay attention, you'll see that people on international flights, almost ALWAYS, carry a lot of stuff! If you plan it right, you would have to do this only once a year. I'm actually considering this, but in the other direction, to get something from India. There is an asthma medicine that in the states would cost me $480 and $9 in India!!!
I know only a handful of Indians, and from what I gather, they(or family) travel back and forth fairly often. Why not try to find someone to bring you some from the states(or any other country). Work some kind of arrangement where you pay for one piece of excess luggage for them in exchange for bringing your supplies. You get your gear and they get to take more stuff back to their family/friends/etc. If you pay attention, you'll see that people on international flights, almost ALWAYS, carry a lot of stuff! If you plan it right, you would have to do this only once a year. I'm actually considering this, but in the other direction, to get something from India. There is an asthma medicine that in the states would cost me $480 and $9 in India!!!
Be aware though of tight restrictions on liquids and powders in luggage. Film, paper and hardware might not be a big issue, but if they find powders or liquids in luggage, it is not going to go aboard the plane. In addition, one might have some explaining to do to narcotics authorities. Of course, provided no real narcotics are found, it should not be a criminal liability. Still, I am not going to try and tempt fate in a way that might cause me to miss an international connecting flight while being interrogated by the toughest cops in the business.
It doesn't get any more proven than D-76 and Professional Fixer from Kodak. For decades, photographers have relied on these two. Unless damaged, the foiled bag these products come in will keep them fresh well beyond the stamped date.
Can you not buy them in stores other than eBay? For you, what's most reliable may be, the stuff you can actually buy locally, regardless of what it might be.
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