Sourcing equipment in the UK

[zaaain]

Hi,
Looking to get back into film photography and development as I have come into the possession of a 35mm camera. Apologies if this has been asked many times before, but does anyone have a list or some recommendations on where to score some cheap film developing equipment/chemistry and some film in general? As I am UK based I would really appreciate if anyone could share suggestions related to the UK but if I can buy online too I am willing to investigate.

If anyone has any experience buying 35mm in film in bulk and loading I would appreciate your thoughts on the versatility of it.

Thank you.

 

[mshchem]

Secondhand Darkroom

www.secondhanddarkroom.co.uk

 

[MattKing]

The people on FADU might be another group worth asking: http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/fadu_front_page.php
Many of them post here as well.

 

[Arcadia4]

ebay uk can be a good source of development gear if you are patient. For large items like enlargers- usually collect only, pricing tends to depend where they are, lower in towns or rural areas with few buyers, higher in cities, so can be worth travelling a bit. Often people will sell a lot with all the basic developing kit. Auction items are usually cheaper than buy it now.
You can also strike lucky on gumtree or freeads type pages or by asking around.

for film and chemicals, shop around. Wex is usually fairly competitive on ilford chems for instance.

 

[Ian Grant]

Where in England? I'm having a darkroom clear out. Plenty of items on Facebook Marketplace as well.

Ian

 

[250swb]

eBay for equipment? But not for film. For film there are lots of cheaper suppliers and you should cross check on prices anyway

https://analoguewonderland.co.uk/

https://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/

https://www.ag-photolab.co.uk/

https://www.analoguecameras.co.uk/

https://www.mathersoflancashire.co.uk/

and many more

 

[Niglyn]

Hi, I use Nick & Trick. They are fairly priced and none of this gimmicky re-badged film.
They sell the Adox dry chemicals, far cheaper to post than liquid.

Mr Cad in London has everything one would ever want, but can be a bit pricy.

For B&W film, only a few things are needed, so I found it easier just to buy a new Patterson tank and changing bag.

Thermometer, I bought on Amazon, a digital one which allows home calibration using boiling water.
Many people don't use a water bath, but I do and just used the washing-up bowl.

Again, rather than mucking about adding hot or cold water. I bought a cheap sous-vide on ebay. Make sure it goes as low as 20 degrees, many don't.
I did not bother going back to wet printing, too much faff. So I bought a negative/slide duplicator on Ebay, attaches to a digital camera to digitise the negatives.

 

[Agulliver]

You're going to have to have patience and shop around if you want equipment cheap. Film generally doesn't come "cheap" these days but Fomapan and Kentmere are cheaper than the alternatives. Sometimes the major suppliers have a special offer on so keep an eye out.

eBay and the second hand darkroom link mentioned above are good starts. Also put word around friends/colleagues/family...I've been given or sold at low prices cameras, darkroom equipment and film by people in my life knowing I'm into it. Also look at charity shops, I've bought some darkroom equipment that way.

Some of the major UK retailers of film and equipment are:

Nik & Trick - online sales and physical shop in Folkestone
Analogue Wonderland - online sales and big social media presence for help/advice/teaching including a Discord server
Process Supplies - online sales and physical shop near Farringdon in London.
Mr Cad - Physical shop in London, not cheap but has massive stock of vintage cameras and other gear
Firstcall Photographic - long established online supplier recently sold by the founder but still going
Ag Photographic - another long established supplier

Amazon isn't good for film, it tends not to be well priced.

If you find yourself near Cricklewood there's a little shop on the corner of Cricklewood BRoadway/Lane which sells colour and B&W 35mm film

 

[Niglyn]

Film is not cheap. I stick to Ilford. Made in the UK, easy to get hold of, even boots sell it and it is always of good quality.

One knows what one is getting. Don't get fooled or tricked by all this rebranded stuff that is standard film with a natty name and given a fake iso rating, then sold at a far higher price. Just get Ilford & push/pull if you want.

Often, you will get a 10+ discount price is buying film, also a one-off postage cost.

There does not seem to be any 'cheap' film stuff on ebay. Used to be years ago, could not give it away, but now film is hip and trendy, everything on ebay is overpriced.

Just buy new. As said in my previous post. Even the aliexpress chinese developing tank is the same price as Patterson, so might as well get a known good product.

Please post back, telling us your thoughs & if these replies have been helpful.

 

[Agulliver]

I agree that for now at least it's not wise to go investigating all the rebranded film that's out there under various names. Begin with the known brands. In the UK for B&W film, Ilford is usually way cheaper than Kodak. Kentmere is a "budget" brand made by the same people as Ilford and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it if you're looking to start out with something a bit cheaper. Fomapan is a 100 year old Czech company putting out somewhat less sophisticated/up to date film but it's still good and about as cheap as it gets these days. Do not dismiss them.

Larger Boots may sell Ilford HP5 and PF4, not the best price by any means but it's convenient.

Several online retailers offer "starter kids" for home developing. You might save a few £ but also consider if you really need everything in the kit.

You mention getting "back into film". What's your prior experience?

I do bulk load B&W film. For me it makes sense because while I do save a bit, the attraction is that I can roll any length I want. I can roll 18 exposures for a typical length that I use...or 6 to test a camera, or 36 for going on my travels. But then I obtained all my bulk loaders 15-20 years ago when they were going really cheap. If you're not sure, begin buying regular 35mm film. If you do try a few films and decide you want to buy lots of one or two, that's also when bulk loading comes in. But the upfront costs might put you off unless you luck into a cheap or freebie bulk loader and reloadable cassettes.

 

[pentaxuser]

One knows what one is getting. Don't get fooled or tricked by all this rebranded stuff that is standard film with a natty name and given a fake iso rating, then sold at a far higher price. Just get Ilford & push/pull if you want.

Just a pity for the sake of people's wallets/purses that so many seem to want to believe that the magician has really been able to pull a rabbit from the fresh air in an empty top hat

pentaxuser