Update on B&H Film area

dwdmguy · Nov 20, 2009

To further my old post (there was a url link here which no longer exists) I once again visited B&H last Sunday.

The film area now has a zig-zag line roped off and the line was packed! I once again asked the sales person at the counter and he did indeed confirm the film interest grows almost daily and the on-line orders for film has grown at a VERY rapid rate. I'd love to see them put out a graph chart on this growth.

T

wildbill · Nov 20, 2009

Now all they need is friendly employees

dwdmguy · Nov 20, 2009

Bill, I've had mixed views on that. But for me I don't care because I know what I want. But I think they could be a bit nicer to less expirenced folks asking questions.

Jeff Kubach · Nov 20, 2009

I never realized that film interest was growing. That's good news, maybe Kodak and Fuji and others will start bringing out new film products.

Jeff

seadrive · Nov 20, 2009

wildbill said:
Now all they need is friendly employees

Where's the fun in that? You wouldn't feel like you were in a NYC photo store if the people were friendly!

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 20, 2009

The film counter used to be, and probably still is an entry level sales position at B&H, as I understand it, managers excepted of course, so it's probably best to approach that area with appropriate expectations. Lighting, medium and large format, and used gear are where you'll find the most knowledgeable staff, in my experience, which isn't to say that there aren't good people in other sections of the store, but that you're unlikely to have a bad experience in those four areas.

WolfTales · Nov 20, 2009

Sounds to me like they just did a good job at selling you film.

Did they offer you candy too?

dwdmguy · Nov 20, 2009

I don't need anyone to sell me film. I know what I want. Why is there always someone that has to write something really really ...........

keithwms · Nov 20, 2009

wildbill said:
Now all they need is friendly employees

Actually that is part of the attraction for me. I mean, the way they treat customers in person is... different I would call it... characteristically New Yorky.

I highly recommend taking a lens or something upstairs for appraisal. That is also an enjoyable experience. If nothing else they do a really nice job cleaning the glass for you.

stradibarrius · Nov 20, 2009

It also appears that prices for used film gear is slightly edging up???

dwdmguy · Nov 20, 2009

Maybe taking a part for appraisal is a goot experience but it's a good laugh also, they really low ball you. But, that's the same with most Trade in places. However if your looking to purchase something you won't pay tax on the trade in value.

And YES, stradibarrious, film gear prices are indeed on the rise. I noticed this specifically with a specific piece of gear I've been watching and then all of a sudden, the used Contax 645 body they had, same one, same rated conditiion, went up $55. It's coming I tell 'ya. But that's another thread I guess.

Mahler_one · Nov 20, 2009

Employees at B&H

wildbill said:
Now all they need is friendly employees

Agreed....if one actually goes to the store one invites the rather typical NY caustic and acerbic behavior that the city is unjustly famous for. However, on the phone, I have found most at B&H to be reasonably friendly. New Yorkers do not suffer fools gladly! But neither do Parisians...N'est ce pas?

Ed

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 20, 2009

A big issue is when you go in to shop. If I'm planning to make a serious purchase or maybe just something that might be a bit complicated or something I'm not quite sure about, I usually go in when it's quiet on a weekday morning, when the staff has the time to talk. If you go in on a Sunday during the holiday season, that's just not the time to come in and say "I'm thinking about trying out medium format."

PhotoJim · Nov 20, 2009

Funny... I was just in New York last December (for the first time). I had countless experiences of friendliness. Once, coming out of a subway, we were obviously confused about which direction was north and a woman stopped and helped us (we didn't even ask). I stopped at both Adorama and B&H and got very friendly service (I spotted some empty boxes at Adorama; I needed to ship some stuff home so I asked if I could have them, and they gave them to me with pleasure). New Yorkers are often in a hurry (that's a big city thing; I notice it in Toronto too) but I wouldn't call them unfriendly, at least not in my one-week experience.

Antonio A. · Nov 20, 2009

i haven't been to B&H in a few months, since i mostly buy at adorama.
I like the service at b&h, but i hate having to check my bag, the zig-zag check out, to finally wait at he pick up station for my purchase. takes forever. all just for just a few rolls of film.
at adorama you run to back and run to the front to check - in and out in less than 10 mins.

ndlshootsfilm · Nov 20, 2009

I love BH - never any problems, bought my first enlarger there. I usually stop in few times a year, nice to see the film counter getting action. I don't know if its me - but every time I go I always spot a guy (its always a guy) browsing with a rangefinder slung around his neck. When I was younger I always thought those guys I'd see were pros - now I just get a chuckle.

36cm2 · Nov 20, 2009

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Say what you like, but the Beards & Hats are efficient as all heck if you think about the volume that flows through there. I agree with David, go at an off-peak time and you're fine.

jasonhall · Nov 20, 2009

I figured that film sells were up on 35mm at least. I went to place an order recently and was shocked by the prices for even 24 exp rolls(you know, supply and demand). I could not remember for sure, however, I was almost certain the prices per roll were a bit lower on the last big order I placed nearly a year ago. Made me only get a few rolls of Tri-X and order mostly 120 film and fuji instant instead. Those prices seemed a bit closer to what I expected. So the door to my freezer is full again with lovely yellow and white boxes(.

Of course it was right after I placed the order that I learned Arista Premium is almost with out question Tri-X and Plus X for a really great price(I was a little slow on finding that out). So I am now placeing an order with Freestyle to stock up on 35mm. A dozen of each should last a little while.

Jason

Jeff L · Nov 20, 2009

I've been the B&H a few times and have only encountered very friendly staff. I haven't really come across anyone in NYC that was rude. I find that New Yorkers are efficient and have some place to be and that might be considered rude by tourist. Whenever I have asked for directions or recommendations it has never been an issue. Opinion from a Torontonian that loves NYC.

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 20, 2009

Asking for directions is another thing entirely. You'll usually get three New Yorkers arguing about the best route.

fschifano · Nov 20, 2009

jasonhall said:
Of course it was right after I placed the order that I learned Arista Premium is almost with out question Tri-X and Plus X for a really great price(I was a little slow on finding that out). So I am now placeing an order with Freestyle to stock up on 35mm. A dozen of each should last a little while.

No almost about it. I'm using quite a bit of the Arista Premium these days in both speeds, and treat them exactly as I would Plus-X and Tri-X. The resultant negatives look and print exactly as they would had they been packaged in the yellow boxes. The film even smells the same as the original. But that's my anecdotal evidence, and doesn't prove a thing. More telling is that Freestyle freely admits that the films are made in the USA. AFIK, there is only one manufacturer of film in the USA and that's Kodak. I can't imagine them formulating a special emulsion and making a special run just for re-labeling purposes. The costs would be prohibitive.

clayne · Nov 21, 2009

I can't believe you guys still aren't sure if APR100/400 is Plus-X/Tri-X.
Freestyle have gone as far as they can go in admitting it, and it's dead obvious to everyone who uses the film what it is.

wildbill · Nov 21, 2009

I've been in the store once. attempted to try on an f64 backpack. they wouldn't disconnect the cable from the bottom shelf so I could put it on. I insisted that if if fit, I'd buy it. No luck. I've been buying from their catalog since I began taking pictures and the rudeness and unwillingness to get me answers to specific questions isn't found anywhere else. That goes for retailers of all kinds.

Chuck_P · Nov 21, 2009

dwdmguy said:
To further my old post (there was a url link here which no longer exists) I once again visited B&H last Sunday.

The film area now has a zig-zag line roped off and the line was packed! I once again asked the sales person at the counter and he did indeed confirm the film interest grows almost daily and the on-line orders for film has grown at a VERY rapid rate. I'd love to see them put out a graph chart on this growth.

T

Your thread has been, somewhat, hi-jacked from good news about film sales at B&H to the rudeness of the staff that is selling it. Well, anyway, I'm always glad to hear that film is moving off the shelves. Thanks for sharing.

jasonhall · Nov 21, 2009

clayne said:
I can't believe you guys still aren't sure if APR100/400 is Plus-X/Tri-X.
Freestyle have gone as far as they can go in admitting it, and it's dead obvious to everyone who uses the film what it is.

Thats just it...I have not used or even seen it yet. But fear not, that will change soon.

Jason

Update on B&H Film area

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