Where is Famous Format part 2

nbagno

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I really don't like calling people out, but where are you, Sam? I hope you're ok. My order from last December still hasn't shipped and my last communication from you back in May was that my order was to ship the next week. That didn't happen, and I waited patiently five more weeks before I asked again, and again, and again. Nothing.

So what's the deal? I really don't want to go the route of disputing this order with my payment provider, I do like shooting your film and have purchased plenty of it in the past, but man... What's up:
 

mshchem

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What's a famous format?
 
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nbagno

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Well, looks like I was screwed by Famous Format / New 55. My order from Last December is no longer eligible for PayPal protection because it's over 180 days. Thanks Sam.
 

NB23

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Why did you wait so long? To not hurt his feelings?

camang...
 
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nbagno

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NB23 said:
Why did you wait so long? To not hurt his feelings?

camang...
Click to expand...

Gave them some rope due to the Pandemic. Back in May, I was told my order would ship the next week. All communication was ignored after that.
 

gone

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From last December???? That's 3/4 of a year ago! No, I miscalculated, let's see, it's Jan, Feb.....7+ months ago. Just an honest question, why did you wait so long? I would have gone nuclear a long, long time ago on something like that. Like you, I'm a nice guy and generally don't publicly call people out unless they give me a valid reason to make me mad. But when Kodak screwed me on two brand new products that were defective and never gave me my money back even though a rep said they would, EVERY body knew about that. No, it didn't get me my chemicals back that I paid for, but I felt better, and could let it go. Sorta.
 
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mmazurek

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I have an order from February. I've had several emails sent to Sam and he's responded to a few a few months ago. Stated covid put them behind a little and he'd be shipping again after several weeks.
It's now months later. If anyone gets a response, let me know.

Mark
 

jvo

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Sounds like you've both been patient and considerate. Problems occur - not communicating to your customers is not appropriate.

I'd be calling him out loud and long, since he's been non responsive to your concerns, (and money). You might help somebody else.
 
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TheFlyingCamera

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I remember when they first launched New 55. They were asking approximately $15/sheet for the stuff and I said at that price I could afford to feed my 14x17, but with far better quality control (the New 55 at the time would not coat the developer evenly across the sheet, and the pattern was wildly inconsistent from sheet to sheet). For pointing this out I was called a hater (not in so many words) and my artistic chops were called into question. Sorry, but if I want uneven, streaky, inconsistent, but fast, images, I can shoot 8x10 wet plate for less money per exposure! I don't know that the new New 55 or Famous Format or whatever he's calling it these days is any better in that regard, but I remain unimpressed with his salesmanship. He's no Preston Tucker, and even less of an Elon Musk.
 

Nodda Duma

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I never received two bottles of Monobath I ordered in Dec 2020. I’ve long since given up hope of seeing them.
 

jmueller

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Good luck with this guy. I ordered three boxes of film and a holder in February and paid 350 dollars. After several months without an email response I contacted Paypal and started a dispute to get the money back. At that time he responded and told me he would be sending the film in another week if I cancel the dispute. So I canceled. He did send three boxes of film but it was all bad, exposed film. I sent him images of the film and he explained that it was inadvertently exposed during manufacturing. For months he promised he would replace the film. Every time he said they were starting another batch and would be sending it in a week. Finally, after many months of promises I asked him to either send the film or refund the money. He will not respond to my emails anymore. I contacted Paypal again but they cannot help me since it is now over 6 months. If I would have known what type of business person he was I would have just bought a few boxes of TXP and avoided the whole mess
 
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nbagno

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Exactly my situation except I didn't have the privilege to get expired film. I waited too long for PayPal after promises that my order would be in the next batch.
 

flavio81

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Nodda Duma said:
I never received two bottles of Monobath I ordered in Dec 2020. I’ve long since given up hope of seeing them.
Click to expand...

So considering tnis and @jmueller 's response, it seems that it's a scammer.

This thread should be pinned so no further people is scammed...
 

mitch brown

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sounds like if he's not out of business he darn well should be. after what's been said about him .
 
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nbagno

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His website is still there, and he posted this about 8 weeks ago on his Instagram page . You can see in the comments where he tries to make an excuse about a server problem or some crap. And, someone asked about their order and no response on Instagram which I'm sure he's seen. I've ordered several boxes in the past, and I really liked it for what it was.
 

Nicholas Lindan

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Hmmm, sound like he ran into severe cash-flow problems, not enough working capital, probably deeply in debt. The business can't pay for the supplies needed to fill orders. Taking and not filling orders in an attempt to raise cash isn't the way to get the business out of the hole, it just digs the hole deeper.

As to 'server problems' - the site is hosted on Square Space; there is no server at FF.
 

swhiser

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Feb 7, 2009
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Massachusett
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Gentle People -

Famous Format is still going, The shop is still open at http://famousformat.net and you can reach me if necessary at my personal email address sam DOT hiser AT gmail ETC if you have questions or concerns.

We are shipping now but turnaround is 12-14 weeks. The order backlog is long for certain mixed types of orders or where supply lines have been impacted by COVID. Chemicals have been particularly unpredictable.

More critically, Charles has been battling a chronic health problem this year which has halted pod production periodically to zero. This personal news has some sensitivity which I have elected to communicate only directly to customers who have reached out.

I’m committed to bringing our business to a successful place. While the prototypes from the Kickstarter period 2014-2017 performed inconsistently, Charles and I have been successful working with key suppliers and taking pod manufacture directly on hand to refine components and improve the functionality of the system while making New55 PN100 and PN400 almost 100% by hand.

The company needs to fund its Seed Round up to $1 million in order to increase production capacity and address the very strong demand. Once automation and staffing are established, the deliberately high price will gradually come down.

It’s been difficult to carry on during the pandemic, but we are not special. Customers have been extremely forgiving and flexible; and despite our personal bad luck we have the good grace of support from every continent and much for which to be thankful.
 
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