lf-photo.org.uk

Hi folks, a few weeks ago I paid a visit to Mike Walker’s new whereabouts, just to see him in his new surroundings, and also to buy one of his lens alignment thingies. He’s probably my nearest LF neighbour at ~5 miles from where I live, though I would be delighted to hear from any who live closer—we are on the Wirral peninsula, not far from Chester. Actually Mike lives in Wales (yes, the peninsula has always had a bit of the Principality!), although for reasons best known to the bureaucracy, his postal address is in Chester.

Anyway, we had a long chat for Mike is an affable fellow, and I learned that although he is well aware of the internet, for he has his own website at http://www.walkercameras.com, he did not know of our relatively recent and informal LF forum. So I warmly invited his participation, and he replied that he would be delighted to meet up with us, and that he would like to be kept informed of our activities. For those who may not know, his cameras are unique in being made of ABS plastic, and he currently does 5x4 in conventional flat-bed and WA styles, and also a 5x7 WA camera, which takes Canham 5x17 backs. His head is full of new ideas and future projects!

I have no commercial or other attachment to Mike, and I’m simply wishing to increase our group awareness to our mutual benefit. Mike has recently become the UK distributor for the “View Camera” magazine.

Also, I’m thinking about a half-day meeting in the NW, and I hope to make a posting soon with some ideas!

George Hart wrote:I would be delighted to hear from any who live closer—we are on the Wirral peninsula, not far from Chester.

Hi George,

Well, there's Steve Lewis in Little Suttom, Tombo in Bidston, and myself in Moreton. I believe Peter Watson lives in Ellesmere Port.

There have been a few local meets, Marc and I went to Hilbre one evening last year for example.

Hi George - good to hear from you again! I'm pleased that Mike is keen to be kept updated and I agree he has some excellent camera designs as well as other interesting accessories. I did email Mike about 3 years ago as I had an idea for an ABS lens storage box - at the time he was marketing his ABS film boxes - but never heard back from him
Look forward to hearing news of a planned NW gathering too!

I picked up a 2nd-hand Walker Titan XL 5x4 last week, on the bay, and had a few teething problems with it (user error -- nothing wrong with the camera). Despite it being out of warranty, Mike offered a great deal of helpful advice via multiple emails, told me he would support me in any way he could now that I was the owner of the camera, and even gave me his mobile number whilst he was up in Scotland, in case I had any other questions I needed answered urgently. Now that's customer service!

BTW, the camera is a real gem. After using a Wista DX, it feels so much more solid, both in materials used, and due to the design. Of course, it doesn't offer all the movements the DX does, but for inclement weather, or as a wide-angle landscape camera, I just know we're going to get along.

George Hart wrote:
I would be delighted to hear from any who live closer—we are on the Wirral peninsula, not far from Chester.


Hi George,

I am another Wirralite - based in Wallasey and just joined the Forum. I would be interested if you get any meetings going.

Regards
Bob W