Hi from Birmingham UK

[Matt5791]

Just registered here - having been directed from the Large Format Forum. Have been on APUG for some time but now looking to shoot more with my Agfa Anso 5x7 - which I really enjoy doing.

I am also launching a new retailer of traditional photographic products here in the UK within the next 3-4 weeks. The whole idea arose out of an original plan to take over a company called Retro Photographic and revive it, but we couldn't agree a deal (we're all still friends though). We will be selling via a new website and also we will have a walk in "shop" here in Birmingham.

I'll be looking for any help with my LF Photography, and looking to give any help if I'm able to!

Matt

[Paul Mitchell]

Welcome on board Matt and wish you well on your new venture! Don't suppose you know if Gigabit film will ever be available again?

[richard littlewood]

Matt. Welcome. Good luck with the company. If you were to be selling raw chemicals, film and paper, (and all at reasonable prices!) I would be interested. Common raw b+w chemicals, different makes of film and paper at half Silverprint prices would be great.
I'm sure you will get loads of help here, especially if you decide to change your camera for an Ebony!
Richard

[Matt5791]

Thanks for the welcome.

Well, I would love an ebony.....but I do like the old Agfa Ansco (even if it doesn't have front tilt).

Anyway, I will keep the forum informed of the progress with the company. Tentative plan is a launch date of June 1st - however this depends on a few things.

I am always interested in thoughts and desires regarding product lines. I've noted the one about Gigabit - We will be selling the ADOX range - would CMS-20 be an acceptable substitute for you?

Raw chemicals will be stocked and I'm currently gathering suggestions as to the most popular lines. Obviously any feedback is very useful, particularly as regards what you want and use most.

Obviously a new starter has to be competitive - I'm not going to carve up the market and agressively undercut other retailers, but the company will be compeitive not only in terms of product prices but also delivery costs, otherwise it will never get off the ground.

However, there are two markets, broadly speaking: the hard core traditional market which is established; and secondly, the new enthusiasts, those who are looking at film for the first time. It is one of my key ambitions to target new business, rather than just poach business from the competition.

Matt

[Katier]

Sounds awsome. I live in Birmingham too so I can see me being a customer

[Tony]

Hi Matt keep us posted about the shop I may well be your first customer

Tony

[Paul Mitchell]

You also may like to introduce yourself to the Rodinal Heads at www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/ There may be a bit of business there...

[Matt5791]

Thanks for that Paul.

[jennym]

It seems as though there are a few of us around in the Midlands. I am also in Birmingham. Welcome to the group and all the best setting up the company.

Jenny

[Matt5791]

Thanks for that Jenny - not far off launch now, which I hope will be in about 2 weeks.

Matt

[gari]

Hi Matt, good luck with the launch. I am looking forward to having a new/reliable source for chemistry etc as my B+W shooting has almost come to a halt as I can never get anyone at Retro, on the couple of occasions I have ordered it has taken an age to recieve stuff.
I am in the market for Pyro on a regular basis and chemistry for van dyke and Kalli prints etc. Will you be holding paper at any point? Also a good source of Glasine sleeves, a friend just ordered a thousand and got paper ones instead! the thing were like Izal toilet paper I swear!

Gari

[Dave Miller]

I wish you all the best on what seems to me to be a formidable undertaking by the sound of it. I too miss the service that Retro once promised but never quite lived up too.