New online photographic retailer

[Barry]

I came across this (http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/) new site today and have added it into our Links section.

[CarlRadford]

Be nice for Silverprint & Retro to have some competition and keep them honest :)

[Trevor Crone]

Thanks for the 'heads-up' on this Barry. Always good news when a retailer supports film and darkroom products:)

[Richard Gould]

Just seen the add in b/w and looked on the site, then phoned to enquire about some materials, the chap seems very helpfull and seems to be a tradiontal photography enthusit,I will certainly give them a try,Richard

[Gary Holliday]

Look forward to seeing the Adox range. It appears to be early days for the webshop, but worth a bookmark!

[Mike O'Pray]

It appears to have launched with the webmaster still having some work to do and this can be dangerous in these days of comprehensive websites. However assuming that the missing bits are sorted out then it looks promising

Mike

[Martin Aislabie]

Looks good to me

I am always glad to see another Analogue venture succeed

The Web Site is a little unpopulated but I am sure when you are starting up a venture like this, there must be a never ending list of "must do" tasks and everything is "work in progress".

I am going to give the guy a call and see how competitive he is against Silverprint for stuff like Toners

Martin

[Mike O'Pray]

It turns out that the "guy" is Matt whom I met at the 2006 Ilford tour and who is a regular on APUG. It is nice to know that we have an analogue user who is trying to offer a service to other analogue users rather than an "entrepreneur" simply looking for a profit which happens to be best afforded by sellig analogue materials.

Given the alleged fatal economics of the analogue trade I wonder what reception he'd have got from the "Dragons". Probably similar to that of Edison when he approached the gas mantle capitalists :D:

Mike

[MPerson]

Matt's 'Press Release' is here on APUG:

Ag Photographic Launches 14 July 2009, Birmingham UK (http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/)

Good luck to him and now there is another source of supply.

[Matt5791]

Hi Everyone, and many thanks for the positive comments.

Firstly, I think I have stumbled across this forum before but never joined - however I notice it is a UK forum so that's great.

Over the next few weeks please do keep an eye on the website as you will see the range gradually increase. Originally I wanted to launch with a warehouse full of stock for every line, but I'm glad we did not do this because there would have probably been a lot of incorrectly chosen items - by launching with the key mainstream lines and asking for feedback on brands such as ADOX and Slavich etc. this is helping us to formulate the inventory of stock going forward with these lines.

In the meantime, please always ask if there is anything you need / want a price for etc.

Matt

[Mike O'Pray]

Matt. A Kodak D-76 1L pack for £0.99! How much for not telling the "Sweeney" :D: Even if it is legal then at that price some of the other retailers will be putting out a contract on you.

Fantastic but avoid dark alleys :D:

Seriously and at the risk of teaching grannie to suck eggs have you contacted colleges with trad darkoom courses? I would have thought that if this is the standard you are setting then you'd be in with a real chance of being the preferred supplier.

Best of luck

Mike

Mike

[B&W Neil]

........
In the meantime, please always ask if there is anything you need / want a price for etc.

Matt

Hi Matt and welcome to FADU and it is good to see you here.

May I wish you every success with your new venture and I will certainly look at what you have to offer next time I need anything.

Neil.

[Trevor Crone]

I'll second Neil's post and welcome to FADU, the home of the fanatical:)

Again may I wish you all the success with your company.

[Michael]

Matt - I 'phoned you on Friday about Adox supplies and enjoyed our conversation. I'd like to echo the welcomes to this forum and to wish you all the best with the new venture.

[Richard Gould]

Hi Matt and welcome to fadu, Phoned you last Tuesday to enquire about Fomatone, and we had a great consvertation, Good luck in your venture,Richard

[Barry]

Hello Matt and welcome to fadu. I wish you well in your business venture.

[Matt5791]

Thanks, once again, for all the positive comments!

Matt. A Kodak D-76 1L pack for £0.99! How much for not telling the "Sweeney" :D: Even if it is legal then at that price some of the other retailers will be putting out a contract on you.



Well, it's an incredible price. I have to say Ilford were rather startled when they saw that price, but hey, I negotiate hard. I want people to dip their toe in the water and if someone has never tried film developing before something like that might just give them the nudge, and they might like it, and then I might have a customer for life - who knows.

I feel Kodak are trying hard at present - frankly all their chemistry is pretty competitive.

Richard - I'll give you an update on Foma as soon as I have it.

Michael - I'll have an update on ADOX soon too. I'm going to speak to Mirko at Fotoimpex tomorrow and hopefully get the ball rolling.

Matt

[Brian]

Welcome aboard Matt and good luck with your business, I hope it's a success. What with Martin Reed making an appearance things seem to be looking up. Any chance of either of you stocking 127 film, now that a certain other supplier seems to less reliable?

Brian

[Andrew Bartram]

Welcome Matt

I will do my best to support you in your new venture

Andrew

[Richard Gould]

Matt, Just had another look at your website and I will certainly be supporting you in the future,Richard

[Matt5791]

Just to let everyone know, we are placing an order for ADOX materials shortly.

If there is anything specific anyone is after please let us know as this will be very helpful is formulating the order.

Many thanks,

Matt

www.ag-photographic.co.uk

[Michael]

Good man.

[Tom Kershaw]

Matt,

Are you planning to stock the full range of Adox branded film and paper?

Tom

[Richard Gould]

Matt, Are you planning the adox branded chemistry?Richard

[Matt5791]

Hi Tom & Richard,

Yes and Yes. The first order we are getting is predominantly Film - all the popular formats in CHS 100 and 50 (although Fotoimpex are short on CHS100 135-36 at present, and a couple of other lines, I forget which) and a couple of formats in the CHS25. We will also get in the IR film. We are getting in a little of the Fine Print Vario Classic FB, but if there is anything specific in the paper please let me know and we can add it to the order.

The chemicals will also come, but not on this first order - they have to be palletised for shipping - I want to try and synchronise ordering this when we have a truck passing from Lithuania (I am involved with another company importing unrelated products from the Baltics) otherwise we are looking at 200-300Eur/pallet shipping - granted we can put a lot of value of stock on a pallet, but I don't want to go and buy loads of stuff that ends up sitting around - we're still feeling our way!

So, as I say, anything you are after please let me know and we can add it to the order (or any future order), (We can quote you the price first of course). This order will be finalised on Monday, latest Tuesday (3/4 August)

Matt

[Tom Kershaw]

Matt,

Is there a case for importing lines that fill gaps not catered for by Kodak / Harman / Tetenal etc? Or is having 4 different D-76 equivalents stocked more viable? I notice you have Kodak D-76 1lt at £0.99 and ILFORD ID-11 1lt at £4.49, products which are basically equivalent.

Tom

[Matt5791]

Matt,

Is there a case for importing lines that fill gaps not catered for by Kodak / Harman / Tetenal etc? Or is having 4 different D-76 equivalents stocked more viable? I notice you have Kodak D-76 1lt at £0.99 and ILFORD ID-11 1lt at £4.49, products which are basically equivalent.

Tom

Thing is photographers have very fixed ideas about what they like. We had someone in last week who bought the ID11 and was very suspicious of the Kodak, for whatever reason. So even if I had offered the D76 for free he probably would have still refused it, preferring to buy the much more expensive Ilford. Thus as far as these two are concerned they seem to be sitting along side very nicely. I can justify different variants of the same, very popular, product - rather like Sainsburys stock Heinz beans, Own brand beans, and some other brands, the names of which escape me.

The range will gradually expand.
Matt

[Martin Aislabie]

Guys, I have bought some stuff from Ag and can report on a first rate service :)

The prices were very competative too :)

Martin

[TRich]

Like Martin I bought paper and developer from Martin first rate order service he kept me up to date and stuff came on time. Good prices too.
Will be getting Adox paper when in.
Tom

[CarlRadford]

Matt - how about raw chemicals!

[Matt5791]

Thanks very much for the votes of confidence Martin and Tom!

Carl - yes......they're coming!

Actually, we're trying to compile a list of the most popular chemicals, although we of course know the obvious candidates - any input by anyone would be very gratefully received.

Also we are going to become one of the sponsors of this forum shortly...just sent the cheque off to Dave and emailed the logo.

Thanks,

Matt

[Gary Holliday]

Thing is photographers have very fixed ideas about what they like. Heinz beans, Own brand beans, and some other brands, the names of which escape me.

The range will gradually expand.
Matt

Please stock the superior Branston baked beans without saccharin and reduced salt. :)

[Andrew Bartram]

I recently had (legal) reason to visit King's heath - Matt will know what I mean!! - and sought out AG photographic. Well, once you locate it it is well worth a visit if nothing else for the warm welcome and enthusiastic conversation.
I bought some D76 and Ilford paper whilst there.

Matt - put a sign up in the window or on the white door.

Everyone else - they are above the Skoda Garage, white door at extreme right hand end, up the stairs and follow your nose.

Andrew B

[Matt5791]

I recently had (legal) reason to visit King's heath - Matt will know what I mean!! - and sought out AG photographic. Well, once you locate it it is well worth a visit if nothing else for the warm welcome and enthusiastic conversation.
I bought some D76 and Ilford paper whilst there.

Matt - put a sign up in the window or on the white door.

Everyone else - they are above the Skoda Garage, white door at extreme right hand end, up the stairs and follow your nose.

Andrew B

Thanks very much Andrew. We have a sign now and the stock is growing daily almost daily. Walk in customers always welcome!

Matt

[Larry]

I just like to publically say a big thank you for the sterling service that Matt at ag-photographic has recently provided, obtaining and supplying several non-stock items (which he is now making available to everyone) well done, along with some great pricing.

Matt has also been very accommodating and listens well to the needs of his customers. Furthermore, Ag follows through on the aspects of supply with regular communication in a highly professional :) and friendly manner.

I hope FADU dosen't mind me giving a plug to Ag-photographic but, I'm sure other members of this forum will share my confidence in this new supplier.

Cheers
apxuser

[Peter S]

I just like to publically say a big thank you for the sterling service that Matt at ag-photographic has recently provided, obtaining and supplying several non-stock items (which he is now making available to everyone) well done, along with some great pricing.

Matt has also been very accommodating and listens well to the needs of his customers. Furthermore, Ag follows through on the aspects of supply with regular communication in a highly professional :) and friendly manner.

I hope FADU dosen't mind me giving a plug to Ag-photographic but, I'm sure other members of this forum will share my confidence in this new supplier.

Cheers
apxuser

I would like to second the above post,the day that Matt told the forum about his order for Rollie retro 100 film I ordered a box,and ,because of the delay in delivery I have had two emails explaining the situation,something I have never had before.
Who says customer service is dead.
Peter

[JimW]

Matt, I will buy from you for selfish reasons. When I knew more about B/W processing than the youngsters in Jessops I was in a heap of trouble. If I can find a local supplier who knows more about it than Jessops I will buy. What are your customer 'walk in' opening times? Thanks, JimW

[Matt5791]

Thanks for all the positive comments everyone - really do appreciate it. I maintain that we will supply any product - if we are not already offering it I will find it. Some lines will be harder to procure that others, but in the end we will get it. For example, Fuji has proved problematic, but I am confident that we will get there.

Jim - theoretically every day 9-5, but I'm often there 7.30 to 7.30. Ideally phone first. The phone usually get's diverted to my mobile at weekends so feel free to phone then too - if anyone in the area is desparate for anything then it's always worth a call - If I'm around then I might be able to help out.

I'm out on Tuesday, and Carlos will be at the end of the phone and in the "shop". Now, he's a quietly spoken chap, but very efficient, and about twice as intelligent as me.

Matt

[Bronnie]

Ordered from ag - photo after finding it through this forum. After I'd placed my order (dev/stop/fix) I looked at the RA4 chems and decided to try them out. Emailed and they stopped my order until I'd placed an order for the RA4. Delivery failed on the Friday so Matt brought it round to me on Saturday afternoon (its a 40 mile round trip from here to Kings Heath) , great service.
He's also genuinely enthusiastic about film and believes that it has a future, I was talking with him as though we'd known each other for years ! For info he DOES stock Portra film , I commented on my surprise that he didnt stock it on the website but he's got the stuff.

If you haven't tried him I recommend you do so, its good that we have alternatives to Silverprint and SDS etc.

[wiesmier]

I put an order in last week and received a really nice call from Mr Ag imself this morning. I get the feeling Mr Ag would bring the flippin order to our island imself if there was a problem.
Well brilliant service.
As it happens, no ferries for two days so far because The Minch is a tad ripply :-)

[Bronnie]

Ordered from ag - photo after finding it through this forum. After I'd placed my order (dev/stop/fix) I looked at the RA4 chems and decided to try them out. Emailed and they stopped my order until I'd placed an order for the RA4. Delivery failed on the Friday so Matt brought it round to me on Saturday afternoon (its a 40 mile round trip from here to Kings Heath) , great service.
He's also genuinely enthusiastic about film and believes that it has a future, I was talking with him as though we'd known each other for years ! For info he DOES stock Portra film , I commented on my surprise that he didnt stock it on the website but he's got the stuff.

If you haven't tried him I recommend you do so, its good that we have alternatives to Silverprint and SDS etc.

Ignore my ramblings about Portra it IS on the site - my browser just didnt want to let me know !!

[JimW]

So I took a little trip up the road, again, and found this shop above a garage. Inside was a very helpful fella-I think he's called Matt. Told me lots of stuff I didn't know, sold me some stuff I wanted, pointed me in the better direction than the one I was going to go in. As a mere happy snapper, I need all the help I can get, and this is a shop that can help. I think the shop was called Ag photographic.... :Dsuperb service. Thanks very much Matt. Another satisfied customer.:)I'll be back......

[Phil Price]

I live no more than 20 minutes from these guys, and went in and bought some film recently. Matt is very enthusiastic, and had a room just stuffed with film, and other materials, he deserves support. Phil, Birmingham

[brianrbird]

Yes I saw their ad in B/W, ordered a couple of rolls of the Rollie/Agfa 400asa. Prompt delivery, & recorded as well. I'll certainly use thjem again.

[MPerson]

Will add my voice to the others, great service and fast delivery. I got two bottles of Rodinal and 20 rolls of Rollei Retro 100. Good luck to Matt he deserves it.

Any plans to stock Diafine Matt?

[Niall Bell]

Can I just say that I've recently made two orders with RK Photographic and the service on both occasions was exemplary.

Let's not forget the established outlets.

Niall.

[Aurum]

I recently had (legal) reason to visit King's heath - Matt will know what I mean!! - and sought out AG photographic. Well, once you locate it it is well worth a visit if nothing else for the warm welcome and enthusiastic conversation.
I bought some D76 and Ilford paper whilst there.

Matt - put a sign up in the window or on the white door.

Everyone else - they are above the Skoda Garage, white door at extreme right hand end, up the stairs and follow your nose.

Andrew B

I may pop over now that I'm holiday for Chrimbo. I'm in Shirley so no too far away. My local supplier holds the usual ilford materials in 35mm & 120, but Adox and Rollei is way outside their normal stuff

[Aurum]

Can I just say that I've recently made two orders with RK Photographic and the service on both occasions was exemplary.

Let's not forget the established outlets.

Niall.

Agreed, use them on a regular basis, however for us Midlanders the idea of being able to turn up at a shop and buy stuff over the counter is cool. If I lived in London, Silverprint would be sick of the sight of me, as I live local to Matt...... Get the kettle on chap, white two sugars :p:p:p

[Matt5791]

Thanks for that - we do have a Kettle - in regular use for customers!

If you want to come in over Christmas please call first - we will divert the phones over this period.

Many thanks,

Matt