retro photographic?

[MisterTransistor]

Before Easter I bought some film in quarter-plate size from Retro Photographic's web site:

http://www.retrophotographic.com/

I received two automated emails saying that my order had been processed. Since then - nothing. No film, no response to emails, no response to voice messages left - their 'customer service' line never answers.

Beware this company!

Anyone else had similar problems?

Andrew

[taxor]

Beware this company!

Anyone else had similar problems?

Retro have not got a very good name. Misplaced and delayed orders are commonplace, judging from the amount of negative feedback on other forums. I almost ordered from them, but decided to stick with Silverprint. Thank Gawd!

[Zou]

Their website recently has shown a lot less availability than previously, and they've disappeared from B&WP - I'm guessing they may be in financial difficulties if they have stopped advertising in what would surely be their most important magazine.

[MisterTransistor]

Strangely enough, I have now had an email from them saying that the quarter plate film I requested is no longer in stock but they can order more expensive ADOX film cut to the same size. I really want to try my father's old plate camera so I'm going to risk it.
Andrew

[MisterTransistor]

Ah - now even the ADOX is unavailable

[Zou]

Have you considered using paper for the negative, rather than film? It obviously has speed limitations but it may be worth a try to see if the camera functions properly and if it is worthwhile perservering with locating cut film.

[apochromatic]

I spoke to someone at silverprint.co.uk last week who said they had just been up to buy up retro's remaining stock ( from a barn) The retro website is still there but I guess no one is home.

[Damien_Demolder]

As a Retro Photographic myself I was more than a little concerned at this post. I have just spoken to the company and while Silverprint has been to buy some of Retro's stock it seems trading between the two businesses is nothing unusual. Further, Martin Reed from Silverprint has this to say:

I'm not sure who said here that Retrophotographic were closing, NOT CORRECT. Nigel Dear at Retro is re-profiling the range of products he is offering, but is certainly not leaving the business.

To help out with this we took a variety of his stock which is no longer in his catalogue, which we are adding into our range. The intention is that Nigel can then concentrate on stuff which he is best geared up for, while at Silverprint we can increase stock of more bulky Adox products, especially the papers.

I hope this is helpful.

Damien

[Zou]

Damien, how about a nice feature piece on the state of the UK's analogue/traditional photography market - maybe a visit to the Ilford HQ, interviews with Silverprint/Retro/Nova etc and how they are adapting to the current market, and a cuople of featured portfolios from folk who still shoot on film exclusively?

Just an idea.

[taxor]

I think the market for analogue/ traditional photography has crystallised somewhat and (given the recession) might be fairly healthy for one or two of the bigger operators like Silverprint and Nova. Speaking as one who does work exclusively in analogue, the products available to us - with a few notable exceptions - are many and varied with small operators, like Peter Hogan of Monochrome Photography still making and supplying some very interesting chemistry. Whether I'll be able to say the same in 5 (or even 2)years from now is anyone's guess, but I think (hope) there will always be fluctuating hardcore of trad. users nationally, if not worldwide.

[Jonathan_Warner]

I have found them to be reliable in the past, and have appreciated their policy of using Royal Mail instead of the business-to-business oriented courier used by Silverprint, which cannot cope with the fact that I am out of my house at the times they deliver.

It will be a shame to lose another supplier, but I can always just get on the train and go to Silverprint.

[Staropramen]

I haven't seen any announcements, but can we reasonably assume, now that the Retro Photographic website is defunct, that they have closed down?

[gray1720]

According to the boss himself, some time ago too.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk...2/Main/848503/

Bummer - I only have one roll of 127...

Adrian