Going analogue - and a simple question

[Diplopodus]

It took me quite a while but...

I finally took the plunge and got (back) to film - soon after concluding, during an old-fashioned slide projection, how much I missed its qualities (even its flaws).

Fast forward a few days and, in the possession of my "brand new" second-hand camera and a journal to keep track of my shooting data, I'm already thinking of things like pulling Velvia to ISO 40 to bring out shadow details, how many stops to bracket and the like - while praying for my thursday off to come by with a fairly good weather, of course!

Old habits really die hard.

Okay, okay, the question:

Regarding the lack of refrigeration, has anyone got any reservation on buying, say, Fuji Velvia stock through mail order?

[Manofolympus]

For most of us the question would be how do you buy film without using mail order. I've never had problems with mailed film but I would avoid ordering it if it will be in transit over a weekend.

[nimbus]

I never had any problems with film stock purchased from mail order suppliers, I normally used Discount Films Direct. These suppliers tend to have a fairly rapid turnover of stock, and are unlikely to heat storage areas, even if stock is not held in refrigeration.

[Diplopodus]

For most of us the question would be how do you buy film without using mail order. (...)

And me thinking I was commiting some kind of sin by doing it that way.

(...)I would avoid ordering it if it will be in transit over a weekend.

Interesting point...

Note to self: don't order film on Fridays.

Thanks for the tip.

EDIT: Oh boy! The way it's raining cats and dogs as I write this, I guess it'll be spit and polish day for the camera tomorrow.

[Lazza]

Do you have a Calumet store near you? I ask because their film prices overall are very competative, I buy all my BW film from them and now 7dayshop have put up their price of Velvia 100 RVP Calumet's price of £5.41 compared to 7's price of £5.25 is a bargain.

Odd things like Ilford XP2 are double the price but overall they really are hot on film prices, you know it's rerfigerated and you can buy it as and when.

[Diplopodus]

The nearest one from where I am (Oxford) seems to be in London.

I'll keep an eye for that on my next "iconic buildings" photographic trip to the Capital.

[taxor]

I've always used 7dayshop for my stuff and - apart from being a little slow (something that might be of concern to you in the heat of a typical british summer ), I've never had a problem with them. Most importantly , welcome back to the analogue fold!

[Benchista]

Same here, it's simply not an issue IMVHO.

[AJUK]

Is film on mail order not refrigerated, I mean I wouldn't expect a large walk in fridge, but I would expect a well insulated air conditioned room.

[Diplopodus]

(...) welcome back to the analogue fold!

Thank you - always a pleasure!

[Mojo_66]

I usually buy film from 7dayshop and have never had a problem, orders usually arrive in 3-5 days. Mathers also have extensive film stocks and their films are refrigerated.

[Diplopodus]

Glad to know Mathers handle their film stock more professionaly than they do to the eyesore they call a website.

[Mugshot]

It took me quite a while but...

I finally took the plunge and got (back) to film - soon after concluding, during an old-fashioned slide projection, how much I missed its qualities (even its flaws).

Fast forward a few days and, in the possession of my "brand new" second-hand camera and a journal to keep track of my shooting data, I'm already thinking of things like pulling Velvia to ISO 40 to bring out shadow details, how many stops to bracket and the like - while praying for my thursday off to come by with a fairly good weather, of course!

Old habits really die hard.

Okay, okay, the question:

Regarding the lack of refrigeration, has anyone got any reservation on buying, say, Fuji Velvia stock through mail order?

If you rate Velvia 50 it may "Bring up the shadow details" but be careful not to blow out the highlights, which is a much bigger 'sin' with transparancy film, I find this film with my cameras is fine if shot at the box speed of ISO 50.