I'm currently shopping for a Scheider lens and came across a company from the Midwest, Badger Graphics, that is offering good prices on Schneider lenses. They haven't responded to my emails and was wondering if I should stay away? Has anyone out there had dealings with this company, good or bad?

-- Robert Lussier (robert.a.lussier@baesystems.com), October 17, 2001

Answers

I first heard about them on this site. Their service was first rate. The prices were great. I'd definitely use them again.

-- Kevin Crisp (KRCrisp@aol.com), October 17, 2001.

Robert,

By all means, Badger Graphic Sales is a reliable, trustworthy vendor that offers great prices and friendly, knowledgeable service. They are always the first place I call when I am considering purchasing anything photographic. The best way to contact them is to phone their toll free number (800-558-5350) and ask for Jeff, he's their large format specialist. IMHO they are the best large format dealer on the planet.

I have no affiliation with Badger Graphic other than as a very satisfied repeat customer. I think if you do a scan through the archives here and the rec.photo.equipment.large-format newsgroup you will find many more satisfied customers with similar high praise for Badger Graphic.

Kerry

-- Kerry Thalmann (largeformat@thalmann.com), October 17, 2001.

Exceedingly reliable, and with customer service second to none. My first contact was an emailed question sent on a Sunday. I hoped for a response sometime Monday. Jeff answered within an hour! Can't explain the lack of response to your emails, but I enthusiastically recommend Badger.

-- Sal Santamaura (santamaura@earthlink.net), October 17, 2001.

Had my first transaction with Badger last week. Purchased a Linhof fresnel lens for my 4X5. Price was far less than B&H, and service was superb. I would reccomend them highly, and I intend to do more business with them. Richard Boulware - Denver.

-- Richard Boulware (boulware-den@att.net), October 17, 2001.

Your experience with email reply is bad luck for they usually reply very quickly. Maybe their prose is not always very abundant, but very efficient. An excellent service and the best prices on Fujinon too.

-- Paul Schilliger (pschilliger@smile.ch), October 17, 2001.

I second all the opinions here, I bought a camera from them and received nothing but excellent service. Dont be shy they will take care of you.

-- Jorge Gasteazoro (jorgegm@worldnet.att.net), October 17, 2001.

A "top drawer" place to do business in all respects. A hearty second to all others' opinions.

-- Steve Baggett (sbaggett@midsouth.rr..com), October 17, 2001.

I live only 20 min away and am always going up there. Great place to shop and just to talk equipment.

-- Ken C (kenc@execpc.com), October 17, 2001.

I recently bought an Ebony 4x5 and Nikkor lens from them. Even more recently I ordered a Kodak single-sheet Readyload holder and some T- max from Badger-- all of which arrived well-packaged and promptly. Prices are good and service is first rate.

-- scambug (Arthurwg@aol.com), October 17, 2001.

I would not hesitate. I bought a Schneider lens from them several months back. Lens arrived within a day of placing the order. Jeff is a very helpful person answering questions about equipment.

-- Dave Schneider (dschneider@arjaynet.com), October 17, 2001.

I shop with them as well as Jeff Wheeler at Quality Camera in Atlanta. Badger is fine & Quality is probably more knowledgeable in very large formats... 8x10 and up. Both are reliable & don't promise more than they can deliver, from my personal experience.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), October 17, 2001.

As you see from all the responses the precede mine Badger is Topflight. You can count on Jeff to shoot straight and they generallyhae the best prices in teh country. Like many others I always turn to Badger first when I need something and almost without fail they deliver. I buy everything from cameras and lense to film from them and recommend them without hesitation.

-- Ted Harris (slberfuchs@aol.com), October 17, 2001.

Robert: Jeff at Badger will do what he says he will do. Their service is very quick and the items you order are packaged so they arrive in one piece. As far as I am concerned, they set the standards for ordering stuff by mail.

Regards,

-- Doug Paramore (dougmary@alaweb.com), October 18, 2001.

I purchased two lenses from Badger (after talking with Jeff, as most others on the list did).

Less than a week later, I had my lenses.

Excellent service. Definitely recommended.

-- Ken Miller (andawyr@hotmail.com), October 18, 2001.

Having bought LF from just about everywhere, Badger is without question the best combo of price, large stock, knowledgeability and service out there. Nobody else comes close.

Nathan

-- Nathan Congdon (Ncongdon@jhmi.edu), October 18, 2001.

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto... You must be doing a good job Jeff!

-- Bill Glickman (bglick@pclv.com), October 19, 2001.

You simply won't get better service anywhere than at Badger. Jeff imports many foreign-made items directly, which allows him to offer prices substantially lower than many other US dealers. He is also one of a few dealers in the US to directly import Fujinon lenses and Fuji sheet films.

I have purchased two Fujinon lenses from Jeff in the last year. Both arrived, mounted on the board I specified, the very next day via FedEx. I have also purchased a number of used items from Jeff and all have been in even better condition than he specified.

-- Rick Moore (rickm@gethen.com), October 20, 2001.