Robert White & Badger

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Not a question but a compliment. I have been dealing with Robert White for about 2 years now. I know they laugh when I order from them my system "Du Jour" I have purchased 6x8, 6x17, 6x9 and now 4x5 equipment from them. They have been very helpfull and Matt and Robert both offered advice that has been right on (even if I made the mistake of not following some of it).

I also purchase gear from Jeff at Badger Graphic. Another amazing supplier who is always willing to share knowledge. Even when I have, in retrospect, asked some really dumb questions as I learned LF.

Although they compete on some items there are enough variation in their inventory that I will be dealing with both to fullfill my equipment addiction. Suppliers of this quality are a tremendous resource to the large and MF community.

Just my two cents.

-- Scott Hoerner (scott@skylightimaging.com), January 23, 2002

Answers

Completely agree, had nothing but positive experiences with Robert White. So let me guess: Fuji GX 680, Fuji 617, Fuji GSW 6x9 and Arca Swiss or Ebony 4x5? Which do you like best?

-- Andreas Carl (andreas@physio.unr.edu), January 23, 2002.

Very close guess! Fuji 680, Linhof 617, Silvestri 6x9 & 6x12, and Ebony SV45U. Before that was an endless string of Nikon 35mm gear. Now 35mm looks too anemic to even think about for landscapes.

-- Scott Hoerner (scott@skylightimaging.com), January 23, 2002.

Sorry Andreas, I forgot to answer your question. It is a toss up between 617 and 4x5. I really like panoramic format and find myself cropping 4x5 to a 2:1 or 3:1 ration. The pans sell better also.

-- Scott Hoerner (scott@skylightimaging.com), January 23, 2002.

Thanks Scott for the post. Many on these forums who have been in LF for some time already know of the service and reliability of Badger and Robert White. I think it is good to once in a while mention the good retailers/suppliers (I would add Midwest Photo Exchange and Freestyle) who are helpful and backup what they sell. God only knows for every good supplier there are 5 who would screw their own granmother out of her last penny.

For a good source of feedback on retailers go to the community forums on photonet.com and search (i believe) photo retailers and suppliers. It is a real eye opener. It will save readers from making a costly mistake in the future.

-- James Chinn (jchinn2@dellepro.com), January 23, 2002.


Mr Cad is also out of the UK, and even returned my call to me in the States regarding my purchase, great prices, great service.

-- Jonathan Brewer (lifestories@earthlink.net), January 23, 2002.


The likes of Robert White are worth their weight in gold.

-- paul owen (paulowen_2000@yahoo.com), January 23, 2002.

I have never dealt with these two dealers and am glad to hear of them. Is is appropriate to name names of bad dealers here? I had one very bad experience and would like to post it but don't want to incur wrath if it is deemed inappropriate.

-- Rob Tucher (rtphotodoc@hotmail.com), January 23, 2002.

In addition to the two mentioned, add Jeff Wheeler at Quality Camera in Atlanta, GA. This is especially so if you are working in 8x10 and larger. Jeff supplied many of the cameras & lenses for the Mammoth Camera workshops & is well versed in ultra large format gear & needs.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), January 23, 2002.

I want to second the nomination of Midwest Photo Exchange as an honorable place to get LF gear.

-- Ben Calwell (bcalwell@aol.com), January 23, 2002.

I want to THIRD the commendation of Miwest Photo EX. I have dealt many times with them. I trust them completely to be honest and fair either buying or selling gear.

-- Paul Minkus (dkurtz@mc.net), January 24, 2002.


I agree with your opinions about Robert White. In my country we find good prices also in some products, BUT NEVER the atention (Robert and Matt), fast service and security provided by RW's. I learned about packaging when I received -at home- a very big/heavy enlarger, also cheaper and waiting only five days. I never bought in the USA via internet, because the high air freights, but I'm grateful with Fred of darkroom inovations and Louis in photo Gizzmo for their good service and help. I would like to say about bad experiences with our local LF dealers, especially Schneider, but....

-- jose angel (acquatek@teleline.es), January 24, 2002.

Robert White service and support is impeccable . They always reply to your mails in a friendly and efficient way. We have used their services for more or less 5 years without any problem. Congratulations Robert and Matt.

Manuel Gomes Teixeira

Punctum Studios Ltd PORTUGAL

-- Manuel Gomes Teixeira (punctumstudios@netc.pt), January 24, 2002.


I would say if you want to list bad apples, go to the opinions forum on the community page at photonet.com. Under camera shops you will find hundreds of comments and reviews of retailers/dealers/suppliers.

Before you EVER think of buying mail order go to this site and do a search of that dealer. Also beware, that some dealers will from time to time change their name after so much heat is placed on them by disgruntled customers. As you will see there are a thousand sad stories in the naked city- don't become another one.

-- James Chinn (Jchinn2@dellepro.com), January 24, 2002.


Quite a while back I purchased a camera out of New York that was advertised as Mint, what I got shipped to me looked like someone had tried to dribble like a basketball, when it wasn't underwater.

Getting a refund from these folks was like pulling teeth, check 'em out before you buy.

-- Jonathan Brewer (lifestories@earthlink.net), January 24, 2002.


James, if I'm not wrong, you want to say photo.net

-- jose angel (acquatek@teleline.es), January 25, 2002.


Thanks for correcting me Jose, to many photo sites running around in my head.

-- James Chinn (jchinn2@dellEpro.com), January 25, 2002.

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