Repost: resources and labs

Resources & labs 

It’s pretty easy for you to find everything you need at the bookstore.  However, shopping around is a good way to get the best price and find a broader selection. 

I am not promoting any one source over another, as there are reasons to choose each one.  For my own work, I buy supplies from several different sources.  Sometimes I buy locally, sometimes from several different online sources. 

If you miss class, or you want more darkroom time, you may also want to visit a rental lab. Those are listed toward the end.  If you visit a rental darkroom, please remember that the rules might be different there.  Be respectful and ask for help getting oriented.  

Always ask for a student discount, even if you think you won't get it.  Bring your syllabus, supply list and student ID, just in case they ask for it.

Here’s a few places I recommend to you:

B&H Photography

B&H is a large supply house geared toward the professional.  They have a vast selection of photography supplies, cameras and gear.  They also carry audio/visual, computers, lighting equipment, etc.  The website is fairly easy to navigate and search for most supplies.  Use your supply list to search for key words. 

B&H is pretty consistent about delivering within 5 days, but they are closed for Jewish holidays so plan ahead.  Here’s the address:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Freestyle Photography

Freestyle Photography is geared more toward education and individual artists.  They have a lot of options for lower cost products, how-to pages, and allow instructors to post supply lists. 

The website can be a little difficult to navigate if you don’t know the right search terms.  While I'm not suggesting you should choose Freestyle over other sources, I did post a supply page for recommended products.  This can make your shopping a little easier.  Simply go to the “Students & Educators” page and search for the supply list. 

Deliveries from usually L.A. take 2-3 days.  Be sure to estimate delivery time if you are on a deadline. Here’s the web address: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/

Keeble and Shuchat

Keeble and Shuchat is a local store where you can find everything you need.  There are two stores in Palo Alto, on either side of the same street.

On one side, you’ll find the used camera department.  It can be a good place to find a deal, but you should be prepared with a clear idea of what you want and need.

On the other side of the street, you’ll find a large selection of new cameras, camera bags, tripods and the darkroom supply section.  Darkroom stuff is upstairs and they are helpful about getting you everything you need.  Bring your supply list and ask someone to help you find stuff.  They will know what to do.

Here’s the address: 261 South California Ave., Palo Alto, (2 stores)
- http://kspphoto.com/

Bear Images

I’ve not had the pleasure to go to Bear Images but my other teaching buddies tell me they are great.  417 Lambert Avenue, Palo Alto, 650-321-2327 - http://www.bearimages.com/

KEH

Keh.com is a great place to look for used gear.  They have a pretty straight-forward rating system and good prices.  Unlike other used camera options (like ebay) you get a guarantee that the camera will be as rated.  I’ve had good experiences with all my purchases.  However, you do need to know what you are looking for.

I recommend you contact customer service for help if you have any uncertainties and make your first purchase over the phone: http://www.keh.com/

Looking Glass

Looking Glass is a local place for supplies and a rental lab.  I haven’t printed there because I have my own darkroom, but I’ve heard great things from my students. The price is great at only $6 per hour. 

You need to have a strong knowledge of working in the darkroom and being respectful of darkroom etiquette to go to any rental lab.  Don’t show up and expect them to help you like you are in class.  Also be prepared to figure out new equipment because the enlargers are not the same models as we have.

Looking Glass: 1045 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley CA, 510-548-6888.
Monday-Friday 9-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-4
http://www.lookingglassphoto.com/

PhotoCentral

PhotoCentral is the closest rental lab to campus.  Students have told me it’s a great place to go and that they are friendly to students.  The pictures of the darkroom are really beautiful. 

However, it’s only open Mondays 5-10pm.  If your assignment is due on a Tuesday, I don’t recommend waiting until Monday night to start working on it! 

Photo Central: 
1099 E Street, Hayward, California 94541 http://www.photocentral.org/facility.html

Rayko Photo Center

This is one of my favorite spots in SF.  If you are ever in San Francisco, Rayko Photo Center is a must see destination (a short walk from Bart).

They have a huge gallery and sales room hosting local artists.  They also have rental darkrooms, classes, digital labs and stuff to buy.  Gallery receptions are always fun and well attended.  The website often features opportunities for shows.

Like other labs, you are expected to know what you are doing and be respectful.  The practices might be different from how we work in our lab.  I recommend asking for an orientation to avoid any problems. 

Rayko Photo Center: 428 3rd Street, San Francisco, http://raykophoto.com/

Do you know about other rental labs in the bay area? 

Let me know and I'll see about adding to the list in future semesters.