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keyser · 10-10-2010, 01:09 AM

So, I have nothing but a Paterson tank, a roll of Ilford Delta 400 and a makeshift darkroom. Now, chemical bottles and funnels I can get, but chemicals are another matter.

I'm looking for beginners stuff (one shot, premixed), but I have no idea where to get them from. I live in Delta, Canada (Near Vancouver)

Any ideas? Mail order is OK, I can wait

Ratmagiclady · 10-10-2010, 09:06 AM

That's actually a good question: there's a possibility my sweetie and I might move there. Perhaps Henry's?

You won't find a lot of 'pre-mixed' chemicals, but plenty in liquid concentrate, which are easy to mix. (Sometimes something I appreciate with the artritis. Other than that, mixing chemicals is generally just a little chore at worst: nothing to be intimidated about. When I was in high school, I'd even buttonhole some athletes for the task on occasion, when our darkroom was crazy-busy. No worries. )

Also, you might try Freestyle Photo (like freestylephoto.biz, I think is the name, ...they're very beginner and educator friendly, and may have a decent international shipping thing. At least, I think they're closer to you within the US than my other go-to folks, Adorama and B&H: I often get my film and chemistry from them when I'm buying other things.

stevebrot · 10-10-2010, 09:27 AM

Hi Keyser,
Living on the Lower Mainland, you should have some local options for B&W chemistry, though you might have to drive into the city. With any luck, maybe Luc or one of the other BC shooters will jump into this thread with suggestions. If not, you can always just go to the Yellow Pages in the phone book and call around. I would suggest Kerrisdale Cameras as a start point. I remember their shop from years ago when I lived on Pt. Gray.

There are a number of options, but conventional wisdom is to start with conventional chemistry as you are getting started. That would mean a powdered one-shot "standard" developer (D-76 or similar), powdered fixer, and Photo Flo as a rinse aid. You can use either water or stop bath in between develop and fix. Concentrated liquid developers such as Rodinal or HC-110 are also an option because they have great shelf life and can be quite economical in the long run. The only issue is sorting out what dilution you want to use.

Good luck!

Steve

John Poirier · 10-10-2010, 08:01 PM

Lens and Shutter carries chemicals. Probably also Leo's and one or two other places in Vancouver.

Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based.

John

stevebrot · 10-10-2010, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by John Poirier

Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based.

John,
I had to chuckle when I read that. Photography is not the only field where reagents are referred to as chemistry and it always sort of bothered me as well, but after years of working in both research and clinical labs, I fall into that usage on occasion. I think I first heard the word used that way at UBC.

Steve

keyser · 10-10-2010, 10:41 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like I need to take a trip downtown! Maybe I'll actually shoot a roll in B&W to give me the kick I need to get it sorted. My dSLR is bust right now, and this time of year is great for B&W!

I think I'll go for Rodinal for simplicity (besides, I like the name), I guess the next question is.. is all fix created equally?

lbenac · 10-10-2010, 11:56 PM

For the basic stuff, look at darkroomcentral.ca
For more elaborated chemicals and films - freestyle is the best option provided you put orders for several items together (otherwise handling cost and shipping costs will kill you).

Luc

**gofour3** · 10-11-2010, 10:15 AM

Try Beau Photo at 6th and Granville in Vancouver.

Beau Photo Supplies - Cameras, Equipment, Albums, Rentals

Note they are not open on weekends!

Phil.

Ratmagiclady · 10-11-2010, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by John Poirier

Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based.

John

Yeah, but we need our 'photography' just the same.

Sounds like Canada's pretty well fixed for supplies, though. Might save some awkwardness with customs and immigration. Now it won't be like: 'Do you have anything to declare?' *wheeling in cartload of paper and chemicals.* "Yes. Film's not dead, and I plan to stay a while?"

'Are you importing that?'

'Personal use. I'm hoping to live a while.'

**ChrisPlatt** · 10-12-2010, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

John, I had to chuckle when I read that... Steve

I believe you two have developed a chemistry.

Chris

Nesster · 10-15-2010, 03:35 AM

The Frugal Photographer is in Canada, for mail order, they have some interesting supplies:
The Frugal Photographer Catalog

stevebrot · 10-15-2010, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

I believe you two have developed a chemistry.

I don't know about chemistry, but I very much respect John's work and input on these forums!

Steve

10-10-2010, 01:09 AM	#1
keyser Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tsawwassen, BC Posts: 376	Chemicals in Canada? So, I have nothing but a Paterson tank, a roll of Ilford Delta 400 and a makeshift darkroom. Now, chemical bottles and funnels I can get, but chemicals are another matter. I'm looking for beginners stuff (one shot, premixed), but I have no idea where to get them from. I live in Delta, Canada (Near Vancouver) Any ideas? Mail order is OK, I can wait

10-10-2010, 09:06 AM	#2
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	That's actually a good question: there's a possibility my sweetie and I might move there. Perhaps Henry's? You won't find a lot of 'pre-mixed' chemicals, but plenty in liquid concentrate, which are easy to mix. (Sometimes something I appreciate with the artritis. Other than that, mixing chemicals is generally just a little chore at worst: nothing to be intimidated about. When I was in high school, I'd even buttonhole some athletes for the task on occasion, when our darkroom was crazy-busy. No worries. ) Also, you might try Freestyle Photo (like freestylephoto.biz, I think is the name, ...they're very beginner and educator friendly, and may have a decent international shipping thing. At least, I think they're closer to you within the US than my other go-to folks, Adorama and B&H: I often get my film and chemistry from them when I'm buying other things. Last edited by Ratmagiclady; 10-10-2010 at 09:12 AM.

10-10-2010, 09:27 AM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Hi Keyser, Living on the Lower Mainland, you should have some local options for B&W chemistry, though you might have to drive into the city. With any luck, maybe Luc or one of the other BC shooters will jump into this thread with suggestions. If not, you can always just go to the Yellow Pages in the phone book and call around. I would suggest Kerrisdale Cameras as a start point. I remember their shop from years ago when I lived on Pt. Gray. There are a number of options, but conventional wisdom is to start with conventional chemistry as you are getting started. That would mean a powdered one-shot "standard" developer (D-76 or similar), powdered fixer, and Photo Flo as a rinse aid. You can use either water or stop bath in between develop and fix. Concentrated liquid developers such as Rodinal or HC-110 are also an option because they have great shelf life and can be quite economical in the long run. The only issue is sorting out what dilution you want to use. Good luck! Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 10-10-2010 at 09:34 AM.

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10-10-2010, 08:01 PM	#4
John Poirier Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gabriola Island Posts: 619	Lens and Shutter carries chemicals. Probably also Leo's and one or two other places in Vancouver. Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based. John

10-10-2010, 09:40 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by John Poirier Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based. John, I had to chuckle when I read that. Photography is not the only field where reagents are referred to as chemistry and it always sort of bothered me as well, but after years of working in both research and clinical labs, I fall into that usage on occasion. I think I first heard the word used that way at UBC. Steve

10-10-2010, 10:41 PM	#6
keyser Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tsawwassen, BC Posts: 376 Original Poster	Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like I need to take a trip downtown! Maybe I'll actually shoot a roll in B&W to give me the kick I need to get it sorted. My dSLR is bust right now, and this time of year is great for B&W! I think I'll go for Rodinal for simplicity (besides, I like the name), I guess the next question is.. is all fix created equally?

10-10-2010, 11:56 PM	#7
lbenac Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Burnaby, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,313	For the basic stuff, look at darkroomcentral.ca For more elaborated chemicals and films - freestyle is the best option provided you put orders for several items together (otherwise handling cost and shipping costs will kill you). Luc

10-11-2010, 10:15 AM	#8
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,093	Try Beau Photo at 6th and Granville in Vancouver. Beau Photo Supplies - Cameras, Equipment, Albums, Rentals Note they are not open on weekends! Phil.

10-11-2010, 12:32 PM	#9
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by John Poirier Incidentally, I hate the propensity of photographers to use the term "chemistry" instead of "chemicals'. Chemicals are the materials you work with. Chemistry is the science on which your procedures are based. John Yeah, but we need our 'photography' just the same. Sounds like Canada's pretty well fixed for supplies, though. Might save some awkwardness with customs and immigration. Now it won't be like: 'Do you have anything to declare?' wheeling in cartload of paper and chemicals. "Yes. Film's not dead, and I plan to stay a while?" 'Are you importing that?' 'Personal use. I'm hoping to live a while.'

10-12-2010, 05:12 PM	#10
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,701	Originally posted by stevebrot John, I had to chuckle when I read that... Steve I believe you two have developed a chemistry. Chris

10-15-2010, 03:35 AM	#11
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	The Frugal Photographer is in Canada, for mail order, they have some interesting supplies: The Frugal Photographer Catalog

10-15-2010, 10:16 AM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt I believe you two have developed a chemistry. I don't know about chemistry, but I very much respect John's work and input on these forums! Steve

Chemicals in Canada?

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