Anyone purchased anything from Photo-Graphic Systems in New Mexico?

[Ron Whitaker]

Has anyone purchased camera equipment from Photo-Graphic Systems in New Mexico? They seem to have some good equipment, but I was just wondering what they're se rvice is like, etc.

Thanks.

Ron Whitaker

[Josh Wand]

I am currently in the process of buying a lens from them... Stephan has been prompt (if curt) in his replies to my emails. I'm still waiting, however, for the lens to arrive, so I'll withhold judgement until then.

While PGSys doesn't have any entries yet, a good place to check out things like this is photo.net's Neighbor-to- Neighbor feature.

[Alec Jones]

Dealt with him for years. Absolutely reliable and honest. Highly recommend!

[Erik Ryberg]

I bought my Deardorff from him. I was a little leery because he played an idiotic game with me telling me he was going to raise the price if I didn't call back in two hours. That turned me off quite a bit, and very, very nearly cost him the sale, but I wanted the camera and bought it, and it turned out to be all he advertised.

[bill_1041]

I just bought an 8x10 camera, backs, and case - all in excellent condition, and it was just as Stephan advertised. Received everything in 3 days, well-packed and with 10 day return policy. Highly recommend.

[Wayne]

Eric's experience doesnt sound like one I'd like to have.

I havent bought anything from them. I've looked at their prices on used enlargers and darkrrom stuff, and quickly moved on to more reasonably priced places, of which there are many. I thought their prices were way out of line

Wayne

[Shigehiro Ishii]

I bought a 8.25" Dagor lens w/a lensboard and a Ries tripod. I think their servive is fine. Prompt reply and shipping.

[Sergio Ortega]

Ron,

While I have not bought anything from them, I have visted the store several times while passing through Albuquerque (is that how you spell it?).

It's a quirky little store, packed to the rafters with tons of used equipment and memorabilia, resembling more a museum than a camera store. I was just there last month and they've added a lot of used 35mm and MF stuff; it seems to me that they used to be more LF oriented.

They carry a very good selection of interesting, older LF lenses; many of the lenses and designs I've never even heard of. They also have a huge stock of used and out-of-production LF darkroom equipment: enlargers, light sources, easels, developing tanks and devices of all descriptions, and so on. If you are looking for something strange for your darkroom, this is the place. Unfortunately, much of this stuff is not even listed in their small print ads, and even if it were listed you could not even begin to describe it. It's the kind of stuff that when you see it you realize it's just the sort of thing you've always needed to make your darkroom work easier.

They are only open to the public two days a week, so if you go in person be sure to call ahead to check on their schedule. If you cannot find what you're looking for in the store, they'll set up an appointment to meet you at their warehouse (I have not been there) where they tell me they have "lots more stuff".

Their prices for lenses, at least the ones I looked at and am familiar with, seemed a bit on the high side. The ones I inspected seemd to be in very good condition...no dusty, old crap in need of cleaning and/or repair. However, I found nothing that tempted me to buy on impulse during my visits.

From my limited impression, the owner seems to be a crusty old guy, apparently not too keen on chit-chatting with people off the street, but quite knowledgeable. There are a few interesting old photographic relics in the store, and, when prompted, the owner talked at length about their history and origin. One particular item, an old rangefinderless Leica body from the Los Alamos Laboratories, seemed to get him going for a while.

Good luck, Sergio.