Such a Cad
It was interesting to read the story of Process Supplies in AP 17 May. I remember it well while working in High Holborn in the 1990s. I did my own processing back then and so made use of it for consumables on numerous occasions.
Tony Kemplen’s article on the Kiev 35A also brought back memories as I owned one of the original Minox 35’s when they were first launched, purchased luckily from Mr Cad in Croydon. Being an active biker at the time, space was a priority and the Minox due to its size and quality was a perfect fit for panniers.
However its control of exposure soon gave cause for concern and it was returned by Mr Cad to the importers for recertification. On return it still exhibited at times a random approach which, although correctable with home-processed b&w, was a gamble with transparencies.
After three months of frustration I returned it again to Mr Cad and speaking to the man himself, Alex Falk, said I wished I never bought it. What would you rather have had, he replied. An Olympus 35 RD was my answer. He picked up the phone and ordered an RD to be delivered that afternoon which was mine as a direct swap; this was three months after my original purchase. The prices were about the same, with possibly the RD being slightly dearer. That is real customer service.
The RD lived up to expectations, being eventually replaced by an XA which I still have. I have obviously continued to support Mr Cad. Peter Redman
Thanks for an interesting letter, Peter. independent camera stores tend to offer a much better standard of personalised service, so it’s important we continue to support them. Mr.Cad is now in Pimlico, London and well worth a visit – especially for film fans. on my bedside cabinet and – to my wife’s great annoyance – I switched on the light a couple of times just to look at the camera.
That sounds a bit sad but my previous SLR was a tank-like Zenith B which, next to the Olympus, was like comparing a RollsRoyce to a Sinclair
C5. Using Kodachrome 25 slide film in the OM1n it performed like a champion – and, K25 is the sharpest slide film ever made, in my opinion. I had the Olympus serviced about 15 years ago and it still produces great images. Alex Sams