It isn't often that there are business shout-outs here at Nourish Me. Each time I begin that sort of post I'm instantly overcome with awkwardness; I um, and ah, then my writing gets wonky and I end up pressing delete before I've even thought about adding pictures. Yet today, when collecting the 'Blad, it occurred to me that really good repair shops are increasingly rare beasts, and the advice I've been given at some of the big name camera shops over the years has been not only lacklustre, but often actually wrong.
Mei and John at Shutterbox in Camberwell are a small, family-run business, wise and knowledgeable, down-to-earth and trustworthy. I met them when I did the unthinkable: bought an expensive, long-desired camera sight unseen. John's advice got me not only a full refund, but no fuss at the other end either. They've been incredibly helpful. To top it all off, this morning Mei handed me a jar of their homemade fig jam with my beautifully repaired Hasselblad, 'cos we also talk clean food. Couldn't ask for more. They sell and repair cameras (both digital and film) and accessories, and, best of all, can talk cameras in layman's terms.
Brilliant. Can't wait for tomorrow's breakfast...
just wanted to say that I love the photo, it is like a painting, beautiful quiet moment caught.
Posted by: Joy | February 04, 2011 at 08:56 PM
Thanks for sharing this Lucinda. I'm always glad to know that such places still exist especially in my home town. I also wanted to let you know I made your amazing Tomato Salad a few nights ago - bliss in a bowl!
Posted by: Caz | February 05, 2011 at 08:01 AM
Wonderful still life. And how could you not love a family business that gives you homemade jam with your beautifully repaired camera :)
Posted by: another outspoken female | February 05, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Funny reading your post this morning. My husband just bought a brand new motorbike. I was dumbfounded upon collecting the bike at "Honda". Hardly anyone could answer some technical questions that my husband wanted to know. At least they were honest enough to say "read the manual". Giving us the wrong information would be much worse. It's so hard to find good, old-fashioned, knowledgable service these days. It sounds 'Shutterbox' is a rare find.
Posted by: Mariana | February 06, 2011 at 08:56 AM
That's a good shot for you new camera. I really love the thought of knowing such a warm and cool people in a shop. It gets you coming back every now and then.
Posted by: Sandra Hopkins | February 06, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Caz - it's YUM! Glad ya liked.
Posted by: Lucy | February 06, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Nothing better than finding decent honest service providers. Excellent job on the Hass and the jam.
Rather jealous you have a Hass. Rather. (pursed lips of disdain)
Posted by: Ro | February 06, 2011 at 08:13 PM
A lovely shout-out/story. Good, generous people attract good, generous people so I'm not surprised to hear you found such a friendly, trustworthy repair shop.
And I love the still life. You've inspired me to learn more about film photography even if I never pursue it myself.
Posted by: Elaine | February 13, 2011 at 01:41 PM
That's a lovely shot from your camera. Still-life. I would want to post on in my room.
Posted by: Nicole Smith | June 09, 2011 at 07:36 PM