Job Discussion Forums

mooseontheloose · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 14

One of my concerns in moving to the UAE is being able to pursue some of my favorite activites while I'm there. Out of everything that I enjoy doing, I think photography will be the only one I can do on any level. BUT...I'm not a digital photographer in any way, shape, or form. I shoot nothing but film, develop it myself, and print it myself (well, the black and white stuff anyway). That being said, I know that film is becoming a niche product in many parts of the world, so my concern is about the availability of products in the region.

I would like to know if there is anyone out there who shoots film (or is at least aware of it) who can let me know about obtaining materials out there -- black and white or slide film (135 or 120 formats), chemicals, paper, etc. I'd also be interested in picking up an enlarger (second hand) if they are available. Are there any shops, in any of the Emirates, that still deal with analog materials? What about neighboring countries? (I'd be willing to do a few major trips every now and then to pick up materials). Is online ordering the only option? If so, have you found any difficulties in shipping stuff into the UAE? Obviously if it doesn't look good there I'll try to bring as much as I can when I move, but I'm worried especially about the chemicals (some are hazardous) and paper (due to weight and the fact that it can't be x-rayed).

Please do NOT suggest I go digital -- I get that all the time and I'm not interested. Despite what a lot of people might think, film is not dead and there are plenty of people still using it in all it's forms. It's just getting more difficult -- although some places are worse than others, and I'd like to get an idea of what the situation is before I go.

Cheers.

uaeobserver · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 236

As of last year, there were plenty of places that took film.

The UAE had a very strong fetish for passport photos --- so there were film-based photo shops on almost every corner.

Grand Store was one of the places I knew about. There was also a great little photo supply shop over near West Zone, near El Diar. I found a Hassy there for WAY too cheap.