masjah Posted September 12, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 12, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Has anything befallen Frank Foster's Photo Design Studio in Devon? It's just that I went to his web page www.photodesignstudio.co.uk and got some other outfit saying they were the owners of this page, and were "moving in" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 12, 2009 Posted September 12, 2009 Hi masjah, Take a look here Photo Design Studio. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Bo_Lorentzen Posted September 12, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 12, 2009 Might just have changed his hosting company and is in the process of reloading everything.? . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topoxforddoc Posted September 12, 2009 Share #3 Posted September 12, 2009 I tried to call Frank yesterday. His answer-phone message says that he and Jenny have decided to retire and thanked all his loyal customers for their custom. I tried to call him on his mobile, but it was switched off. What a shame! He was the Leica dealer who got most of my business, as he was easy to deal with and his prices were very competitive. I visited him and Jenny last about a year ago - really nice people. Charlie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted September 12, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted September 12, 2009 I tried to call Frank yesterday. His answer-phone message says that he and Jenny have decided to retire and thanked all his loyal customers for their custom. I tried to call him on his mobile, but it was switched off. What a shame! He was the Leica dealer who got most of my business, as he was easy to deal with and his prices were very competitive. I visited him and Jenny last about a year ago - really nice people. Charlie Charlie, thanks for the information - couldn't agree more with your comments. Hope they enjoy their retirement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyM Posted September 13, 2009 Share #5 Posted September 13, 2009 That's a quick exit ! His website was working as normal a few days ago and no mention of retirement .... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick.edwards1 Posted September 13, 2009 Share #6 Posted September 13, 2009 I have noticed for many weeks that the web page had not been updated - I assumed that they were on holiday. I have purchased all my Leica cameras, lenses and accessories from Frank & Jenny and had fantastic service. I am sad to see them go, but if they are retiring I wish them all the best and welcome them to 'the club' ( highly recommended but but puts an M9 out of reach - will just have to give my M8 and MP a bashing instead). Regards, Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
moikle Posted September 14, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 14, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) They also stopped advertising in Amateur Photographer a while back. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted September 14, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 14, 2009 May I echo all that has been said about Frank and Jenny Foster. It was finally confirmed to me today when he answered a plea for help. I have no idea of the circumstances of his precipitate retirment; perhaps growing frustration with Leica deliveries. He did answer my email, which I appreciated very much. But I expect his responses will be limited to urgent post-sales business until all old customers know the new situation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted September 14, 2009 Share #9 Posted September 14, 2009 What a shame but I too wish Frank a long and happy retirement. He impressed me particularly with his determination to keep stock for sale in his own hands and not to rely on the vagaries of Milton Keynes, which must have added a significant extra layer of risk. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrh68uk Posted September 15, 2009 Share #10 Posted September 15, 2009 This confirms what I'd suspected for a while, having noticed that the PDS price list hadn't been updated since 16th June. It's just a shame I only fairly recently discovered them, as I was looking forward to further dealings and chats. Frank did mention retirement the last time I spoke to him, so I guess it's no surprise. I wish them all the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blovitch Posted September 15, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 15, 2009 He really is a top chap. Always had time for a chat, and went out of his way for me on several occasions. I just wish he had sent me the 67mm Dust Cap before he shut up shop... -Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
etp095 Posted January 20, 2010 Share #12 Posted January 20, 2010 I'm sad to hear that frank and Jenny retired,I wish them a long healthy retirement.I bought my first piece of leica gear from him(trinovid binoculars),and m lenses,all within the past year.he gave me lots of information and was a real pleasure to deal with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
etp095 Posted January 20, 2010 Share #13 Posted January 20, 2010 I tried to call Frank yesterday. His answer-phone message says that he and Jenny have decided to retire and thanked all his loyal customers for their custom. I tried to call him on his mobile, but it was switched off. What a shame! He was the Leica dealer who got most of my business, as he was easy to deal with and his prices were very competitive. I visited him and Jenny last about a year ago - really nice people. Charlie Do you have any pictures of the shop,you could share with us?I have an idea of what the shop may have looked like,a narrow building and lots of clutter about(lol). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topoxforddoc Posted January 20, 2010 Share #14 Posted January 20, 2010 I'm afraid I don't. Their ad had a picture of the shop front. It was a narrow fronted shop on a sloping side street about 200 yards from the beach in a south west seaside town called Woolacombe. Opposite it was shop with buckets and spades. Inside was actually pretty neat and tidy - small shop really with a back office where Jenny spent a lot of time. Window display, glass display cabinet to the right and a glass counter cabinet. Frank was always happy to provide a coffee and would always be prepared o have a chat. Best wishes, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted January 21, 2010 Author Share #15 Posted January 21, 2010 Do you have any pictures of the shop,you could share with us?I have an idea of what the shop may have looked like,a narrow building and lots of clutter about(lol). As Charlie says, their ad had a small picture of the outside of their shop. If you can find an old copy of UK Amateur Potographer (or Practical Photography) which pre-dates Frank's retirement, you will be able to find an ad and see the picture. He bought up a considerable stock of Leica UK's "ex demo" lenses, and I think he thereby got a good deal on them, which he passed on to purchasers. I got my 28-90 zoom, and my 100/2.8 Macro in this way. An absolute delight to deal with. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JoanMarianne Posted March 15, 2010 Share #16 Posted March 15, 2010 I concluded they had retired when I resorted to sending a postcard since there was no response to emails or telephone calls. A charming couple of great integrity. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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