Albums - Spicer Hallfield

Hello all <p>

 

I'm guessing this will be more relevant to UK based photographers but

hopefully others can help too<p>

 

I have been using Spicer Hallfield products for a couple of years and

whilst fairly happy with the quality/price I do feel there are

probably better options out there. The biggest issue I have found is

the length of time it takes to put an album together especially for

the reportage album which most of my 2006 bookings are. I also find

it very difficult to get flush edges when fixing the overlays as the

glue dries instantly and you can't (at least I have not been able to)

move them into position once stuck, (I'm a photographer and my craft

skills are not the best!) This means I often waste overlays and

pages getting them fixed in acceptably flush. <p>

 

Firstly I would be interested in hearing of the experiences from

anybody using Spicer Hallfield albums. Would investing in montage

software speed up my work and is it worth it? (it's expensive at ﾣ150

GBP) <p>

 

Secondly any suggestions for alerternative suppliers? Most of the

good ones I have seen are based in the US and do not ship, at least

cheaply. Is anybody using Queensbury albums? They look very

impressive but I have no idea as to how the cost price of a typical

album compares. My ideal vision I have is to present prints in a high

quality photo box but have not found anything outside of the US that

comes close. <p>

 

Thanks in advance.....

I'm also very keen on the Queensberry albums but have the same questions as you regarding cost (and ease of assembly). So haven't made the move yet. I really like Bound to Last (www.boundtolast.co.nz) They are a smallish new zealand company doing beautiful work with albums and photoboxes etc. They are always very helpful to deal with and the work is of a very high standard.

In Australia - http://www.seldex.com.au - I don't think they do image boxes but the albums are superb. You can get them direct. Ask for Nicole.

Come along to Focus on Imaging at the end of Feb and get a close-up look at what's available.

 

On a related note, I'm about to order a tester album from Jessops, who are doing a 40 page 12x12 printed album for 35 GBP.

 

I can't wait to see if it'll hold up because it's amazing value.

Thanks for the replys. <p>

 

Not sure if anybody has used the spicer reportage album but it is a lot harder to put together than the traditional minor & countess albums. The overlays are full width and match the pages you have 3 items (2 overlays and the page) that need to be totally flush to look right. The glue sets instantly so you can't part fix and adjust to fit, I find it really hard and really frustrating. Trouble is when I show clients sample albums they all go for it. I need to change something or find an alternative, I have 10 to put togther this year and don't want any more!

Hi NL

 

I have used Spicer's for about 4 years and starting to phase them out. This is down to in my

opinion they are not well made, I find them too tradtional and I think you can get a far

greater quality album somewhere else. Thats why I use Jorgensen (www.jorgensen.com.au).

The albums are one of the finest around ( a little like Queensbury ).

You need to speak to SWPm (South West Photo Mounts) in Paignton, Devon.

They are more expensive than Spicer's but you do get a vast choice of albums which you

design like "Montage".

Have a look at mine and let me know what you think!

www.albumania.com

I have the same questions really I paid for montage and as yet never got it to work ! I use the reportage album, which is tricky to put together,I no longer use the clue strips, and use craft clue. I do have problems with overlays being damaged in transit, I have to reorder often. BUT !! once done the albums look ace ! I just need montage to work or an alternative software package. So that my question !! any ideas on ablum software for spicers stuff ! I have become the leading wedding photographer in my region and overnight! and cant waste time !

thanks jk.