Freestyle
Freestyle Photo Supplies image by Silverscape (Image rights) |
Freestyle Photographic Supplies is a retailer based in Hollywood, California.
The company was originally founded by partners Sam Fatman and Irving Resch in New York City in 1946[1] as Freestyle Sales Co.; and their original inventory was mainly WWII-surplus film[2]. By 1950 Freestyle had relocated to Hollywood, California[3]. Through the 1950s, bulk and discounted film remained their primary inventory, but now joined by darkroom supplies, tripods, and other accessories. By 1964 their densely-printed ads in Popular Photography had grown to be two-page spreads, with a few surplus items (such as aerial cameras and film) still making an appearance.
The company continues to operate today (2011), from 5124 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, selling a full line of films, papers, chemistry, and "alternative process" materials. They also retail cameras, lighting, and other accessories. As many photographers have found their local "bricks & mortar" stores discontinuing film sales, Freestyle has gained increasing prominence as one mail-order souce still offering a wide selection of emulsion types and film sizes. Additionally, Freestyle sells film, chemistry, and paper under its discounted house brand Arista. These private-label goods are widely understood to originate from "name brand" manufacturers (with the stated country of origin being a strong clue who these might be).
Samual Fatman died in 2003 at the age of 90[4].
Notes
- ↑ See "1946" in the photography timeline at the company website.
- ↑ Advertisement in Popular Photography magazine, February 1949 (Vol. 26, No. 6) page 114. Their NYC address was 43 West 64th Street.
- ↑ Advertisement in Popular Photography magazine, June 1950 (Vol. 24, No. 2) page 164. Their Hollywood address was 1431 (later 1427) N. Western Ave.
- ↑ Photo Marketing Newsline International, Monday, October 06, 2003 from PMA Newsline.