Help Center

We didn't make a business model around sourcing cameras; we sourced cameras based off our proven business model. We entered the marketplace with almost 350 'soft launch' sales, zero returns and a giant wealth of data collected across a number of countries. Used film camera sales can never be certain, however Racquet Film's store are the closest a buyer can get. We have two key facets to the brand; regular stock purchases and sourced sales. For more info on 'Sourcing', please see the associated section of this FAQ.

We have our HQ and the majority of Racquet reps in Australia (our home base). This is also the home of our film lab and parent company (you can view the website here). We also have reps in Japan and Hong Kong, however our key distribution points (outside of our HQ) are located in Melbourne and Tokyo. We utilise our contacts in all areas when sourcing a camera for you. Our main port and primary market is Australia, however we sell cameras to individuals all over the world. If you are based in Australia and purchase a camera, you will receive additional benefits in regard to CLAs and after sale service. We can not always offer these services to international customers. 

Our HQ is located at Shop 6/44 Douglas St, Milton, 4064. 

During our combined experience in the industry, we've slowly built up a list of business-to-business (B2B) contacts. Purchasing from suppliers/distributors that we have working relationships with allows us volume discounts (we purchase larger amounts from key distributors, meaning a lower price per unit) and peace of mind, given the contracts we have with these suppliers that ensure we are covered if issues occur. Last of all, very few of our suppliers sell to the general public and instead provide goods for a small range of on-sellers (like us). Given the smaller realm, reputation is key, so we know anyone we buy off is ensuring their goods are A+.

We don't blame you!The whole reason we started Racquet Film's online store was because we were afraid! bOriginally, it was 10-15 items and a very personal experience. New staff placed in good locations mean we've maintained the personal aspect of the brand, the eCommerce side has gone crazy. As such, we don't have time to pour detailed photographs and descriptions into every single listing, especially when most of them sell before they even get to us! Instead, we only buy the best. We figure if everything feels like we're over delivering, we'll always be safe. Please keep in mind - as this is a great brand testament but also something we're mighty proud of - we're coming up to 500 camera sales without a single complaint. Want one last boost? We're real people, in a real physical store in Brisbane, and we've been a brand for 10 years. This isn't a side hustle nor a hobby. Our film lab and sales division are the lifeblood of a great, knowledgable group of people that make up Racquet Creative.

We sell to buyers all around the world. If you have any questions or concerns regarding shipment to your region, please contact us!

Don't we all! Unfortunately, for us to maintain the quality that we currently do, it's simply not viable to have a giant inventory of cameras stored at our Milton HQ. Given they are niche products and items that aren't widely purchased, our business model - which is a very unique combination of standard retail, with certain elements taken from 'drop shipping' and 'marketplace' concepts - is the only way we can provide such a reliable and consistent service to the continually growing film marketplace. 

If you are intent on purchasing a camera, you can contact us and see what stock we have in-store. We always have roughly 30-40 cameras in store, and another 200-300 ready to be shipped to us. On top of that, we have huge access to camera outlets that aren't available to the everyday consumer.

First and foremost, between our Australian and Japanese staff, someone is always working. As per our Story Policy document, we are not 100% retail, however we're certainly not a marketplace. We have a very small number of high level B2B distributors who sell us goods. So, when we receive your order, a simple breakdown follows:We see if we have the exact stock you're after, pending your location.If we do, we send you an update and it will be shipped in no time!If we don't, we check which distribution list can fulfil the order.We ensure everything is correct and aligns with what you have requested.We place the order (always done express with tracking).Once it arrives, we allocate 45 minutes for a technician to inspect/approve the camera.When complete, the camera is set for dispatch.PS: You'll be kept up to date on all of the above!

As per out 'Product Variances' description, things like colour can be specified by the customer using the drop down tabs on certain product (often when a change of colour means a variation in price) or by simple using the 'Notes' section during checkout. Whenever a customer specifies that they require a specific colour or other 'Aesthetic' specific, we will adhere to that request or notify you if issues arise. For info on what Racquet consider 'Aesthetic Variables', please see the follow FAQ section.

As we state with all our products, images are for representation purposes only. If the camera is black and silver in your order, however you receive an all black item, it is our guarantee to you that the item is the same mechanically, of the same model and the same specification as the one you ordered. Minor changes like colour will be made at Racquet's discretion, and we will never make decisions that provide you with a lower class product. Any variances made by Racquet regarding minor changes to the placeholder image of any product or otherwise shown on the website is only done for the benefit of the customer. For example, if Racquet are able to purchase a higher quality item in a different colour-way, Racquet will prioritise the quality of the item over a minor detail like colour. The exception to this rule is significant colour changes. For example, cameras released in limited runs with colour-ways that are far from the selected and/or displayed colour on the Racquet website are not subject to the terms above. In addition to this, the customer reserves the right to specify exactly what sort of colour they would like, and whether or not they are comfortable with changes in this regard. If not, Racquet will ensure that specifics are adhered to, and this applies to other smaller details pertaining to a camera. 

Racquet follow a code based on 'Aesthetic Variances', which includes aspects of the camera like colour (silver and black compared to black and black) and other minor details (a black prism head instead of a silver prism). This does NOT pertain to the aesthetic quality of an item; Racquet only aim to provide high quality items that meet our standards in both a mechanical and aesthetic sense. 

Most definitely not. The items you see on our website are either (a) in stock at our Milton store, (b) recently sold items that we can acquire again and/or (c) items we can easily source from our distributors. To learn more about the benefits of sourcing, you can read the following FAQ section. With respect to the process when you order an item, this varies pending where the item you have purchased. If it's in stock, you will receive a rather prompt email with details on delivery or collection. If this item must come from either our Melbourne distributor or our Japan distributor. Once it arrives, you item will be shipped to you using the method of your choice (express or regular). More info can be found regarding this in the 'Shipping' section of this FAQ. 

That's correct. A number of our suppliers don't always provide photos with their sale items. Instead, they have super stringent 'Grading Systems' accompanied by very detailed descriptions of item condition. The truth is, the suppliers who don't always have time to photograph each item are the suppliers who provide the highest level of service. If an item you purchase doesn't include photos, and the description doesn't match the item, you will be reimbursed or a new item will be provided - you decide!

Nope. Our model focuses on quality checks and providing items that go the distance. We remove the gamble that comes with consumer-driven marketplaces, but that costs a little extra. It's worth it in the long run. All our cameras are purchased from suppliers we genuinely trust, and they are then inspected by technicians, prior to being professionally packaged and sent to you. All amounts shown on our website include the inspection, packaging and shipping (when required) from our distributor to our Milton HQ. Shipping from our Milton HQ to you is determined at checkout. 

We don't deal in small ticket items simply because we find it clogs our operations. Most of our items are $200 AUD and above. Always ask though! You never know. Please see our sales section for the cheapest items on our site!

In the same manner as 'Product Variances' (listed above), Racquet will occasionally provide a complimentary upgrade to a consumers product. This can be done because it is more suitable for Racquet to make the upgrade or it could be part of our monthly upgrade plan, which provides one upgrade to one of our buyers per month. Upgrades are small and simple things, usually lens related. For example, if a person purchases a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm f1.8 lens, we may make a complimentary upgrade for a 50mm f1.4 lens. If you do not wish to have this chance, please specify in the notes of your order. 

We urge all buyers on our website to read the following prior to purchasing:

1. Store Policies (T&Cs)
2. Privacy Policy

Please also read the entirety of this FAQ and contact us with ANY questions!

One facet of our brand involves consultation with potential buyers prior to them making a decision on the camera they wish to buy. We love helping out, and often there's a camera that might suit your needs better than the one you had in mind. Giving you a series of options is something we love. We really urge you to contact if you find something you like but want tweaked, or if you are unsure and think we could help!

That's the beauty of how we work. Every one of our transactions is unique, which is why our quotes are 100% tailored to your requirements. We take time to consult with you on every element of a sale, and make sure we know exactly what you want. This means we're not in the dark, you have total control, and everyone is smiling at the end of it all. We pride ourselves on full transparency during the process and constant communication.

Preface: navigation refers to the key titles spanning the top of the website. See the screenshot below.

It is a little bit daunting at first, but we've made it so you can narrow your search very specifically. To start, consider the main navigation bar as your starting point. From here you can choose from a few main categories: cameras, lenses, accessories and sale items. 

If you're after a camera, the main navigating allows you to filter by type of camera (SLR, point & shoot etc), brand of camera (Nikon, Canon etc) and even price range, which we've split into $250 and under, $250-500 and $500+. Lenses and accessories don't have subcategories, however you can use the 'Filter' function on each page to find more specific items. Please see the following section. 

Filters are the next step in narrowing your search. See the screenshot below for an example of how 'Filters' appear on the website. They are extremely useful for finding specific items. For example, perhaps you want an SLR but you need it to be 'Durable' - you can select that using the filter function. You might even want a Titanium SLR (something very specific). Again, feel free to select that using the filter function. See below.

At the top right of the site, you'll find search functionality which spans our entire store. If you know what you're after, simply type it in there and you'll likely find it. If you can't, send us an email and we will sort it out for you :)

You sure can (when we are open). As explained in the other sections of this FAQ, we keep limited stock at our HQ (roughly 30-40 cameras at any point in time) so we do recommend either messaging, emailing or calling ahead if you have a particular camera you require. Otherwise, we will happily chat with you about what you're after. All our staff are experienced lab technicians and photographers who live and breathe film, so you'll be well looked after.

You can if you want to! However, please note that we carry limited stock and we strongly recommend either perusing this website, or contacting us directly either via email, social media or the chat functionality on this site. Roughly 75% of our sales are done this way and we find it gives clients more time to think and get exactly what they want.

You can find plenty of info on our primary site, www.racquetcreative.com.

As for our opening hours, please see below:

Tue-Fri: 11am - 6pm
Sat: 12pm - 4pm
Sun-Mon: Closed.

When you visit Racquet, please remember we are a full-service film developing lab and photo agency. We also have a gallery component to our HQ, so while cameras are on display and for sale, staff in-store are often juggling a number of things. That's why we always love contact prior!

This is important: upon receiving your camera from us, test it! Put a cheap roll of film in it, shoot it and get it developed at a quick and easy lab. That means you'll make it through our 7 day returns period (which is standard for all film cameras we sell). We also offer extended warranties, explained in our Terms & Conditions. This is agreed upon prior to the sale of the item, and we can offer extended warranties - sometimes at an added cost - should you wish to have even more peace of mind.

See our 'Terms & Conditions' document for our Restocking Fees, which apply to any purchases that are finalised and then not followed through to finalisation.

Racquet pride themselves on making things right. The reason we charge a premium for our service is because we don't deal with sellers we don't have established relationships with. We only buy fully tested cameras and any cameras that require transit from a distributor to our Milton HQ undergo testing prior to their dispatch to you. That means two lots of testing. However, if you receive an item that is faulty, as per our Warranty & Returns policy, notify us within seven (7) days of receiving the item and we will provide instructions on return. Once we receive the item, we will inspect it internally and externally to ensure no damage was done at the hands of the buyer.We ask that all returns come back in their original state with original packaging and include all items sent with the product. Do not return an item prior to notifying us either in writing or via phone. We will respond with further instructions.Please note: items that are 'as is' (which are rare but can be shown) and 'sale' or 'bargain' items cannot be returned. 

We've had over 500 sales and never had a single return!

All payment shown on our website is in Australian Dollars (AUD). If you require a currency converter, try out this one https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of a third party converter, or that the currency conversion will be the same at the time of sale as it was when you reviewed it, however it will give you a very close estimate. 

All online payments are due upon checkout. Payment must be made in full and accepted payment methods are explained in the 'Payments' section of this FAQ. All 'Sourced' or custom items must be paid for, in full, at the time the Seller and Buyer reach an agreement and decide to proceed with the sale!

We accept all major cards, Google Pay, Paypal and others. If you're having issues with your payment, simply message us using either the chat function or email.

For larger ticket items (over $1000-1500 AUD) we consider this on a case-by-case basis. Most commonly, we require a 50% deposit for the holding of an item. This deposit is non-refundable and signifies a purchase Agreement between us - the Seller - and you - the Buyer. For smaller items, it is rare for us to exercise similar practices, however please reach out and we will see what is possible. 

Our shipping is slightly more complex than your average store because it comes from three different locations, depending on where the stock is. Also, many of our clients wish to pick up items. If this is the case, email us prior to purchase! As for the common shipping routes, see below:

1. You order an item or items that are in stock in our Milton HQ. Your item is packaged and shipped using the method you selected during checkout. 
2. You order an item or items that are in stock at our Melbourne warehouse. Your item is shipped to our Milton HQ, reviewed by one of our technicians, then sent to you using the method you selected during checkout. 
3. You order an item or items that are in stock with our Tokyo distributors. Your item is shipped to our Milton HQ, reviewed by one of our technicians, then sent to you using the method you selected during checkout.

All shipments are insured, tracked and sent using trusted carriers. 

If your item is in stock at our Milton HQ, it will be dispatched within 24 working hours. If it's coming from Melbourne, we ask that you allow 48 hours for us to receive and inspect the item before dispatching it to you*. If the item is coming from Japan, it is sent express and we have found 90% of items arrive between five and seven days after dispatch*. We then send it to you.

*please note, we can't control Australia Post, FEDEX or associated carriers, and times may vary. We encourage you to reach out if you require updates at any stage. 

We do! You only pay for any shipping that takes place after your item has arrived at Milton.

99% of our national shipments are sent using Australia Post, with tracking and signature required on delivery (for a little extra safety). International shipments from our distributors arrive by FEDEX or TNT and are dispatched from their warehouse with tracking and signature requirements. In short, we only ship with the most trusted carriers on the planet.

We'll take care of it quick! It's never occurred before, however we will take full responsibility and either seek reimbursement from the carrier or simply wear the cost and make sure you get another item of equal or higher quality, or your money back!

We certainly can. For high value items ($1500 AUD and above) we do so automatically. 

As per the various recommendations on our site, there are a number of pages you should familiarise yourself with prior to purchasing a camera. These are linked below again for your convenience.

1. Store Policy (T&Cs)
2. Privacy Policy
3. This entire FAQ!

Please note: we are constantly updating information on this page. If you'd like to know something you can't find on the store (or using the FAQ search function), please contact us!

Racquet Film have had the privilege of developing for a heap of amazing talent, we're super down to earth and we'd love to get to know you! Why not?

Milton, Brisbane. Visit us at Shop 6/44 Douglas Street, or send your rolls to PO Box 1259, Milton, 4064.

35mm (135) and medium format (120 and 220). We hand develop B&W, C41 and E6 in-house, with reasonable turnaround times and stringent quality control methods. We opt for quality over quantity and aim to leave every customer satisfied with their results. If your first question is about how quickly your rolls will be done, we might not be the lab for you. If you're after the best possible image, try us out.

You can send it to our PO box, drop it off in person or visit one of our Drop Offs. The form and more details can be found here. In short, you fill out our form, put it in a small satchel with your film and send it to an address, or drop it off to us directly.

We use rotary processing methods, done by hand with experienced lab techs watching every step of the process. We also put a portion of our rolls through a state-of-the-art Nortisu V30 (when required). This is an automated processor that allows us to handle volume when requested and/or required. We then dry in temperature and dust controlled environments, before scanning using a Fuji Frontier 3000, Noritsu HS-1800 (incoming), Pakon 135 Plus or EPSON V-800 (depending on client needs). We look over ever scan, providing unparalleled quality control on every JPEG and TIFF file that leaves our store. Scans are routinely uploaded to Dropbox and the link is emailed to you in order for you to access and download them. If your roll had any deviations or issues you will be notified about them in 'Lab Tech Notes', a feature we include in all customer emails which allows a direct line of communication between us and the customer.

Times can vary, however we ask that you give us two to seven days (from payment) to complete your job. We're getting faster and faster, with C41 rolls are generally processed within 48 hours and all other rolls (B&W, E-6) making it in under five days. With that said, sometimes it can take all seven (7). days unless you choose our (optional) 'rush' service (at our discretion), which is determined on a case-by-case basis. It's important you understand this timeline so you're not left disappointed! If you haven't received your scans in 14 days, we recommend calling us to sort out the issue!

Our scan sizes are all 16bit, 300DPI exports. We offer three different sizes: low, medium and high (pro). All of these sizes are gauged by the images longest edge: low offers a longest edge of 1500px, medium offers 2250px, and high is 3000px+ approximately. High (Pro) scans also include a more lengthy colour correction process to ensure you get the perfect image the moment you receive it back from us. This is our most common scan method and a crowd favourite for a reason.

We sure do. Fill out the form, bag up the film and get it over to us!

Another extremely popular question. The short answer: more and more with each and every week. Occasionally there will be one or two floating on the shelf, however we've found everything works far better when we source cameras for particular individuals upon their request. That allows us to work with the customer to get them something they truly want, rather than whatever's on the shelf.

If you select shipping, a flat rate of $11.50 (Australia-wide) applies, and we will cut and sleeve your negatives and ship them back to you. We give clients the option to store their negatives with us, and we’ll ship them back in bulk at no extra charge ($11.50) once a client has reached their folder limit. Most of our clients prefer this option, though you may rest easy knowing your negatives are cut and sleeved after processing then filed safely in storage for a period of thirty days.

On a case-by-case basis. We offer high quality printing services from size A4 to A2 in premium finishes. Our paper is all 250-380GSM, gallery quality paper printed using our state of the art, world-class Canon printer. Print times vary as does pricing, but more information can be found on our dedicated printing page. We offer framing services too. As of late May, Racquet also give clients the option to add high quality, 310GSM old school 6x4 prints when submitting their rolls.

We recommend sending us an email or using anything on the ‘Contact’ page. You can also hit us up on Instagram: @racquetstudio.

High (PRO) scans involve colour correction, and ensuring the black and white points on your image are correctly dialled in. We go over all our scans, but higher paying clients are allocated more time to ensure the photos they receive back are perfect. People who are generally against these scans say it's because they don't like to edit their film. Unfortunately, if you don't like to edit your film, you shouldn't be scanning in the first place. As soon as you digitise an image, it's edited. 'High' (or PRO) scans are simply us using slight tonal, brightness and density shifts to eradicate the erroneous interpretation of your image that the scanner has made. It's like taking it back to new. We do this with all our scans as previously mentioned, but high res scans get special attention. The other benefit is always having a great file to edit and print!

Sure!

If your scans are severely under or overexposed and we are unable to cut them, we’ll store them in archival quality, full length sleeves. The last thing we want to do is cut into one of your precious negatives, so we always edge toward the side of caution in circumstances such as this. The full length sleeves are still archival quality and perfect for storing your negs in, and they allow you to cut them at your will (should you wish) without the risk of us missing a frame or cutting off a corner.

Racquet Film are not liable for any artefacts, dust or markings on your negatives after they leave the store. We dry negatives in a temperature controlled environment, handle all negatives with care and sleeve them in the same manner. Please note this when selecting ‘develop only’ for any film type or format. If you dirty your negatives by accident, we can offer a rewash service for $3 a roll (uncut) or $6 a roll (cut). We cannot guarantee all markings (example: scratches) can be removed during this process. We encourage all customers to have their film professionally scanned; for a small increase in price you rest easy knowing the film has run through one of the best scanners on the planet and no markings of such will be found.

We offer rush services on a case-by-case basis for 50-75% atop the original cost. We don't offer rush jobs to all clients as there's simply no way we can manage a generalised process when we personally monitor and quality check every single roll, scan and negative that passes through our lab. If you're umsure about this, order lab@racquetfilm.com prior to submitting a rush job to see if we're capabale of processing it with you. Rush jobs can be done within 24 and 48 hours.

Sure do

If you purchase pro scans, our dedicated post-production team will work on your scans and emulate any sample or reference images you may choose to provide. They will do this to the best of their ability however it is impossible to guarantee any level of emulation will occur. Purchasing pro scans will not make your photos better nor will it correct mistakes, but it will give them more love.

Maybe? The benefit of developing with Racquet is if we run your roll and there are no images on it, we give you a $5 store credit for the unused scan, unlike most labs (who will charge the full fee). Most film is fine, and you'd be surprised how resilient it is!

We certainly can. Half frame images are run through the Fuji Frontier and provide you with two images per frame. If you'd like us to crop images so that you get singular images, a ten dollar surcharge applies.

As many as you want. We don't recommend taking film further than three stops if you wish to maintain quality, but we're all for experimentation, and we'll do exactly as you ask. With that said, Racquet Film are not liable for the unsavoury results you'll likely end up with !

Sure can!

If you sent your rolls by mail, we'll send an invoice to your email (just make sure it's clear!). Payments in store are made as per usual, by card! Feel free to get clarification at the time of payment if anything seems unclear.

Our pricing page does a pretty good job of surmising what we do. Everything, basically. From cross-processing medium format film to developing disposable cameras, we can handle it all, and sell you a camera.

If you send ten or more rolls our way of colour film, we’ll knock 10% off the final charge for you. Just let us know in the notes! The same applies for 10 rolls of the exact same black and white stock (for example, 10 rolls of 35mm Tri-X 400).

Submitting any film type to Racquet Film for processing (of any sort) constitutes an AGREEMENT by you that any damage or loss by our companies, subsidiary or agents, will entitle you to replacement with an equivalent amount of unexposed film alongside processing services that total those initially rendered. Except for such replacement, the acceptance by our company, subsidiary and/or agents of the service you request is without other warranty or liability expressed or implied, and recovery for any incidental or consequential damage is excluded. Racquet Film shall not be liable for any loss of income or profits, loss of contracts or for any indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind howsoever arising from any lost or damaged material submitted to our company, either directly or through a third party, including Australia Post and other registered couriers. For more details, read our Terms of Service, which cover every element of our dealings with customers in detail.