I remember the ads for Frank's used to catch my eye. I think is was because it was the only camera store ad that had pictures of the people that worked there. I wondered if they were still in business and found that they may still be hanging on. They didn't make a transition to digital and appear to be going on with business by selling off their remaining inventory from film days while trying to find a buyer for their store building. I found a mention of the store in a Yelp review from 2010, so they were still open at that time. They still have a website.
Frank's Highland Park Camera
It looks like the winding down process has been going on for a while. Here is a thread from 2005 discussing Frank's.
Good Bye Camera Landmark - Franks' Camera in LA
I made the photo for Frank's ad from an issue of Popular Photography that I found in Google Books. There are issues there from the 1980's, 1990's, and the 2000's. The issues are searchable and obviously are a useful resource for anyone interested in cameras from that time period. I hope that some earlier issues become available.
Issues of Popular Photography on Google Books
Yesterday I developed some test images I took with a Vivitar 24mm 1:2.8 Auto Wide-Angle PK mount lens. I wasn't seeking out this lens, however when I was checking out Sears camera stuff on Ebay I saw this lens offered along with a KS Super camera, a Sears 135 lens, and the standard Sears 50mm 2.0 lens, for a very cheap price. I won the auction for $14. I figured it was a good deal since I could probably sell the Vivitar or the Sears 135 for more than that if they were in good shape. When I got the stuff it was all in good shape. The Vivitar had front and back caps and the Sears had caps and a carrying case. There also were a few filters and a nice camera bag. So I felt like I got my money's worth.
So far I have one picture to offer from the Vivitar. It is pleasing to me at least. The film is Arista Premium 400 developed in HC-110 for 6 minutes at 68.
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