Frames for the really cheap guy - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/13/2004 12:24:32 AM · #1

I've found myself in need of some more frames. While I think nothing of spending $3k for camera gear spending $40+ for a frame makes me cringe. I've searched through some of the recommendations in previous posts but I'm looking for an even better bargain. Anyone have recommendations for an online retailer with unbeatable prices? Maybe a physical store in the San Francisco Bay Area?

goinskiing

Canon EOS-6D

05/13/2004 12:25:53 AM · #2

Again, my answer would be Wal-Mart for standard frames. Their cheap and they get the job done, but I am sure you are looking for a lot more presentable frames, in that case, don't go to Wal-Mart.

05/13/2004 12:28:23 AM · #3

Sometimes, Michaels has a great coupon for frames in the Sunday Chronicle (South Bay Edition). Never see the coupon in the San Francisco Edition.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/13/2004 12:29:58 AM · #4

Yes, I did look at Wal-Mart but everything was really beat up. Not as bad as Aaron Bros. after their one cent sale but close. I like plain frames but Wal-Mart for some reason only had one and too small for what I was looking to frame.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

05/13/2004 12:31:34 AM · #5

Check out what's available for $1-5 at your local thrift store ... you just might have to take out the other picture first.

05/13/2004 12:32:12 AM · #6

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Not as bad as Aaron Bros. after their one cent sale but close.

You mean the one by Serramonte. They use to be a lot better.

Don't shop there, but what about Cheap Pete's.

Message edited by author 2004-05-13 00:49:05.

05/13/2004 12:39:50 AM · #7

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
Not as bad as Aaron Bros. after their one cent sale but close.

You mean the one by Serramonte. You use to be a lot better.

Don't shop there, but what about Cheap Pete's.

I live near the Serramonte store, been their quite a few times. I've also been to the Sunnyvale store. Both looked pretty thrashed the times I visited.

I think I've heard of Cheap Pete's but can't say as I've ever been there. This is the place right? //www.cheappetes.com/

EDIT: ooo $5 off printable coupon... is my cheapness showing? lol

Message edited by author 2004-05-13 00:41:51.

05/13/2004 12:50:46 AM · #8

I usually buy my smaller frames at Target. Stick with the ones near Serramonte and avoid the one at Tanforan (prices are more expensive)

Message edited by author 2004-05-13 00:52:03.

boomer

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

05/13/2004 01:06:13 AM · #9

Garage sales. Lots of frames. The sellers think you're buying the "art," but I'm after the frames!

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

05/13/2004 01:26:05 AM · #10

Look at places like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls,etc. Surprisingly they carry frames.

tolovemoon

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

05/13/2004 03:47:49 AM · #11

You can always check out what I have for sale! I would be willing to give you a better price if you order in quanity and this I will only share with Dpcers! Frames

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

05/13/2004 03:51:12 AM · #12

Originally posted by tolovemoon:

You can always check out what I have for sale! I would be willing to give you a better price if you order in quanity and this I will only share with Dpcers! Frames

The dog one is pretty cool. I'm surprise that you don't have a train one :)

tolovemoon

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

05/13/2004 04:00:34 AM · #13

I have been looking for frames with trains...lol,
I might just have to make one of my own.
I have been painting and decorating my boys room, with train being the theme... Ok not all trains, some sports things and disney characters too....

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/13/2004 05:14:41 AM · #14

Hobby Lobby is not bad at times. the metal put together yourself frames aren't too expensive and then buying glass (or Home Depot even as Acrylite in many sizes). If you watch closely Hobby Lobby has 50% off sales (did it last month on frames) on lots of stuff.
I have gone to making my own, which is not terribly hard. VERY CHEAP!!

05/13/2004 05:55:46 AM · #15

Originally posted by dacrazyrn:

To bad they're not in the Western US. Their online store doesn't seem to have a big selection on frames either. You're right though, I should learn how to make my own. Too many hobbies, so little storage in my apartment. :(

rich

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/13/2004 07:21:03 AM · #16

Have you checked out American Frame in your searches?

They have a lot of very inexpensive standard metal framing, as well as better (and more costly) stuff too. Plus they have pretty cheap custom mats if you are not cutting your own. Shipping costs don't seem bad, it is like anywhere else - the more stuff you buy at one time, the less you pay per piece.

Worth a look anyway.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/13/2004 07:55:55 AM · #17

That's one of the sites I found searching through the forum.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

05/13/2004 08:56:01 AM · #18

Hobby Lobby is not in the western states? hmmm. CO not western anymore, or is it considered Mountain?

05/14/2004 09:41:26 PM · #19

Well I dropped by Cheap Pete's today and picked up four frames. First time I've gone to an "art" store and actually found friendly and extremely helpful people with prices I'm willing to pay. Good call faidoi. However, I left the $5 off coupon sitting on my desk. :( I'm thinking I'll have to visit regularly to see what's in the bargain bin.

05/14/2004 09:44:21 PM · #20

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Which one did you go to? I know there's one on Geary St. and one in San Mateo.

KentuckyGal

HP PhotoSmart 850

05/14/2004 09:53:25 PM · #21

I have a custom frame shop. I know my frames vary in price greatly from cheap to dare expensive. If a customer orders a frame and glass and I don't have to put it together for them it is cheaper. Basically because you pay for my labor. If you are willing to put together the frame, clean the glass, install etc. You may get a deal from a local Custom frame shop. Ask for "suppy only". You will get to choose from different styles that complentment and fit your photo perfectly.

05/14/2004 10:05:32 PM · #22

Originally posted by faidoi:

Which one did you go to? I know there's one on Geary St. and one in San Mateo.

I ended up going to the one on Geary. Are their locations pretty much the same or are some better than others?