Hudson Camera - CLOSED

[Frank M]

Digital killed his store like it's killing everything else "film" related.

I think the current sales model for all types of consumer electronic equipment is to blame more than simply the popularization of digital technology.  Small, independent retailers have been rendered non-competitive by large corporations who have the luxury of huge inventories, high sales volume, and low margins.  The same thing happened to hi-fi shops and computer stores.  The technical aspects of these items have also been demystified to such a degree that specialists are no longer as relevant.

[devb]

Another bar? Yeah, that's what we need. 

Until I find one I can tolerate, keep 'em coming.

Or vice versa?

I refuse to consider the implications.

[JimRockford]

Another bar? Yeah, that's what we need. 

Until I find one I can tolerate, keep 'em coming.

Or vice versa?

[Bad Circles]

FWIW - may I boldly suggest that whatever bar takes over the space

1) keeps the name HUDSON CAMERA
2) utilizes the apocrypha for decor
3) minimizes broadcast tv/sports screens
4) has a photo booth and rotating photography exhibits
5) serves some decent craft beer

and finally

6) keeps a picture of Pete over the bar!

1-4 are doubtful and 5-6 are slightly less doubtful.  I talked to Pete over the weekend and he said the place is going to be a sports bar.  I do not think subtlety, charm and reverence for the history of the space are going to be the inspiration.  I think we'll be lucky if there isn't a banner advertising Corona buckets floating in the window. 

On the plus side, Pete says he's not really closing.  He wants to open somewhere else in town as soon as possible and keep the framing and used camera sales alive.  He's such a stand up dude, I'm happy he's going to keep up his business.

[devb]

Another bar? Yeah, that's what we need. 

Until I find one I can tolerate, keep 'em coming.

[Pinky]

Pete is one of those people that made me love Jersey City and stay here. I wish him all the best and a public thank you for the 10000000+ favors you did for the community. Love ya, Pete!

[CeeDub]

And by "we" do you mean the 1,000s od residents in the immediate vicinity or the coupla hunnerd prampushingpoochpooppatrolling neighbors in Hamilton Park[/s] crickettown?

[JimRockford]

Most of Pete's business in later years was processing film for the JCPD, passport photos and framing. Digital killed his store like it's killing everything else "film" related. How many passport photos or picture frames does one really need? He's a good guy, an avid Giants and Yankees fan and therefore okay in my book and I wish him well. Another bar? Yeah, that's what we need. 

[CeeDub]

FWIW - may I boldly suggest that whatever bar takes over the space

1) keeps the name HUDSON CAMERA
2) utilizes the apocrypha for decor
3) minimizes broadcast tv/sports screens
4) has a photo booth and rotating photography exhibits
5) serves some decent craft beer

and finally

6) keeps a picture of Pete over the bar!

[MCA™]

All this Pete bashing.... For what it's worth, I'm not a shutterbug so I've only used Hudson Camera for custom framing jobs and getting passport pictures done, and have been more than happy with the results. Sixty-four years for a neighborhood store is a good run and I wish Pete the best of luck with whatever he does next.

[TheFang]

I've had nothing but the same experience there. Pete is great, and I would love to support him, but his lab was terrible and he never seemed to have any instant film (and this was back when Polaroid existed). It's a shame, but there are plenty of photographers in JC who would've spent way more money then seems sane if he just had better stuff. Me being one of them.

Last time I brought film there, it took two months for it to come back. I almost gave up on it.

Last time I went there to buy something, Pete told me it would be hard to find. I asked him to order it for me, practically begging him to let me give him some business. He told me the piece didn't exist. Went to B&H and got it that same day.

Last time I saw him at the bar, he told me he was having a going out of business sale. That was a year ago.

[devb]

Last time I brought film there, it took two months for it to come back. I almost gave up on it.

Last time I went there to buy something, Pete told me it would be hard to find. I asked him to order it for me, practically begging him to let me give him some business. He told me the piece didn't exist. Went to B&H and got it that same day.

Last time I saw him at the bar, he told me he was having a going out of business sale. That was a year ago.

[MCA™]

Parting shot
After 64 years on Newark Ave., Hudson Camera to make way for bar
by E. Assata Wright
Reporter staff writer
Feb 26, 2012

When Herb Klapper returned to Jersey City from his service in World War II, the Army Air Corps veteran knew he wanted to open a business of some kind. He suggested a few ideas to his mother, who had agreed to loan him money to help get him started. His mother wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about most of his suggestions – until Klapper came up with the idea to open a camera and photo shop.

Banking on the belief that people like photos, the elder Klapper lent her son $1,000 to open what became Hudson Camera in August 1948.

“This was right after World War II,” said Pete Klapper, who took over the business from his father about 45 years ago.

[...]

But now, after more than six decades, Hudson Camera is closing its doors.

As Jersey City has changed in recent years, so has the downtown neighborhood that Hudson Camera calls home. The community’s younger, more affluent residents seemingly have more of a need for entertainment and service-oriented businesses, and less of a need for a camera store. Thus, it’s not surprising that Hudson Camera’s prime location near the corner of Newark Avenue and Grove Street – in the heart of the city’s Restaurant Row – will soon be transformed into a bar.

“That’s what the city wants here,” said Klapper, “It’s the kind of business that can survive.” (Read more)

[grovester]

Nice to see they were open tonight as I walked home from work.  I'd hate to lose another local business.

[Bad Circles]

That's a relief.  I'd rather not travel to points exotic to pick up some medium format film.  Has anyone ever done any framing with Hudson Camera?  I have a custom matte job I wanna get done.

[DarkMoment]

I saw a notice of seizure on their door.  I hope they're not closed.
Anyone have any news?

They were open for business today as usual. I spoke to Pete and he said he had some business misunderstandings with certain parties and they would be back and open for biz, and he is open.

[grovester]

I saw a notice of seizure on their door.  I hope they're not closed.
Anyone have any news?

[cassieking]

Holiday Pet Portraiture
Available at Hudson Camera

To set up a Portrait Session,
contact Cassie King at:
646-369-4527
http://www.cassiekingphotography.com

[MCA™]

Hudson Camera
130 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Tel (201) 332-7834
Fax (201) 332-6822
Email hudsoncamera@ez2.net
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