When life gives you lemons, …Make your lemonade stand bigger and better.
Duclos Lenses recently suffered a fairly substantial set-back. Our shop was broken into in the middle of the night and a decent amount of stock was stolen. Most devastating was the thirty, nearly finished 11-16mm conversion lenses (do the math, $3,500 a piece) just about ready to ship to customers who had already been waiting months for their lens. As most of you know, these lenses are hand built here in our shop and the demand has increased over the past six months. We had been working our hardest to keep up with demand but now we have to scratch 30+ lenses and start that batch all over again delaying the current orders and pushing back other projects, like our 70-200mm that we have yet to begin production on. In addition, several other items that were for sale and some personal material were lifted in the heist. Luckily our security measures ensured that the losses were certainly not as bad as they could have been. Duclos Lenses is no slouch when it comes to security. There are several redundant systems in place and even a remote video surveillance with off-site backup that we are working with the authorities to utilize. Customers’ lenses that are here for service are placed in a very secure vault to rule out client losses. The primary upset, for us, is time. The 11-16mm lenses take time to locate from Tokina, and even more time to disassemble, machine, re-assemble and adjust. There is no twenty person assembly line, no export to China, just three guys turning wrenches six days a week right here in our shop in Canoga Park, California. That’s a lot of time and labor down the drain.
This leads me to the bright side of this post. In lieu of our recent misfortune, as well as the need to expand and improve, we’ve decided it was time to upgrade the Lens Lab to something a little more respectable. We’ve already found a new location and will begin the transition in the very near future. I put up a post a few weeks ago about how jealous I am of Leo Laporte and Greg Hren because they are moving to bigger, better locations, and now get to join their ranks. It’s a great feeling and as some customers who have visited the current Lens Lab will tell you, much needed. There will be more posts in the near future showing the new digs and the progress we are making.
Back to business. I’ll be providing a downloadable PDF of every single stolen lens make, model, and serial number. We will be asking EVERYONE to spread the word and pass on the list. We’re asking anyone who sees one of these serial numbers or even a lens with the serial number removed or scratched out, to contact us as soon as possible so we can get these guys. This is very personal to us and really impacted the entire family operation. We greatly appreciate any help and cooperation in this matter. Thank you, everyone.
I am sorry to hear about this Matt. It is infuriating to hear. I will forward this list to all at Deck Hand to be on the lookout.
So sorry to hear about that dude. I know you guys bust your asses! Keep it up and catch the mofugger who did it.
Unbelievable! First it still amazes me at the opportunistic people that prey on the hard working class! Second it makes no sense, to not only take someone elses property, but lenses that are in production and unfinished. Really? What are you going to do with these? I hope that everybody does there part to assist in locating and reporting both on these lenses and individuals. This is what makes me nervous when I am out shooting with my Duclos Lenses. I watch and guard them so very close as I do not ever want to fall victim to anyone either.
Congradulations on moving to bigger and better facilities! I hope that it maintains that family appeal that I have had the opportunity to enjoy! If is awesome to be able to speak, discuss and work with each Duclos! You all are great! Keep growing, stay safe and may prosperity continue to shine on all of you!
Locate the bastards and stone them!
That really sucks! Hope they catch them. I’ll post on my FB and forward to all my biz contacts.
I’ll pass the word around just in case those lenses find their way here in Canada.
So sad to hear Matt. We will keep an eye out for the items. If there is anything the community can do to help you through this time we are here for you.
Hi Matthew:
I am sorry to hear these disturbing news…If I can help in any way please let me know.
. Will definitely keep a look out!
Hi Matthew,I have your text translated into Dutch.Keep it up
Hi Matthew,
let me know how I can help you! I will tweet about it!!
Best,
Sebastian
As a photographer that loves good glass that really pisses me off.
I really hope the dumbasses that stole it are sitting at home wondering how in the hell they are going to sell these when they know ALOT of the film-making community are now aware of theft and since the hardware is rather unique and only used by a small market, not going to be sold easily at all.
Social networking doing some social justice, hopefully some good karma is coming your way Duclos!
“Inconceivable!”
“I do not think you know what that word means.”
Not so inconceivable in this terrible world. I’m so sorry to hear about this. I will keep your serials on set at all times and, should I encounter one of your lenses, will be assiduous in reviewing it.
I’m doubly sorry because I’m on the waiting list for a 11-16. :-/
Correction: “I do not think that word means what you think it means.”
🙂
From argentina! all my support present and future, I will keep on Duclos track with more lenses to mod!
So sorry to hear about that Matt, we’ll be alert in case we see one of those here in Mexico, the good things is that only you guys make those lenses, right? so I guess It will be easier to find the guys in case they want to sell them in the USA.
I hope you get back in track soon.
Best of wishes
Alejandro Guemes
Cine7d.com
Just add my name to the guys who are posting to say we’re so sorry to hear that news. You guys do such great work. What the hell is someone going to do with 30 converted lenses that are only made one place in the world?
Just out of curiosity, were the bandits ever caught?
So sorry to here about that Matthew, your lenses are the amazing and I will keep an eye out for those stolen items. They are bound to pop up and the thieves will pay! It is kind of puzzling though, 30 of them? Kind of ridiculous…..
Best of luck mate
Raj Bond