Al Slesinger at our first retail location

Al Slesinger at our first retail location

In the 1980's and 1990's, Alkit expanded into Commercial Photography, as one of New York's major photographic stockhouses. Alkit was the largest distributor of Kodak Ektachrome Sheet-Film in the United States, for catalog houses, corporate and professional studios. Alkit was the first Dealer for Kodak Still Video Products, the pre-cursor to digital photography, and the premier Rental House for professional equipment in NYC.  We were awarded "Retailer-of-the-Year" by Photo Trade News in 2001.

VINTAGE ALKIT/NIKON PRINT-AD, CIRCA 1980

VINTAGE ALKIT/NIKON PRINT-AD, CIRCA 1980

History

Founded in 1936 by our grandfather and industry-pioneer, Al Slesinger, who established our reputation for outstanding customer service. Al was a Ukrainian immigrant from Odessa, who escaped before the Russian Revolution. Al worked as a delivery-boy for Sidney Berkowitz of Berkey Photo Labs, and then saved enough money to buy the route. He later opened Alkit Camera Shops in New York City. A successful photo retailer, Alkit serviced such notable clients as Jacqueline Kennedy, Maria Callas, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jack Dempsey, and a long list of many more who Al considered to be his friends. 

Al & kitty slesinger

Al & kitty slesinger

Now owned and operated by Steven Buchbinder and David Buchbinder, Alkit is proud to be one of the premier professional labs in the country. We specialize in printing schools, sports, wedding, social and portrait photography. We always strive to bring our professional clients unparalleled quality, the highest level of customer service and great value in photographic printing.

vintage alkit-branded promo lens cleaning tissue

vintage alkit-branded promo lens cleaning tissue

Alkit awarded Dealer Of The Year by Photo Trade News

Alkit Production Facilities

In 2007, we completed a major expansion of our facilities to meet the growing needs of the digital photographer. Our expansive Long Island, NY location offers the professional photographer the latest digital technologies and workflow. Staffed with knowledgeable and courteous associates, our goal is to exceed your expectations!

Hurricane Sandy

Alkit President Steven Buchbinder is interviewed by Radio Station WalkFM after Hurricane Sandy

In October 2012, Alkit was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. This epic storm washed four feet of water into our lab, taking out power, equipment, computers and inventory. Our amazing staff completed a full restoration in just eleven days, thanks to round-the-clock efforts, and despite persistent power outages, a gas shortage, and one more nor'easter. We are ecstatic and thankful to be able to continue servicing the professional photographic community for many years to come!

 

 

Meet The Owners

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Steven Buchbinder
Steven Buchbinder

Third generation at Alkit, Steven began his career working for our Founder, Al Slesinger on Saturdays, school vacations and summers. He learned from the ground-up, rotating film stock and making deliveries. After graduating college, Steven worked at Alkit's Flagship location in Union Square, NYC. Member Professional Photographers of America. Certified Photographic Consultant™. Member and panel speaker for PMA, (Photo Marketing Association,) PMDA, (Photographic Manufacturers and Distributors Association.) Photographic Retailer of the Year, 2001. A skilled and discriminating photographer who has been creating images his entire life. Gained experience shooting weddings, bar/bat-mitzvahs, sports, and corporate events. Classically trained photographer; film and digital. Master image-retoucher and color expert. Steven is passionate about photography, and frequently assists clients on jobs to "stay sharp" and have fun preserving memories! You might also see him on the trail, as he is an avid cyclist.
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David Buchbinder
David Buchbinder

David started working at Alkit in 1991. His passion has always been working with photographers and building relationships that will last a lifetime. David's number 1 priority is his family. He's been married to his wife, Eden for 22 years and has 2 children, Alexa 20 and Jacob 18. David's love of sports includes playing basketball several times a week, as well as playing golf and tennis. His love of basketball extended to coaching several of Jacob's teams through the years.

David enjoys devoting much of his time to charities and youth organizations. He is actively involved in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has been the captain of his team for the past 15 years. They have been a top fundraiser every year, and have had their finest year yet, raising over $26,500. They have raised over $400,000 since 1996. David is an active board member of Rising Stars, a nonprofit organization which uses basketball as a means to promote education, reinforce values and provide youths with a safe environment to play, learn and grow. He is a board member and coach for Shooting Stars, a basketball program for children and teens with autism and special needs. David has served as a board member for the Roslyn Booster Basketball League, as well as being commissioner for his grade.
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