I'd rather deal with a lab that handles negatives carefully and returns them un-sleeved than a lab that is careless with negatives but returns them sleeved.
I actually prefer to have my negatives/transparencies returned uncut and in one continuous sleeve.
I use to have it done that way. But they curl and then it's problematic getting them to lie flat in the scanner. So cutting them into small strips and putting them in a plastic sheet keeps them better protected and flat.I'd rather deal with a lab that handles negatives carefully and returns them un-sleeved than a lab that is careless with negatives but returns them sleeved.
I actually prefer to have my negatives/transparencies returned uncut and in one continuous sleeve.
I use to have it done that way. But they curl and then it's problematic getting them to lie flat in the scanner. So cutting them into small strips and putting them in a plastic sheet keeps them better protected and flat.
Storing negatives is different from receiving them from the photo finishers. I use pages with strips of 6 for 35mm and they can only count to 4. I use pages with strips of four 6x6 negative and they can only count to three. Asking them to cut to a specified length is a waste of time, so for over a decade I request "Do Not Cut".
The main reason for 35mm negs in a strip of 4 is that how the sleeving machine is set. Commercial print/neg envelope/wallets are designed to take strips of 4.
Not all labs offer the full length of film sleeved. IIRC full length sleeving was a pro lab offering and the material is more expensive than the 4 strip sleeving. Also there is a knack to loading the film into the full length sleeve, a 36 exposure film is just over 1.5m long.
'though I do hate to cut negatives by hand. I have a hard time keeping my cut in the gap between frames.
Wow! I want one. Thanks.If you do a lot of negative cutting, these work great:
https://www.amazon.com/Matin-Multiple-Slide-Cutter-Format/dp/B00DMR8OII
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The rubber advance wheel will start slipping fairly early on, but they still work easily.
I'll try that. I usually cut the negs on a light table, but the scissors seem to block most of the light coming from below.I usually cut negatives under a small table lamp. It helps me see the gaps.
Are you by chance left-handed, and using right-handed scissors?I'll try that. I usually cut the negs on a light table, but the scissors seem to block most of the light coming from below.
Are you by chance left-handed, and using right-handed scissors?
No, I can't use that excuse.Are you by chance left-handed, and using right-handed scissors?
Can't you just flip them over, or something, like Jimi Hendrix's guitar?I have that problem.
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