Can you recommend a good lab?

Theo Sulphate

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So, I neither develop nor print color and I have a lot of 35mm processing I'd like done. There really is nothing locally at all that I trust.

I'm looking to have the negatives developed (common C-41) and printed as glossy borderless 5x7 prints that I'll use as proofs.

My problems with the few local places I use is that they use old (expired) chemicals for developing and also leave gunk on the negatives.

The two main criteria:

1. Develop the negatives properly.
2. Make *sharp* prints with good color overall.

I'm thinking of Dwayne's but am open to all. Cost and shipping is not important if the work is good.
 

MattKing

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Where are you?
 
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Theo Sulphate

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Sorry, forgot to mention that: U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Hmmm - in light of a recent other thread, do I need to worry about the undeveloped film being X-rayed in shipping?
 

MattKing

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I can give you two good Vancouver Canada recommendations, but you probably don't want to deal with the border.

I haven't used them, but Panda in Seattle used to have a good reputation.
 

BrianShaw

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How about The Darkroom in SanClement CA. I send my film there. Very good service and quality.
 

BrianShaw

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... And no need to worry about X-rays either.
 
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Theo Sulphate

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Very good, thank you. It's been a long time since I've had to send work out, but I have a lot of it now.

I'll make a list of recommended labs and give each a try.
 

Kirks518

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albada

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I like North Coast Photographic Services in Carlsbad, California, a one-hour's drive south of San Clemente.
I've found their work to be reliable and top quality.
They return your negatives, and can give you prints or scans (on CD) or both.
Their website: northcoastphoto.com

Mark Overton
 

HiHoSilver

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Theo, are you finding issues w/ Bluemoon's processing?
 
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Theo Sulphate

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HiHoSilver said:
Theo, are you finding issues w/ Bluemoon's processing?
Click to expand...

Their color is beautiful. However, many of the formats I want they would have to send out anyway (indicated as outlab services on their web page).
 
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Huss

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I've had very poor experience with TheDarkroom. Weird scan lines and drip marks on my images that they would not/could not explain. Not acceptable as I sell large prints at my gallery.
Also had poor results w Samys. Tried them twice, twice they had to rescan the negatives as they were cropped by the process.

I've been very happy with NorthCoastPhoto and Thefindlab.com. I use Northcoast for E6 and B&W, Thefindlab for C41 due to their pricing.
 
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Theo Sulphate

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Hello everyone. I'm about to send my first batch out to one of the suggested labs. I'm eager to see the results.

Some further questions:


- do you order prints or just scans that you use for proofing?

- if prints, what size?

- aside from shipping, what's a rough amount you pay for having 35mm processed (develop & print)?


Right now I'm sending 35mm to the lab for 5x7 prints that I'll use as proofs.
 

BrianShaw

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I always get prints as well as scans. Prints are easier to show someone else in person. Scans are easier to share electronically. For me, when having 35mm film processed 4*6 prints are good enough; 4*4 for square 120.
 

kxjiru

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I've used this service, my film went out in Monday and I had it back next Wednesday. Good scans as well. I use prophoto irvine for b&w and E6. I've used the darkroom once and I liked the scans but they lost a roll of film.
 

Bob Carnie

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Here is a question for all of you.... Would you ship film over international borders???

For years I have questioned the viability of restarting my film development, contact print business. Thanks to the internet the world has shrunk and
we are talking to each other from all over the world.

But to start a high quality film production business one needs film to process. All process control is based on enough film going through the chemicals.

My wife and I are old school in that we both have worked at what I would consider the Top film labs that could compete with any lab anywhere. We
know this side of the business very well, but are extremely hesitant to buy the necessary equipment to satisfy the quality expectations.

I have considered moving closer to Buffalo to hand walk over the border client film from the States, as it seems there is hesitancy and as well associated
costs to do such a thing.

I live in Toronto so you would think there is a huge market demand for this, well not that I have seen so if something is to work it has to be mail order
with clients sending from all points.

My Point on all this... All the top technicians are doing other things to survive.
 

Kirks518

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I wouldn't have an issue sending to Canada. Overseas would be different, but only because of transit times. Shipping costs would be the other consideration, and may negate any financial advantages. But, the level of quality could over-ride the shipping costs, but the problem is becoming a known source for quality developing. Having a US based ship-to location would be beneficial I would think, if it's logistically and financially feasible for you.
 
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