Commercial Developers

I always try to develop my own film but when I've taken some valuable shots I don't always trust myself and I opt for the professionals. Hence the reason for my email the company I usually use "SKY" in London has stopped processing film which is just to depressing the cost was normally approx £6.50 for dev and cs. I had to use a different company which cost me £9.50 per 35mm film dev & cs.

I didn't shop around at that point as I just wanted the pictures back but have tried to find some alternatives since and I'm struggling a bit. Could anyone suggest any film dev companies in London 24hrs turnaround that isn't going to break the back.

Appreciate your time and thoughts
Rebecca

Dead Link Removed

You will at some point have to trust your stuff. Practice makes perfect.

I cannot recommend a lab in London, but you could shoot one of the chromogenic films, these are b/w films that get souped in color chemistry and then you can print at home. Any lab, including a 1-hour, can develop the film for you.

RebeccaSC said:

I always try to develop my own film but when I've taken some valuable shots I don't always trust myself and I opt for the professionals. Hence the reason for my email the company I usually use "SKY" in London has stopped processing film which is just to depressing the cost was normally approx £6.50 for dev and cs. I had to use a different company which cost me £9.50 per 35mm film dev & cs.

I didn't shop around at that point as I just wanted the pictures back but have tried to find some alternatives since and I'm struggling a bit. Could anyone suggest any film dev companies in London 24hrs turnaround that isn't going to break the back.

Appreciate your time and thoughts
Rebecca

Dead Link Removed

Click to expand...

Dear Rebecca,

Trust yourself ahead of 'professionals'.

To be doubly sure, use a check-list. Make it as 'Noddy' as you like:

Mix dev 1+3
Bring temp to 20 degrees
Develop for 9 minutes [or whatever]
[etc]

I normally use 'pro labs' for B+W only where I don't necessarily want ultimate quality and archival permanence (record shots, test pictures...)

Cheers,

R.

Have a look in Amateur Photographer. If I recall correctly there is usually a small ad for processing and printing of trad B&W. I don't think it's London however and I suspect that if it's both dev and printing then it's unlikely to be a 24 hrs turnaround.

It wasn't clear me whether it is dev and printing or dev only that you used your lab for but irrespective of which, there's no reason to believe that the technician is any better or more diligent at controlling temp, agitation etc than you are and he/she doesn't have the same personal stake in the outcome, whether it be dev or printing. I doubt especially that lab processing includes individual attention to grade and dodging and burning which is likely to be required.

I'd echo other sentiments expressed. Give it a go yourself. You might be pleasantly surprised.

pentaxuser

Hi Rebecca
I had a look at your website, and anyone who takes as much care as you clearly do in creating your images, should never worry about the developing side. Just trust yourself! As Roger and others have said, follow a consistent process and you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Kind regards
Ken