commercial lab choices

[jmbwphoto]

i have a question regarding which type lab to use. I have basically 2 choices for B&W labs - one develops the dip and dunk method and makes 4X6 prints at a reasonable cost - the other lab develops in tanks by hand.. but 4x6 machine prints too expensive to print the whole roll from that lab.. am i giving up any quality in the negatives using the bigger lab with the dip/dunk method?

thanks

the film - t-max 3200 ( shot at 3200 - development pushed 1 stop)
neopan 166 ( shot at 800 - development normal)

 

[dphphoto]

You really need to give some more information. How large is the dip and dunk lab? Are we talking major New York style pro lab? Do they offer push-pull processing?
The lab that develops in tanks, are those deep tanks? If so, I'd almost prefer to use the dip and dunk lab. There's nothing wrong with dip and dunk for roll film. On LF, of course, you get those danged clip marks.
Also, what developer(s) are the labs offering?
I worked in pro labs for about a dozen years, and they run the gamut from extremely good to horrible. And it isn't just in the equipment. Lab techs go from extremely good to horrible. If you can, go to the phone book, call a couple of pro photographers and (if they can give you the time) ask what labs in your area they recommend. It's a lot safer than having a lab ruin your important shoot.
Also, check the ads in Black and White Magazine. A dedicated B&W custom lab might be the way to go, even if you have to ship the film both ways. Good luck. Dean

 

[jmbwphoto]

Thanks for the advice. Actually i guess it would be considered a big lab in San Francisco - (Photoworks) they do black and white, color, film, digital , etc... they do offer push, pull, etc... The other lab is much smaller and they do it by hand in small tanks...