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Fine art prints on Fuji Velvet from labs in UK

Jamie Gray

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Location
England
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Medium Format
I've recently ordered a print from the UK lab Digitalab. They are highly rated (ok by themselves) so I thought I would try. I wanted a c-type 20x24 for a fine art photograph. When the print arrived I was impressed by the paper. Velvet has a deep matt sheen and feels great to hold. Its really suited to subtle tones and low contrast images.

However the print had some strange streaks on it. Very light streaks and I found them by changing the light angle on the print which is why I think they were missed in the warehouse where it was printed. It looks like drying marks maybe, or a problem with the chromogenic printer, possible roller drag.

I wonder if anyone knows of a lab using Velvet and can recommend their quality control.

Thank you.
 
Sorry, no direct response to your question as I don't know the UK market. But there are two things you might try:

1: (Obviously) contact the lab that did these prints for them and highlight the problem to them. While they might not be able to solve the problem immediately for this job, it's important they know it's there so they can take measure to resolve the issue. Maybe they'll compensate you in some way, too.

2: Reach out to FUJIFILM. They might have recommendations for labs/print farms to use. Fuji are very much aware that Velvet is a challenging surface to work with. Its matte finish makes it stupendously difficult to work with, since it's so easy to mar or otherwise damage it. It's inherent to the nature of such a surface finish. As such, they should be aware of at least some labs who have struggled and hopefully solved these issues. As a result, they might be able (and willing) to recommend a lab. Your best bet would be to reach out to Fuji through their originalphotopaper.com website: https://www.originalphotopaper.com/en/contact/ I'm pretty sure your message will directly end up with my primary contact at Fuji. PS: mention to them you ran into this problem with Digitalab; Fuji might actually try to reach out to them and advise them on how to deal with this issue.

PS: many more people should be doing what you're doing - send out their digital files to be printed onto RA4 paper. Not only does it put arguably the best possible machine-made prints into your hands, it also keeps a technology alive that us darkroom enthusiasts still use with pleasure. Two birds with one stone!
 

Thank you for replying to this with good advice, I will take it. My eye is very critical, my wife couldn't see any problem and it took a while to be able to photograph them so I understand why it could have been approved in the lab, rolled up in tissue paper and delivered. I think it's important these problems are addressed to Fujifilm like you advise. Your knowledge of the surface is definitely accurate, I can imagine how awkward it is to get not only good exposure results onto Velvet, but also little greasy finger marks will stand out and heavy water from washing will leave more obvious residues.

I feel C-types are becoming rarer, I say that because another lab in the UK - Spectrum based in Brighton - used to offer all the finishes under the sun from Fujifilm (and Kodak before they pulled out the market) but now its only CA DPII, which don't get me wrong is beautiful paper and I have a roll of gloss in my home darkroom which hopefully I'll print a few negatives onto soon.
 
Jamie Gray said:
I feel C-types are becoming rarer
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's probably accurate. I'm not sure how the market breaks down currently, but it seems that much of the RA4/Agx/C-print paper ends up in albums.

In any case, the Velvet paper is truly unique in its surface finish, so I can see why you'd want to have certain images printed on it. It's totally different from the 'matte' surfaces we're historically accustomed to in RC-materials. The closest comparison I have is actually Fomabrom 112 fiber-based B&W paper, which has a surface finish that seems very similar to Fuji Velvet.

I'd love to take that Velvet paper for a spin in the darkroom, BTW. It would be...interesting!
 
This is an update on the Velvet printing by Digitalab. A courteous reply was received and they agreed to reprint the print. They did so promptly. The print arrived and it clearly highlights Fujifilm Velvet's very delicate nature. I will be sourcing another print lab. I've put some feedback to Digitalab which highlights the need to wear cotton gloves when handling the paper. I believe a few of the scratches are in areas fingers and nails will rest when curling the paper for a roll. Also when rolling up it is important to place acid free tissue paper onto the surface. Digitalab have rolled with tissue on the outside. This has caused a faint line across the area where the leading edge pushed into the surface when the rolling started. Tissue on the surface will very much reduce and eliminate this.

I am reminded Digitalab have partnered with Fujifilm and printed an exhibition at the Fujifilm Gallery in London which is currently still on.
 

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Oh yes, that's quite problematic indeed. It's such a difficult surface to work with; I'm not surprised that these problems occur. Handling operations you get away with just fine with all other surface finishes will damage this paper immediately. I'm sure this has been giving the people at Fuji a headache, since they're evidently aware of how sensitive the stuff is.

Have you reached out to Fuji proper yet?
 
Yes I reached out to Fujifilm as you suggested, I used the contact form you provided but I had trouble attaching pictures so not sure how much impact my message had if it was read by them. I have had no response by Fujifilm UK so far.
 
I have had excellent service for C-type printing from Bayeux Ltd (no connection otherwise). They use Fuji paper.
 
Jamie Gray said:
Yes I reached out to Fujifilm as you suggested, I used the contact form you provided but I had trouble attaching pictures so not sure how much impact my message had if it was read by them
Click to expand...

Next time I speak with my Fuji contact I'll try to remember and bring up the inherent challenges in handling Velvet with them. Other than that, it's a matter of hoping they'll get back to you. They should, I think (but I also know the person your inquiry likely ended up with is kind of busy at the moment).
 
ghart said:
I have had excellent service for C-type printing from Bayeux Ltd (no connection otherwise). They use Fuji paper.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I've been impressed with their 'menu' of services, especially turning a digital image into a negative and enlarging that in a traditional darkroom process. I can't see Velvet on offer but I might phone them.

I've also been given details of a company called DS Colour Labs based around Manchester/Stockport who do have Velvet as an option.
 
Oh dear, I don't want to appear qualified to review UK labs, but I have had a bad experience with DS when they returned a roll of Velvia, damaged, with no acknowledgment of the damage or offer of recompense.
 
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