Los Angeles area printer for camera scanned MF negatives

ymc226 · Sep 7, 2023

Thanks for everyone who got me started in camera scanning my negatives. Now using Negative Supply equipment, Negative Lab Pro and Lightroom Classic software to generate digital files. I usually print myself using an Epson Surecolor P900 using Imageprint and get results I am satisfied with but my sizes are limited to a max size of 17x22". I tend to favor matte paper such as Canson Rag Photographique or Epson Hot Press Bright. A large format printer would be a waste given the rarity of needing larger prints. However, I do want prints that are around 24 to 30" so not too large. Are there any printers in the Los Angeles area that members have used to their satisfaction? Also, what are the general protocols when working with a printer? Do I just drop off the file and let them handle color management or can I work with them to arrive at a final print? My screens are color calibrated and I can output a test print on my printer to bring to them to show my desired outcome.

PhotosEveryDay · Apr 17, 2024

You could check out Alchemy for large, black & whites, The Last PhotoLab in West Hollywood or a bulk printer, like LAX PhotoLab.
(also, if you want more options, google will get you no where, just full of ads, but yellow pages official actually lists real businesses, like the old phone book did. Also, a lot of architectural printing places have a large format color printer; I've seen these all over.
Usually, the printer wants a TIFF file. I used to go to Bel Air Camera Shop & they would talk to you over the phone about file type and size. When you got there, you would go down to the basement and work with the technician. If it was just a few minutes, it was free, but longer adjustments had a fee. They have since closed. A test print would be recommended, so you can leave it and they can match it. Call first, & talk to them, for details & desired outcome. Hope this helps!

Pieter12 · Apr 17, 2024

I have yet to try his service, but Thomas Editions in Santa Monica seems good. https://thomaseditions.com/

PhotosEveryDay · Apr 18, 2024

Berry Flash!! I forgot they do prints! I was just there today and they are extremely helpful! I asked them about printing today, and they said to submit a TIFF to their website, BerryFlash dot com. They have 2 locations, I go to the one in Culver City, near Westchester & Playa Vista, between Sepulveda & 405. Chemical printing up to 12x18" and inkjet larger than that.

jazzmandjango · Jun 17, 2024

ymc226 said:
Thanks for everyone who got me started in camera scanning my negatives. Now using Negative Supply equipment, Negative Lab Pro and Lightroom Classic software to generate digital files. I usually print myself using an Epson Surecolor P900 using Imageprint and get results I am satisfied with but my sizes are limited to a max size of 17x22". I tend to favor matte paper such as Canson Rag Photographique or Epson Hot Press Bright. A large format printer would be a waste given the rarity of needing larger prints. However, I do want prints that are around 24 to 30" so not too large. Are there any printers in the Los Angeles area that members have used to their satisfaction? Also, what are the general protocols when working with a printer? Do I just drop off the file and let them handle color management or can I work with them to arrive at a final print? My screens are color calibrated and I can output a test print on my printer to bring to them to show my desired outcome.

I use The Icon, they are great, but I’d recommend printing a few tests on smaller paper before launching the order. I found my calibrated monitor is a bit green in comparison to their printers

Pieter12 · Jun 17, 2024

It has been 9 months since the original request. I wonder where the OP ended up going and whether he was pleased with the results.

jazzmandjango · Jun 17, 2024

Pieter12 said:
It has been 9 months since the original request. I wonder where the OP ended up going and whether he was pleased with the results.

Full disclosure I’m a new member and on a bit of a tear of replying so I can unlock my account to reach out to a camera seller! But yes, hope he found a good printer. Low key, I’ve heard the public library has great free printing services as well.

logan2z · Jun 17, 2024

jazzmandjango said:
I use The Icon, they are great, but I’d recommend printing a few tests on smaller paper before launching the order. I found my calibrated monitor is a bit green in comparison to their printers

I never used their printing services but, FWIW, I wasn't thrilled with their B&W film developing. Had many issues that drove me to start developing at home.

Guillaume Zuili · Jun 17, 2024

The Icon lab is great

Guillaume Zuili · Jun 17, 2024

logan2z said:
I never used their printing services but, FWIW, I wasn't thrilled with their B&W film developing. Had many issues that drove me to start developing at home.

It is always better when you process your film yourself. Labs (any lab) has only one soup for all BW film.

logan2z · Jun 17, 2024

Guillaume Zuili said:
It is always better when you process your film yourself. Labs (any lab) has only one soup for all BW film.

It wasn't so much their choice of soup, but the repeated scratches and other odd defects that were a result of their processing.

jazzmandjango · Jun 17, 2024

logan2z said:
It wasn't so much their choice of soup, but the repeated scratches and other odd defects that were a result of their processing.

Yeah I must admit I get that sometimes with them as well, it’s usually stuff that gets cleared up with ICE but it does drive me a bit batty.

Pieter12 · Jun 17, 2024

jazzmandjango said:
Yeah I must admit I get that sometimes with them as well, it’s usually stuff that gets cleared up with ICE but it does drive me a bit batty.

Unfortunately, ICE is useless in the darkroom, where prints should be made.

logan2z · Jun 17, 2024

Pieter12 said:
Unfortunately, ICE is useless in the darkroom, where prints should be made.

+1

I figured most of the Icon's customers simply scanned their film and fixed defects in Lightroom or Photoshop and didn't bother complaining. It seemed unlikely that I was the only one who had issues with their processing, but they always seemed surprised when I pointed them out. I guess they were just blissfully unaware that they were messing up people's film.

Pieter12 · Jun 17, 2024

logan2z said:
+1

I figured most of the Icon's customers simply scanned their film and fixed defects in Lightroom or Photoshop and didn't bother complaining. It seemed unlikely that I was the only one who had issues with their processing, but they always seemed surprised when I pointed them out. I guess they were just blissfully unaware that they were messing up people's film.

The Icon has been around for awhile. Their primary business has always been film processing (B&W, E-6, C41). They made and still make darkroom prints. So it comes as a big surprise that they do less than stellar work now. Maybe new ownership?

logan2z · Jun 17, 2024

Pieter12 said:
So it comes as a big surprise that they do less than stellar work now. Maybe new ownership?

It's possible, I'm not sure. To their credit, the lab's manager was always very responsive and tried his best to get to the bottom of the processing problem. Sometimes the issue was something minor like water spots that I could deal with on my own. Other times they had me send my negatives back to them so that they could investigate further. But they usually ended up dumbfounded and couldn't explain what part of their process was the root cause of the defect. The only positive that came out of it is that it forced me to learn how to develop my own film at home, and I've never looked back.

Los Angeles area printer for camera scanned MF negatives

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