Mailing 4x5 color neg film to be developed question

The last time I shot color neg or transparency film, quick loads and ready loads were plentiful and there were processors all over the place so I could just take them to a one hour shop when I was in town, do the shopping, and pick them up on the way out.

It is not like this anymore and I will need to mail.

How do you folks, who do this, mail your film so it does not get scratched?

And, since I am at it, who does a good job developing large format negs/transparencies in the southwest US?

I just toss the exposed film into an empty film box and send off Priority Mail. I've used and never had any issue with The Darkroom or North Coast Photographic Services.

Empty sheet film boxes are best. I usually tape them down with some masking tape just to make sure they don't pop open when the package is opened. They make some light proof plastic bags that you can buy for this, and that's okay, but you have to be careful with them because they can easily leak light. The film boxes are far superior. Ask around if you don't have any yet. Most large format shooters keep several on hand and don't mind giving you an old one if you ask nicely.

I do not recommend thedarkroom.com. They have scratched too many of my negatives and about 1 in 3 come back too me without being fully washed. They do great work with roll film, but I'm not at all pleased with their work on sheet film.

I'd recommend Praus at www.4photolab.com. He does excellent work and is priced cheaper than the Darkroom. Also, I've heard good things about North Coast Photographic http://northcoastphoto.com/ , Citizen's Photo in Portland http://www.citizensphoto.com/ , and Dodge Chrome https://www.dodgechrome.com/services/wetlab/.

jim10219 said:

I'd recommend Praus at www.4photolab.com.

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I second this suggestion. He's done several of mine and they're great. I have a stash of boxes. If you need some, there are usually people with extras. If no one closer to you has some, let me know and I can send a couple.

jim10219 said:

I do not recommend thedarkroom.com. They have scratched too many of my negatives and about 1 in 3 come back too me without being fully washed. They do great work with roll film, but I'm not at all pleased with their work on sheet film.

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Good to know...I've only used The Darkroom folks for roll film.