My positive experience with Carl's Darkroom for E6 processing.

[Elita Chrome]

I recently discovered several color E6 35mm slide film rolls that have been sitting in my drawer for a few years. Not knowing what was on these slides and not having a reliable or trustworthy lab to turn to, not wanting to spend much money, I search online for a new E6 processor lab to mail these undeveloped slide film to.

I found Carl's Darkroom website. (Dead Link Removed) They're based in Albuquerque, NM (not Arizona like I originally stated). Their company's main focus is based around the E6 format and their prices were very affordable. I filled out an order sheet, packed up the four rolls of undeveloped E6 film, said a prayer, and mailed them out.

About a week later I received my rolls of developed film back in a well-packaged Priority Mail box. Like a kid on Christmas day I opened my packaged, unrolled the full length sheathed strips of film from the metal can, and was flabbergasted to see gorgeous colorful slide film staring back at me with memories of my young son, an air show, a shed-building project, and more. These films were 2, 3, and even 4 years old undeveloped! And Carl's Darkroom was able to develop these beautifully!

I don't recall so much joy when I use my d*gital. I'm breaking out my beloved 35mm cameras again now that I found someone I like and trust to develop my slide film. I'm also back visiting places like APUG feeling confident to use film again. (I forgot my old screen name, so I ended up making a new one.)

I just wanted to give Carl's Darkroom kudos for a excellent job they did with these long overdue unprocessed slide film. (Kodak E100S and E200S 35mm film)

If anyone in the USA is looking for a friendly, reliable, quality E6 processing lab that won't break the bank, Carl's Darkroom is definitely a worthy contender to consider.

 

[Marc Akemann]

I've also had nothing but positive experiences with Carl's Darkroom and have been using them for a couple of years now since our local E-6 processors have either stopped processing or have raised prices to $15 per roll (36 exp./mounted). Carl's is $6.95 per 36 exp roll, mounted. $5.75 unmounted. You get 10% off with your first order. Top notch outfit. I've got several dozen rolls to ship to them in the next week or two. By the way, they're in Albuquerque, NM.

Marc

 

[Elita Chrome]

LOL! Thanks for correcting me on that. Oh silly me for such a goof!

Yes, they're in ALBUQUERQUE, NM!

I'm glad to see that there are other happy users of Carl's Darkroom.

 

[jasonjoo]

Thanks for the link! I usually make a trip down to A&I for E6 processing, but I'll have to give Carl's a try. The customer service and the people at A&I are great, but this is a bit more convenient (and slightly cheaper even with shipping both ways).

Jason

 

[Les De Moss]

Carl's Darkroom is now DigiGraphics, located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Same 'Refrema' processing quality, same pricing. Info is available at www.carlsdarkroom.com or by calling 505-888-4505 or 800-728-8596. Local Albuquerque customers can save on shipping by placing DigiGraphics processing orders at Desert Photo, 2429-B Quincy St. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505.888.1110.

 

[nickandre]

The reason I started shooting color film over d*g*tl is that opening up the box or taking it off the reel after processing feeling. I love it.

I do it myself because the costs for 120 come to a dollar a roll. I haven't botched a roll yet!

 

[cdholden]

South Florida users can cut your shipping times by using Dale Labs (www.dalelabs.com) in Hollywood, FL. When I lived in Pembroke Pines, it was a 5 minute drive from home. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and will even schedule a shop tour for you if they're too busy for a spontaneous one.