Scala still available

[georg16nik]

The fact is, best labs are located in Germany.. like it or not.

Really , and how do you come to this conclusion?

Experience.
Scala dev+shipping in Germany is top quality and reasonably priced.

 

[madgardener]

So you are saying that north american processors are not any good then? I think you need your head examined.

 

[Bob Carnie]

You can find that anywhere in the world, (top quality and reasonably priced), other than DR5 I know of no labs in NA offering this type of development.
Some would argue that top quality comes with a premium price.:munch:

Experience.
Scala dev+shipping in Germany is top quality and reasonably priced.

 

[georg16nik]

You can find that anywhere in the world, (top quality and reasonably priced), other than DR5 I know of no labs in NA offering this type of development.
Some would argue that top quality comes with a premium price.:munch:

Come again?
We are talking abut the Scala process.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Scala is apx 100 negative film... DR 5 converts this film to positive.. so yes we are talking the same language here...I here they are pretty good at converting any type of negative film into positives, so I would say my guy trumps your guy.
Ask your Scala lab how many films they can convert into positives, actually ask your Scala lab exactly what film emulsion Scala is. I think you may be surprised if they are honest with you.

Come again?
We are talking abut the Scala process.

 

[georg16nik]

Scala is apx 100 negative film... DR 5 converts this film to positive.. so yes we are talking the same language here...I here they are pretty good at converting any type of negative film into positives, so I would say my guy trumps your guy.
Ask your Scala lab how many films they can convert into positives, actually ask your Scala lab exactly what film emulsion Scala is. I think you may be surprised if they are honest with you.

We are talking about quality processing (Scala process) of Scala film.
DR 5 is NOT Scala process and it will be pricier for EU based user, as the OP is and the Scala film and process are made for each other by top scientists, its very hard to achieve that as a workaround approach.
Also, a few films are based on APX but that's not what this thread is about.

 

[coigach]

This explains the difference between Scala process and Dr5 process:
http://www.dr5.com/tech.html

I've been using dr5 for years, sending stuff over in batches from the UK - superb quality processing.
See sample here, dr5 processed Ilford Delta 100:

 

[Bob Carnie]

I think DR5 is pretty shit hot ,, so to speak in lab lingo.

 

[georg16nik]

I think DR5 is pretty shit hot ,, so to speak in lab lingo.

I agree!
These are hot as well:
http://www.photostudio13.de/
http://www.schwarz-weiss-dia.de/

 

[Bob Carnie]

Looks very professional , at a bit of a disadvantage as I only read English.

I have been beta testing enlarged negative for multiple register alternative printing , as well can make film positives for gravure and other possibility's.
I have used Rollie ortho 25 on my Lambda 76 and we use the outputted film to contact on any silver emulsion... or alt process for that matter.
I believe Salto in Belgium may be working on these lines.

We believe we were the first lab in the world that made digital fibre mural prints from files using a laser exposure unit like the Lambda 76, 2002 Agfa Classic, Now the Harmon product is the only game in town but that was introduced in 2006.

the large positives/negatives on silver film I make are not for enlargement , but they are indeed suited for high quality contact printing.

I agree!
These are hot as well:
http://www.photostudio13.de/
http://www.schwarz-weiss-dia.de/

 

[dr5chrome]

..''tanks' Bob.. Last I looked though my s*it wasn't very hot this morning

georg16nik - the film links are here - http://dr5.com/blackandwhiteslide/filmreviewdev1.html
You don't need to use scala film.
Scala film is available for sale BTW through FOTOIMPEX. They have years of it left.
They also have a new film out called SILVERMAX that is very similar to scala. We have been testing it. It is a very good film for B&W slides.

georg16nik - We have been processing "scala film" since it came out [96]. We process the film better than 'any' scala line. We are the last lab outside of Germany able to run the film. We also have many clients from Europe, simply because we run the film better and the film choices we offer.
As for the rate differences - The fact the Europe has [supposedly] a much higher cost to do business/taxes/cost of living, the much lower processing rate is a complete mystery to us. What we charge is darn near rock-bottom for us to survive.

Contact us for other Q's [no more violating Sean's rules] or Gavin S. He is a regular user of dr5 [a very good one].

dw

I think DR5 is pretty shit hot ,, so to speak in lab lingo.

 

[coigach]

..'

Contact us for other Q's [no more violating Sean's rules] or Gavin S. He is a regular user of dr5 [a very good one].

dw

Gavin S is me just in case you're wondering...!

David - aw shucks...

 

[dr5chrome]

..we would be willing to offer you some process testing. Especially if it is large format you are looking to do..
http://dr5.com/blackandwhiteslide/filmreviewdev1.html
..would say that you won't find a better 'quality' reversal source.
This would apply to anyone in Europe wanting to test our line. Contact us directly for proper parameters.

regards.

The fact is, best labs are located in Germany.. like it or not.
The most convenient chemical kits for reversal are made by Tetenal in Germany or other skillful chemists in EU, Those kits would not be imported in US if they are crap. The labs in Germany are not from yesterday and Tetenal are veterans in quality and skills worldwide.
DR5 as a process is great (hats down to You) but that doesn't mean everything else is crap.
This thread as far as I see it, concerns Europe.

 

[georg16nik]

Thanks a lot!

..we would be willing to offer you some process testing. Especially if it is large format you are looking to do..
http://dr5.com/blackandwhiteslide/filmreviewdev1.html
..would say that you won't find a better 'quality' reversal source.
This would apply to anyone in Europe wanting to test our line. Contact us directly for proper parameters.

regards.

 

[Film-Niko]

Henning Serger - If I didnt know better Id say you were deliberately trying to steer business away from us, in many of your posts you supply info like your advertising for these other labs..

Mr Wood, your bashing of other forum members is not acceptable.

And fact is, that it is exactly the oppsite of what you are saying:
You are permanently trying to steer business away from other international BW reversal labs.
For years you've had the statement on your website that you are the last quality BW reversal lab in the world.
And that is absolutely not true, it is a lie.

And your permanent talk that only you are able to develop BW slides properly, and all other BW slide labs in other countries don't know what they are doing and can't achieve quality....well, no need to further comment that marketing BS.
I've had films send to you in the past.
And I've send films to three other BW reversal labs. The results of your competitors have been better.
And the service has been better, too.

 

[Film-Niko]

Scala is apx 100 negative film...

No.
There are some differences. Scala is an emulsion modified for reversal processing. More robust (because of the bleach), with a higher silver content and on a clear base.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Seems like Film - Niko has a burr in his/her britches..
Maybe you can come out of the closet and reveal yourself and your credentials . I would be interested in knowing who I am talking too.

No.
There are some differences. Scala is an emulsion modified for reversal processing. More robust (because of the bleach), with a higher silver content and on a clear base.

 

[Film-Niko]

georg16nik - We have been processing "scala film" since it came out [96]. We process the film better than 'any' scala line.

No. There are even some other professional processes out there delivering better quality, e.g. Agenzia Luce in Italy and Mr Wehner in Germany.

We are the last lab outside of Germany able to run the film.

Again wrong. There is for example Agenzia Luce in Italy and Arka in Paris, France. AFAIK there is also one in Australia, too. Agenzia offers almost all BW films as slide, and Arka has recently extended its range of films, too.

 

[dr5chrome]

The dr5 lab

EST - late 1997. 15yrs.

In 1999 We spent/invested almost 200K on a custom designed 'dr5' D&D processor. It is capable of producing 100-rolls a day - dr5 itself was created in 1991 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr5_chrome [we didn't list this, an enthused user did]. The process it-self is trade secret, though I will publish it sooner or later.
There is much competition in Europe but not necessarily consistent quality. We have many clients from Europe for this reason.. A.S - you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. It isn't as easy as easy as saying ' I am going to start a lab today' ... especially, today. hmog

I'm also considering starting a professional b&w reversal service Eu-based, exactly as Mr. David Wood did 10+ years ago. Who is interested can contact me personally.

 

[dr5chrome]

Proof is in the pudding sir... prove it. put up or shut up.

I am willing to put dr5 up against any.
Find a competent 3rd party shooter and I will process my side of the test for free.
I have offered such testing in the past - funny how everyone seems to chicken out.

regards.

No. There are even some other professional processes out there delivering better quality, e.g. Agenzia Luce in Italy and Mr Wehner in Germany.




Again wrong. There is for example Agenzia Luce in Italy and Arka in Paris, France. AFAIK there is also one in Australia, too. Agenzia offers almost all BW films as slide, and Arka has recently extended its range of films, too.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I would be the 3rd party shooter but I am biased as I think your work rivals anyones world wide.
I have been self employed running my little lab since 1991 , I know how hard you work and how you
take pride in your business.

Proof is in the pudding sir... prove it. put up or shut up.

I am willing to put dr5 up against any.
Find a competent 3rd party shooter and I will process my side of the test for free.
I have offered such testing in the past - funny how everyone seems to chicken out.

regards.

 

[dr5chrome]

We do not state we are the only lab able to run B&W chrome. Other than outside of certain parts of Europe, we are. If Sean is going to allow Mr.Serger on here to advertise every other lab in Europe then steer the US base as well "I will have something to say about it" How is that fair to us? ..and do not say that is not what he has been doing! If there has to be an 'apples to apples' comparison, then lets do it! I'm game.

Until recently [a year ago] we didn't even know there were other labs running reversal B&W. By the client base we have [yes German] in Europe we thought this to be true. ..by the chatter on this very forum - a year ago - we thought this to be true. By the positive feed back we receive from clients comparing our processing to prior-Euro - we thought this to be true. It IS NOT my intention to publicly downer another lab, & show me where I have done so.. If they provide a quality service as we would - it's fair competitive business. It wasn't Until I had a lengthy conversation with Mirko @ FOTOIMPEX did I understand the full scope of the processing picture over there.

I am sorry you had a poor experience here. You are welcome to post such visual deficiencies. This in NOT the norm at this lab.

I am not on this forum most of the time, but I will correct information when I see it. Lets just all play fair.
I dont know what marketing BS your talking about... what a rotten thing to say.

regards.

Mr Wood, your bashing of other forum members is not acceptable.

And fact is, that it is exactly the oppsite of what you are saying:
You are permanently trying to steer business away from other international BW reversal labs.
For years you've had the statement on your website that you are the last quality BW reversal lab in the world.
And that is absolutely not true, it is a lie.

And your permanent talk that only you are able to develop BW slides properly, and all other BW slide labs in other countries don't know what they are doing and can't achieve quality....well, no need to further comment that marketing BS.
I've had films send to you in the past.
And I've send films to three other BW reversal labs. The results of your competitors have been better.
And the service has been better, too.

 

[georg16nik]

We do not state we are the only lab able to run B&W chrome......

Yes, You do.

....If Sean is going to allow Mr.Serger on here to advertise every other lab in Europe then steer the US base as well "I will have something to say about it" How is that fair to us? ..and do not say that is not what he has been doing! If there has to be an 'apples to apples' comparison, then lets do it! I'm game....

Mr.Serger shared information about the Scala film and process with the OP.
If that's advertising, then discussions of film, paper and chemistry and services should be off-topic on APUG, unless You are advertiser.

 

[JMB]

Scala Film

That is right. It is still original Agfa Scala 200X produced by Agfa in Leverkusen, Germany, in 2005.


I ran across this somewhat old Scala thread, and I have a couple of questions if anyone is still paying attention.

I have noticed that there are a number of sellers in Germany offering 35 mm Scala with 2014 expiration dates. Am I to understand from the above quote that this film had to have been produced in 2005? And if so, isn't 2014 a bit of a stretch?

Also, who produces the stuff currently marked AGFA APX 100? Thanks!

 

[georg16nik]

I ran across this somewhat old Scala thread, and I have a couple of questions if anyone is still paying attention.

I have noticed that there are a number of sellers in Germany offering 35 mm Scala with 2014 expiration dates. Am I to understand from the above quote that this film had to have been produced in 2005? And if so, isn't 2014 a bit of a stretch?

Also, who produces the stuff currently marked AGFA APX 100? Thanks!

The AGFA Scala available on the market today is perhaps from a frozen roll.
It is perfectly OK and not a stretch to deep freeze film before exposure. Kodak Tech Pan was available for a lot of years because they got big roll in the cold storage.