service to duplicate 120-size chromes

[amuderick]

Can anyone recommend a quality service to duplicate 120-size chromes?

 

[nickandre]

I don't think such a service exists. I think I found one legitimate one which cost $40 per dupe or something like that for which cost I purchased some 4x5 Fujidupe film (now discontinued, check ebay or use the Kodak Equivalent) for cheap and contact printed them with the dichro enlarger. On the 4th 40 minute process length control strip I decided maybe I'd just project the originals. It can be done and is probably easier once calibrated, but it's a pain.

 

[tjaded]

The main problem you are going to run into is that both Fuji & Kodak have discontinued 70mm dupe film. Unless things changed at the last minute, 4x5 is gone as well. I'm sure there are labs out there that have some dupe stock left. Is time an issue? If not, PM me and I may have a possible solution.

Matt

 

[JohnRichard]

Can you not just make another "inter-positive"? I mean, after all, that's all chrome is really isn't it? Why not contact print on to chrome just plane ole?

It would be the same process as making an inter-negative, but you'd be making just one other slide. Or does that not work? I don't know, I haven't had a lot
of experience with chromes.

 

[Ian Grant]

You might look for a Slide duplicator, Bowen's made an excellent one in the UK capable of duping 35mm-5"x4", the Illumitron was a specialist unit with built in flash illumination, it also had an adjustable contrast control system so you could dupe onto conventional slide films. (Worked like pre-flashing to control the contrast).

Ian

 

[nickandre]

I thought kodak still made 4x5 dupe film...

 

[amuderick]

According to Kodak's website and B&H, their Edupe film is still available. 4x5 is fine. I am trying to duplicate MF stereo pairs. 4x5 seems like it would be easier to work with (sheets) vs. a roll for contact printing. I guess I would need an enlarger to do it myself. How much would I expect to pay for a 4x5 color enlarger (assuming I will need color filtration and test runs to get things right for each pack of film). Of course, if Edupe only has a year of life left in it, I wouldn't want to set up this whole system would I?

 

[2F/2F]

You can dupe them yourself with a fairly minimal setup. It will be an initial investment, but if you will be doing it a lot it might be worth it.

Another option is scanning the chome and then re exposing a new one from the file using a film recorder. This also lets you do any necessary spotting, contrast tweaks, and/or color correction in the computer. The one I am used to using (Polaroid) has backs for 35mm, medium format, and 4x5.

DR5 offers the film recorder service. I am not sure if they can do 100% analog copies. I'd give them a call.

I know that nothing interesting or extremely useful like this can be done at the big lab in L.A., A and I. They are a decent lab and I am glad they are there, but they only offer very run-of-the-mill services. If I could easily get analog transparency dupes made, I would shoot chromes almost entirely for color.

 

[AgX]

I still see many slide-duplication services around. Can even go there by bike...

 

[dynachrome]

If you need another chrome for projection purposes then you will have to copy it onto some other chrome film. If there is any issue of storage then it might be easier to just copy it onto color print film. Corrections can be made when the color negative is scanned. Without some kind of contrast control, using regular slide film will cause a build-up in contrast. You will need to experiment with any duplication film to have the right EI and color filtration.

 

[nickandre]

You don't need a 4x5 enlarger. You can contact print so any dichro head enlarger will do. I got mine for $80 shipped to my door off ebay but the running rates are more like $120. You'll also want a Kodak 5liter E6 kit and some method of processing 4x5 sheets.

 

[amuderick]

Yes, I already have the at-home E-6 processing under control. I'll look into the enlarger. Oh, and finding someplace to put a darkroom! Till now, I have survived with changing bags and, dare I say it, hybrid workflow.

I sent some scans to dr5 for printing onto slide film. I'm interested to see how the results compare with the original.