Travelling to Sydney and Cairns, Australia

[sienarot]

I will be in Sydney and Cairns during the first two weeks of Australia and plan on doing a bit of shooting. At the moment I'm undecided as to whether I should get my rolls processed while I'm down there or wait until I get home before doing it. On the one hand, I could wait until I come home to get them processed where I know what to expect in terms of quality, but the worry is something could happen to the rolls before they get home. On the other hand, if I process the film while I'm down there I don't have to worry about anything happening to them, however I don't know what to expect in terms of processing quality. Suggestions?

To anyone living in either of these places, are there any good, reliable places I can take my film to get processed? How much does it cost and how long does it take? Also, are there any decent places to get film (in the event I run out)? I am particularly interested in getting some provia 400 in 136 for when I go snorkling in Cairns in cause 100 speed isn't enough (I don't keep my 35mm on hand anymore).

I will be mostly packing 100 speed film (Provia, Velvia), but may decide to bring along some 400 as well. I understand x-ray machines won't really have much effect on these speeds so that' s not a huge concern, but I'd still like to hear suggestions as to what others do when travelling.

 

[Nige]

never been to Cairns myself, but I'd try to email either the most photographic photo shop (not K-Mart!) or some local wedding photographers to astertain 'pro' film supplies. I would think there would be one shop that would supply such stuff. In Sydney there will be several shops.
As far as getting them processed here, the time factor might be the biggest hurdle. My local E6 lab usually has a 4hr turn-around (it's really one run in the morning, one run in the arvo) and I'd assume Sydney would have similar capability, however I doubt Cairns would. I think you'd be best to take it home as you'd hate to have to leave without a roll, and you really don't have enough time to be wasting it going to the lab a few times.

 

[Craig Griffiths]

G'day Derrick,

Have to agree with Nige on this one. I would suggest taking everything home with you from Cairns (assuming you go to Sydney first). In terms of E6 processing I wasn't able to find anywhere the last time I was up there that could process locally, all of the labs I visited send E6 to Brisbane with a return time of between 1 and 2 weeks). In terms of film stock the prices here are much higher than you may be used to (pro pack (5 Rolls) of 35mm Velvia approx $85-90, single rolls about $20). Don't expect much of a range of transparency stock in Cairns, I would recommend that you buy it before you get there either in Canada or Sydney.

Have a great time up there.

CG

 

[Akalai]

Hi there,

best option is Photo Technica in Sydney for both developing and purchasing E6. It is a pro lab and prices are very reasonable. Added bonus of being able to get your E6 done in a matter of a few hours as well.

Here is there web link:

www.phototechnica.com.au

Has all their contact details and map.

 

[sienarot]

Awesome! Thanks for the help everyone! I'll likely just save my film for developing at home, but it's nice to know about Photo Technica as a backup plan

 

[Dan Fullerton]

You will have a great time, keep in mind, Sydney is a very large city. I have gone thru there heading south and have always been happy to get away from town. A lot of traffic and the added challenge of locating the steering wheel and staying on the correct side of the road, especially when turning across traffic. I have driven to Canberra, lots of great photo opportunites and very friendly, helpful people along the way. I had left film in Sydney and had it mailed to me, arrived home before I did with no problems. Estimate the amout of film you will need and then double that. I found a hotel in Rushcutters Bay (Sydney) and used the bus system (excellent) in town, sure a lot easier than a car.

 

[sienarot]

Thanks for the tips, Dan! We actually don't plan on doing any driving and will rely heavily on city transit. Good suggestion on doubling the film! Hahaha

 

[Prospero]

Hi. Only just caught up with this thread but I can recommend Vision Graphics in Sydney for E6 processing. I use them all the time and I've never had any problems - 35mm, 120 or 4x5.

http://www.visiongraphics.com.au/

 

[John McCallum]

Just got back from there late last night. I took all of my film with me and will get it processed in a lab I know and use the most. Not to say there aren't good labs in Cairns or Sydney (there will be in Sd esp) - I just don't know them.

If you go snorkling on the Barrier reef. I can thoroughly recommend 'Poseidon'. and if you do go with them, say hi to Fluffy and Joel for me . If you'd like/need any more info. about the Cairns coast from a recent traveller feel free to pm me, would be happy to ...

 

[roteague]

Just got back from there late last night. I took all of my film with me and will get it processed in a lab I know and use the most. Not to say there aren't good labs in Cairns or Sydney (there will be in Sd esp) - I just don't know them.

I was wondering where you were. Glad to hear that you were out having fun!! And taking lots of pictures!!!

 

[PeterB]

Hi. Only just caught up with this thread but I can recommend Vision Graphics in Sydney for E6 processing. I use them all the time and I've never had any problems - 35mm, 120 or 4x5.

http://www.visiongraphics.com.au/

I'm going to second this reccomendation. I always use Vision Graphics for my E6 stuff. They are fantastic. They have two labs in Sydney.

BTW Sydney isn't as small as some of you folks might think. It is the largest city in OZ with a population of 4,254,894 according to the 2005 census data[1].
Just think that if you wait until you get back to process them, they will have been exposed to a few more cosmic rays during the flight home

Peter

[1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Australia_by_population

 

[sienarot]

Oh, Sydney was a blast! I am already planning on heading back in a couple years. I could even see myself living there later in life, it's such a great place! I really enjoyed The Rocks.

If you go snorkling on the Barrier reef. I can thoroughly recommend 'Poseidon'. and if you do go with them, say hi to Fluffy and Joel for me . If you'd like/need any more info. about the Cairns coast from a recent traveller feel free to pm me, would be happy to ...

I actually ended up going to Low Isles with the Quicksilver group. Boy, did the day go by fast!

 

[John McCallum]

Great experience isn't it!? Is that the one with the floating pontoon? We could see it from 1/2 mile away - HUGE.

Any snaps?

 

[sienarot]

Yup, that sounds like it! I have my better photos temporarly uploaded here:

Dead Link Removed