where to get photoprocessing done?

NWT Ron · Aug 24, 2015

Where I can have MF and larger film processed and prints made?

NWT Ron · Aug 29, 2015

Over one hundred reads and no replies. I think that I should add that there are no local processors, probably not in the entire NWT. Until I set up for some minimal capability myself everything will need to go out by mail. Likely the closest lab is in Edmonton, about 1500 Km by road. My preferred cameras, until I get into 4x5, are 6x7 and maybe some 6x9. Past experience has taught me that very few places, other than processing an uncut roll of film, handle those formats, not much chance of getting enlargements or prints (even my old antique enlarger wouldn't handle larger than 6x6). At some point I'll need to look into buying and shipping a more capable enlarger, or making my own (and saving a lot on shipping costs).

So, where might I find a lab that would be able to do my processing and maybe prints? As al would be by mail order, is it practical to send my work outside of the country, or does that get complicated?

Thanks,

Ron

Photo Engineer · Aug 29, 2015

One APUG member lives in the NWT. Contact me for information if you think this can be of help.

PE

mgb74 · Aug 29, 2015

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Whether that works for you in NWT is something you'll need to find out.

winger · Aug 29, 2015

I have no idea how practical it would be for you to mail it to the USA, but Blue Moon Camera and Machine has done a great job for me. There are others mentioned in the thread linked to in the post before ^ .

BrianShaw · Aug 29, 2015

Along the same lines, if you don't mind mailing to USA: the darkroom in San Clemente CA

NWT Ron · Aug 29, 2015

Many thanks, and what an educational experience it was to read the thread on the first link about Millers. I had no idea that finding a processing lab had become a problem for so many others. And the discussion about signing up before a business would let you know their charges was interesting. My normal reaction to any online business that requires me to create an account before they'll take my order is to close the webpage and carry on looking, I would make an account however if I expected to be a frequent customer, but no so likely for a one time purchase. Sending my film to US is OK with me, that said I'm concerned about the cost of shipping from the US to Canada (significantly increased over the last few years). In many cases its been cheaper for me to order from Europe, they have better postal rates.

I'll do web searches for the photolabs mentioned above, and in the meantime I'll fearlessly go about shooting 6x7 and 6x9 formats knowing that someone can process and print them

Photo Engineer · Aug 29, 2015

E-mail forwarded to another APUG member in the NWT.

PE

Sirius Glass · Aug 29, 2015

If you are willing to ship to the US there are a number of custom film processors in the Hollywood California area. I use Samys http://www.samys.com/g/Store-Locations-and-Directions/2220.html
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Los Angeles Store & Rentals

431 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Telephone: 323-938-2420
Fax: 323-937-2919 | E-Mail: lacamera@samys.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-6:30pm; Sat: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm

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Culver City Store
4411 Sepulveda Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230
Telephone: 310-450-4551
Fax: 310-450-8590 | E-Mail: infocc@samys.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-6:30pm; Sat: 10:00am-6:00pm; Sun: 11:00am-5:00pm

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for 120 color film processing and printing.

NWT Ron · Aug 30, 2015

Many thanks, he's already been in touch. Its not a surprise that he has been doing his own processing, I'll likely do the same for B&W at least.

It sure would be nice if we could get together, he's a seven hour drive from here.

Xmas · Aug 30, 2015

I'm not a 'big' person so you need to check via Google... But:-

You can process up to 4x5 cut film in normal tanks the three x 35mm size Patterson takes a special insert to hold five 4x5s.

New the 4x5 insert is eye watering ~ 50GBP.

You can contact print most 6x9 maybe even 6x7, many of my shots which are poor are ok at postcard.

All you need is flame polished glass local glazier few bits of plastic or ply wood and bulldog clips for a printing frame. Set of trays for processing heavy drapes at night.

I've done cibachromes up to 8x10 in print tube tank a special Patterson style tank new they are dear, but just got a second one in carrier bag with lot of other kit for 5 GBP.

I've done c41 and e6 in parents bathroom, plastic basin and electric kettle for temper.

A larger than 6x9 enlarger is rare and difficult to shift but you still may get for free if you are willing to collect, or pay for shipping. A photo chum just scraped his 4x5!

Noel

NWT Ron · Aug 30, 2015

Scrapped an enlarger? :-( I found this site http://www.doak.no/index_files/2-enlarg.htm which I think I could build and I have a spot for it in the house. Our utility room (furnace, water heater, clothes washer & drier) is a little tight for space but otherwise well suited for a darkroom.

I won't have a large budget to work with so I was thinking of making or restoring gear to keep costs down. Over the years I've collected a few tools.

Anything useable that I can get for a reasonable price plus shipping I'd be interested in. In recent years the cost of shipping small packages from the US has increased significantly, its often just as quick and less expensive to purchase things from Europe. Everything larger piece I have now I've purchased used.

Thanks for the help Noel, and if you come across other items of interest being scrapped please keep me in mind.

Ron

Xmas · Aug 30, 2015

HiRon

I was diffident cause I thought you might know already.
If you ask then normally you will get swamped with 'advice'.
My chum did not want his 4x5 in bed room so he used it in garden shed & after 18m it was scrap anyway. He had been advised this was likely - fungus and rust. Don't use loft space either.
My 6x6 enlarger was free but I needed to remove sun roof from auto or strip it to get it in for the 30 miles back home.
It you tube process you don't need a real dark room drapes and night are just as good.
I treat 1000 foot of cine in medium sized dark bag.
Though dealing with sheet film more difficult.
It would be nice to have a real pro dark room and a auto developing tempered tank but never had near that yet.

Noel

NWT Ron · Aug 30, 2015

Its still sad to hear of equipment getting ruined, its happened to some of my stuff thanks to flooding, and leaking outdoor storage space. We have more indoor space with our house, and we're living in a drier climate. Contact printing some of my photos would work, and some of my astrophotographs I can fit the area of interest (meteors) into my antique 6x6 enlarger. speaking of the enlargers, I haven't found that box yet, but I have turned up more new in the box unexposed film with expiry dates ranging from 2000 to 2006, including some Delta 3200.

Ron

removed account4 · Aug 30, 2015

NWT Ron said:
Where I can have MF and larger film processed and prints made?

hi ron

sorry, i don't know anyone in NWT ...
there is an advertiser here called
https://thedarkroom.com/

and bob carnie particpates here on apug
and owns a lab in toronto.

good luck !
john

NWT Ron · Aug 30, 2015

Excellent site, thanks John, and no hassles crossing a border twice. Bob will be hearing from me.

Ron

Photo Engineer · Aug 30, 2015

NWT Ron said:
Many thanks, he's already been in touch. Its not a surprise that he has been doing his own processing, I'll likely do the same for B&W at least.

It sure would be nice if we could get together, he's a seven hour drive from here.

You have to remember (if he has not told you already) that he works a lot with ULF. Those negatives are huge!

PE

NWT Ron · Aug 30, 2015

This worked out very well, I spent almost an hour talking to him on the telephone this morning. It turns out that his son took an interest in shortwave radio, so he suggested that he look into amateur radio. As it happens when they were checking the gov website looking for accredited examiners they came across my name. Hopefully we'll get the opportunity to meet. During this morning's chat I've already learned a lot about photo chemistry, ageing of photo materials, and the list goes one.

I really appreciate being put in touch with Clarence.

Ron

Photo Engineer · Aug 30, 2015

Good, I did something right today!

His son has quite an interest in photography as well.

PE

where to get photoprocessing done?

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