Lab Services

[jnanian]

please post information about
the commercial or mail in or consumer lab you use
and any information about the services they have to offer.

if you liked what they did, or didn't or you got what you paid for ...

[BrianShaw]

OK, I'll play..

http://www.darkroomlab.com/

Likes: good quality and prices; fast turnaround for processing/negs; acceptable turnaround for prints; knowledgable staff.
Dislikes: parking can be difficult due overflow parking from the burger joint that went in next door.

[mr rusty]

yes me too. I only use mail.

For 35mm I always go to Photo Express. http://www.photo-express.co.uk/

Really quick turn around, 2000x3000 D&scan for £4.50/film and the quality is good. Price *includes* return postage

For (a relatively new) MF shooter, for 120, I have used a few, but the place that is going to get my repeat business as best compromise on cost/quality for the time being is Spectrum

http://www.spectrumphotolabs.co.uk/content/about.htm. approx 2100x2100 develop & scan £8.60/film + £4.00 per order P&P, although I would like to find a higher resolution scan for the same cost.

[Toffle]

http://www.abcphoto.com/ in Vancouver. Optical prints and good prices on processing. That reminds me, I've got a box of Fuji 4x5 and a half dozed rolls of mixed 120 colour sitting in my fridge to send them.

[Steve Smith]

In the UK, Transpacolor and Peak Imaging get my vote.


Steve.

[coigach]

Dr5 lab - reversal processing for a wide range of film. Processes b+w film as positive transparencies:
http://www.dr5.com/blackandwhiteslide/filmreview.html

Provide a unique commercial service for a large number of film types, and top-notch quality too.
I've used them for years and had 100's of rolls processed - always pristine processing. I bundle my orders and send several times a year from the UK - they're that good.
They're a small bespoke outfit and offer excellent help and advice to specific queries about using reversal film.
If anyone wants any other info / feedback please feel free to PM me.

[MattKing]

http://www.abcphoto.com/ in Vancouver. Optical prints and good prices on processing. That reminds me, I've got a box of Fuji 4x5 and a half dozed rolls of mixed 120 colour sitting in my fridge to send them.

I will second Tom's suggestion - I've been dealing with ABC since the 1970s.

Apparently they are moving (to G. King Photo's old location), and the ownership is changing. I'm told that the owner has sold the lab business to one or more of the long time staff, and that other then the pending move, no major changes are expected.

I do find it ironic though that Tom is sending his film over 3200 km (2000 miles) each way.

That is farther than the distance between London, England and Moscow, Russia (or if you prefer in the USA, Chicago to San Francisco).

[Klainmeister]

If you're ever in Santa Fe or NM in general, Visions Lab does E-6, C-41, and BW (D76 or Pyro) in any size. Also, they do traditional color and BW printing services as well as Imacon scanning and inkjet printing. I've been very impressed with their services and Nicole is always friendly and knowledgeable.

Highly recommended.

[SuzanneR]

I've "stickied" this thread as I think it will be a good resource, and for what it's worth, I've been using Color Services in Needham, MA to process and make contact sheets for color film. Haven't as yet, had them print (or scan) anything, but I've been happy with their work. http://www.colorservicesllc.com/

Also, I've had Palm Press in Concord, MA make large gelatin silver exhibition prints. I can't really print bigger than 16x20 in my darkroom, and they have made some beautiful 20x24's for me. http://palmpress.com/

Lastly, there is Panopticon Imaging which I have never used, but have, nonetheless heard good things, and seen some gorgeous prints. http://www.panopticonimaging.com/

[Toffle]

Also, I've had Palm Press in Concord, MA make large gelatin silver exhibition prints. I can't really print bigger than 16x20 in my darkroom, and they have made some beautiful 20x24's for me. http://palmpress.com/

Do they work under your direction, or with printing notes you have made? I have no problem with labs doing proofs for me, but I might be a little more reserved at giving them creative control over my final prints.