Stephanie Adams |
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Mail in film developing
Hello everyone. How do I locate a good mail in, pro photo developing lab? I have had trouble getting some of my slides with high contrast made into good prints, and am in hopes that a good mail in lab can help me out, I just have no idea what labs are great to try. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
July 16, 2002
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John A. Lind |
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Stephanie,
You're asking for a tall order. Prints from slides inherently increases contrast. If your transparency is already high contrast, printing it can be a very real problem.One of the solutions was having a contrast mask made when having it printed (this was not inexpensive either). Unfortunately, one of the most popular B&W materials used for contrast masks was discontinued not long ago by Kodak. I have gotten decent results at reasonable cost from "The Slide Printer" in Colorado (direct print to Fuji R for display prints) and with "Holland Photo Imaging" in Austin, Texas (for Ilfochrome prints). The prints will have a contrast increase compared to the transparency. For very high end labs (even more expensive), do a search for Ilfochrome and labs. I believe there is a lab in the San Francisco area and at least a couple on the east coast. They may still be doing contrast masks. These labs are geared for making custom fine art prints (Ilfochrome) from transparency that are suitable for gallery/museum exhibition. Expect to pay a premium for this. Ilfochrome prints are not inexpensive to start with. That said, you should get exceptional work from the labs that specialize in gallery/museum type work. -- John
July 22, 2002
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Stephanie Adams |
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Thanks so much John, I really appreciate the help and guidance! I will give the places you use a try :o) Didn't know it was quite so complicated. Thanks again. Stephanie
July 29, 2002
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