Need Suggestion on Mail Order Processing

[jeffreybowman2k]

Hello. I just returned to shooting with a film camera (Voigt Bessa R3A), and I am absolutely loving it. I have one pro lab in town that will do processing and scanning. Of course, I could try local Costco/Wal*Mart, but I've read the horror stories about the quality of their work. So, I have been thinking about mail order alternatives. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

[blumesan]

First of all, WELCOME TO THE CAMEL!

You don't mention what type of film you are using. If any of it is slide film, your options are limited because many of the online labs do not process slide film. The same problem exists to a lesser extent for true B&W film.

For color negative film, I would not immediately dismiss Costco/WalMart labs. They all use high quality equipment and many do a very respectable job. It is highly dependent on the skill and attention of the personnel. I suggest your local store may be worth a try. Keep in mind that the scans will not be ultra high resolution, but certainly capable of producing 8x10 prints. The next step is something like PhotoWorks or Kodak Gallery, and still better A&I Labs (which will do slides). Each step becomes a bit more expensive.

[jeffreybowman2k]

Thanks for the helpful info. Sorry, I should have mentioned that I am primarily interested in color negative and some C41 b&w. I will check out Photoworks and Kodak Gallery.

[nutwithacamera]

If you want top quality and great scans (16.8 megapixel!) I can highly recommend NCPS (Google it) out in California. They do a great job, but the cost adds up pretty quickly. Costco does great work for the most part for a whole lot less money. Dwayne's Photo is also a good place, although I didn't have very good luck when I sent a batch to them once. Levels were way off on the scans but fixable, just annoying to have to go tweak each one.

[KarnyDoc]

Jeffrey,

I send my chromes (slides) to A&I, using A&I mailers bought at B&H in New York.

B&H has a special pricing arrangement with A&I, making the B&H-sourced mailers cheaper than A&I's own mailers!

A&I/B&H mailers are also available for B&W, and these, like my chromes, have also been competently processed. However, I'm looking into getting into developing my own B&W in the near future.

Regards,

Dieter
Developer, NJ

[jeffreybowman2k]

thanks dieter