I'm interested in using C41 process chromogenic B&W film such as Ilford XP2 and Kodak 400CN as a means to quick & dirty immersion in B&W photgraphy. Would like to identify inexpensive labs where I can get reasonable prints. Apparently it boils down to finding a lab that pays attention to detail in general (cleanliness, proper chemicals), then finding an operator who knows how or is willing to learn how to produce decent b&w prints. Probably you can't make blanket statements like "avoid Costco", instead "try the Costco at such and such location & have so-and-so do your prints." I wonder if there are enough folks out there shooting chromogenic B&W films to start a thread on cheap & good photofinishers to cherish and cheap and horrible ones to avoid.

-- David Mason (dave_mason@juno.com), July 25, 2001

Answers

Dear Mr. Mason,

this forum is rather related to the dirty immersion (do-it yourself)into B&W photography than to the quick....8-)

Generally I found mini-labs to provide a better service compared to large labs for doing Cross-development and prints, assuming Cross is as special as C41-B&W. Ask whether they have a print channel for B&W or not. You might try rec.photo.darkroom to reach more C-41 user.

Regards,

-- Wolfram Kollig (kollig@ipfdd.de), July 26, 2001.

Every "lab" I've tried has scratched the apparently very delicate XP2. Therefor, when I use XP2 for its undeniable advantage (huge exposure latitude), I take it to the Walgreens 2 blocks from my house, and have them only soup the film. I usually get it back in 15 minutes (with scratches). I do my own printing.

-- John Fleetwood (johnfleetwood@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001.

Re processing of XP2, I do the same as John except I stand and watch while the nice young, untrained, minimum-wage people (mis)handle the film. When I see them holding the neg flat or swinging it arund like a flag, I quickly advise them of the error of their ways and dire, dreadful consequnces to them if they do not stop and hand it over to me immediately, so I can take a pair of scissors and cut it to length myself.

I am a source of amusement at some local labs here, but they really go OOHH AAHH when they see a lot of my photos.

If I have a bit more time, I buy C-41 kit and soup'em myself- relatively easy but it takes a couple of hours, but then I have no one to blame but myself for any scratches.

I have written to Kodak and Others about teh quality control( and lack of same) at minilabs that carry their name, but all they do is shrug and say they try their best.

If you think it is bad in the US, Canada or Europe, try Thailand, China or Indonesia!!! I often get the negs processed locally as I do not like to carry the film too many times through the X Ray systems at sloppily run airports.

I you find a Pro lab, they usually understand and the operators wear cotton gloves and do not wave the negs around or grasp them like a bundle of noodles, but these are not 15 Min locations, nor are they cheap. Pay your money and take your choice.

Cheers

-- RICHARD ILOMAKI (richardjx@hotmail.com), July 27, 2001.

I process my own B&W to avoid this problem, however I have notice this about c-41 processing in various discount outfits.

1. Definitely watch the untrained operator of the minilab and once in a while you will see someone who know what they are doing and you can make sure to take your film in at their shift. if you get friendly with him or her, they will put your film in when the chem is fresh.

2. One time I drop a roll of regular kodak gold 200 in the send away box at wal-mart and it came back supper! The reason was. I was trying to have them push the gold 200 1 stop. so I guess when it gets to the lab they have to find someone who understand what I wrote on the envelope "push to 400" not bad for $4. and they even put it on the good fuji paper.

3. Clark color lab seems to be the best send away place I have found. After countless rolls of c-41..... they haven't scratch one yet. (knock on wood) and they are more consistant than me.

Any moden minilab printer can do B&W pretty well. the question is: Is the person paying attention to what he/she is putting in the machine? The machine is fully adjustable to print various kinds of film. the operator has to set it change the color balance. I had problem with people processing fuji color film. most lowprice minilab set their machine on Kodak and pictures coming out are usually too cold.

Alex

-- alex siu (alex_s2@yahoo.com), August 08, 2001.

have had prints made from Kodak film. nothing fine art, just a roll to see how the nearest walgreens would do. results were excellent. for b& w they said it would take longer, but was done same time frame as color. prints came through a little warmish, but reasonably crisp (for chromogenic)and "color balance" was consistant. no scratches noted. like the man said, pay your money and take your choice. jim

-- jim meisenbach (pacifica011@home.com), October 27, 2001.