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Posted by Mikeb on July 24, 2002 at 06:17:49:
In Reply to: need advice on b&w developing posted by jbyrd on July 23, 2002 at 12:01:54:
: anyone have any suggestions on labs that deal with b&w processing? I've used some local photo places and have been disappointed with the results.
Well I wish you luck with this one. The demand for
B&W processing is extremely low. On a ratio of perhaps 1 roll of B&W to 10,000 rolls of color and maybe even higher than that. So most labs are set up to handle color where very few have a dedicated line to run B&W. I tell my costomers right out that I cannot do an even half way decent
job with what now is really a "Custom" service as
for each roll I have to mix fresh chemistry, go into a darkroom for perhaps an hour which means I
cannot work on color rolls until I come out as all
the color machines are daylight operarion. What do I charge a customer for this roll of B&W? At even $20.00 a roll by the time I have paid lobour
matirials and packaging I am not even earning $10
an hour ! So it gets tricky, Labs are struggling
right now to make the bills let alone make a profit. So a lot will just take it in and "fake it" not having the equipment or in house expertese
to do it. I just refuse B&W as I know every roll I
do will end up costing ME money. As to not being happy with results recieved from several differant\ labs, at that point you have to start asking youself the hard quetions, Good prints come
from good negatives, have you taken a critical look at what you are giving them to work with ? Are the densities and contrast fairly consistant ? With most modern cameras the metering system is designed around the exposure requirements of color
film and from my point of view don't handle black\
and white quite as well. At times like this you must start with a good negative before you complain of poor prints. Good luck and you will if
you continue to shoot B&W most probably end up processing it yourself where time spent does not
involve you increased labour costs but becomes a from of enjoyable entertainment.
Mikeb
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