For years I tray processed my sheet film, but no longer have time (and want cleaner negs). For the last two years I've used Ivey-Seright in Seattle, a high-volume lab with crews at work round-the-clock. The last time I sent them 450 sheets of 5x7 from a shooting trip, a technician turned on the light in the changing room and fogged 25 sheets. I should've demanded the whole order at no charge, but wimped out and accepted a modest discount. My unfogged negs from Ivey-Seright are not the cleanest, either.

I need to find a smaller volume lab with a nitrogen-burst line where the staff care about quality. I expect to run tests, use variable development times and get archival washing and careful handling. Testimonials welcome!

-- Joel Pickford (pickimage@csufresno.edu), March 16, 1998

Answers

Sheet film developing

Joel, you should have learned you lesson about turning over your film for processing to anybody else. You already know how to develop sheet film in trays and that is the best method. Cleaner negs result from better quality control and sanitary working methods. Arrange your priorities so that you can develop you own film. We can always make another print, but negatives are irreplaceble!

-- Michael D Fraser (mdfraser@earthlink.net), March 16, 1998.

If you really want to send your B/W film out, try Specialty Photo Labs in Santa Barbara Ca. (805) 962-6765. The have a Sitte-Tischer Nitrogen burst processor set up exclusively for B/W film processing. The quality was excellent when I used them. Of course human error will happen anywhere you go (including your own darkrooom!!!!!) but if something happens they will bend over backwards to make up for it. I currently process my own film (which is also what I reccommend) using JOBO and Unicolor drums. I believe this is a much more efficient, repeatable and safer process than trays for all non-compensating B/W film processing. Considering the volume of film you mentioned,though, I'd consider sending ot out also. At specialty they will also let you do N+ and N- processing. Ask for Glen Hodges, the owner he'll get you set up.

-- Tony Mastres (mastres@id.ucsb.edu), March 17, 1998.

Joel:

Doing your own -- an answer already suggested -- is the only way to insure the quality you are looking for. But I might I suggest getting yourself a JOBO CPP-2 and a set of the Expert drums. Absolutely the cleanest processing your can get. The film is only touched putting into the drum and taking it out. It is by far the most consistant and even processing I've ever acheived. It has the great benefit of being able to repeat previously results because temp and agaitation can be set, and timing can be accurately controlled with rapid dump and fill routines. Only the loading of the drum is done in the dark, the rest of the time the lights are on....check it out.

Frank

-- Frank Armstrong (elf@ntr.net), March 18, 1998.