I realize that many in the Leica group here process their own B&W film but unfortunately, I do not have the resources nor knowledge on the subject. I am looking to find out where most people have their B&W film processed and printed. I have been using a local "camera store" here in NJ but am paying over $25 a roll for double prints. Does anyone have a B&W lab that they would recommend that is a little more reasonably priced? Even if they are not in NJ, please recommend anyway and perhaps I can see if they do mail order. I would appreciate any suggestions the group has. As always, I thank you all in advance for your assistance.

-- JT (FOTOOPP@AOL.COM), May 28, 2001

Answers

JT,

I know that some people in this forum would rather chew glass than consider this option but here it comes. Why dont you use Kodak T 400CN (C-41 monochromatic) film instead of standard B&W film. This way you will avoid over/under process film, reduce processing cost and gain a relative stability from lab to lab. I still believe that you should learn B&W film processing, this is the ONLY WAY to get acceptable result with traditionnal B&W film.

-- Eric Laurence (Edgar1976@hotmail.com), May 28, 2001.

JT, Why are you taking your B&W film to a "camera store"?? Have you thought of looking in the yellow pages of your phone book for a lab? And since you are shooting B&W consider, when you find a lab, to have the film processed and a contact sheet made from which you can pick what prints you want. I pay $7 for an 8x10 B&W print.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), May 29, 2001.

I can recommend San Miguel in Las Vegas, New Mexico (www.bestlab.com). I can also recommend getting contact sheets. You learn a lot more from contact sheets than proofs (although sometimes I get both).

-- Steven Hupp (shupp@chicagobotanic.org), May 29, 2001.

JT,

Where in NJ do you live? I can recommend Klein & Ulmes (http://www.kleinulmes.com/) in Middlesex, but more importantly I would recommend not getting B&W prints from a machine. Even the best places that give you prints from a machine from *any* kind of film are beating the crap out of your negatives. Take a good look at your negs with a high-power loupe and you'll see what I mean - scratches, scuff marks, dirt and other junk. My recommendation is that wherever you go to get your B&W processed, just order contact sheets. Get yourself an inexpensive film scanner and good printer, then make all the prints you want, without a darkroom. You'll be much happier this way. Good luck!

-- Colin (colin@longitude.com), May 29, 2001.

I can strongly recommend San Miguel Photo Lab (1-800-493-2727). I have been using them for about 10 years now. Their prices are reasonable and they will take good care of your negatives. The lab manager Lee Dubois is a real nice guy and will go the extra mile to handle special requests!...................................

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), May 29, 2001.