I'm trying to avoid Custom Hassles etc., and am wondering if there are any reliable B&W Labs. in the Maritime Area of Canada, or should I try lead lined bags etc.? to avoid being zapped at the Airports. Tnx Pete

-- Pete Harvey (nnn0lmt@worldnet.att.net), February 02, 2002

Answers

Check with the professional photogaphers in your area. Greg Locke would be a good chap to ask:

http://www.greglocke.com/

B&W processing is easy and inexpensive to do at home, why not take a college course or two and do it yourself?

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 02, 2002.

I learned how to process B&W Film in 1944, did the same with color when the stuff was available over Forty Years ago. When I moved to FL in 1986, I sold, to my regret a Besseler CB7FRSTD enlarger and a Leitz Focomat, that had belonged to Gracy Fields, (purchased from Wallace Heaton, in New Bond Street, London). It's just that at 74, I don't fancy screwing up Film that I would like to have done at a standard, comparable to San Miguel Labs. I reiterate, are there any decent B&W Canadian Labs or should I use UPS and pray? Pete

-- Pete Harvey (nnn0lmt@worldnet.att.net), February 02, 2002.

Greg's email address is on his site. He is a great guy and would know where the good labs are. I recommend you contact him.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 02, 2002.

Pete,

Perhaps what you need is a refurbished Jobo processor. Those roller tank processors can be very economical on chemicals compared to the "student" manual tanks because you don't have to fill the tank. Something like a CPE-2 would fit the bill if you wanted a basic/ no frills motorized processor that also tempers your chemistry. Or better yet.... Jobo used to make non-motorized processors that you roll with your hands. No electronics to worry about.... just the tempering. Personally, for my B&W stuff I think I'll be going this route in the near future. Its much more economical than sending your stuff off to a specialist dip'n dunk and you have more control over processing conditions. That, and the refurbished processors are actually quite cheap as everyone is dumping their B&W stuff (kinduv like what RCA did to their vinyl lathes in the late 80s).

Regards,

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 03, 2002.