Reasonable price for 16x20 or 20x24 fiber print?

f/stopblues

f/stopblues

photo loner
Local time
5:30 PM
Joined
Jul 28, 2005
Messages
619
Location
Kansas City, MO
View My Gallery
I was approached for a print of one of my photos at either 16x20 or 20x24 from a 6x7 neg (b&w.) I haven't gone to a lab for a print this large before so I'm not sure what prices to expect for quality work. I definitely want to print traditional fiber (RC as a second choice.)

A couple places I've checked out are as follows:

Dalmation Lab:
16x20 "Custom fiber" $109.25
"Exhibition RC" $96.50
"Custom RC" $60.50 (warm tone)

In that order, 20x24 were $138.75, $154.50, and $84.00

Elevator Lab just offered one level of fiber printing, $90 for 16x20 and $140 for 20x24

Lastly, Palm Press was $95 and $120.


Is this about the norm for this size print? I'd really like this print to sing, so I'm leary about going to just any ol' lab. Do you have any suggestions for places in the US that would do an outstanding job?

Thanks!
 
If you ever get the chance to swing by Columbia, the University has day-passes to their darkroom for around $5.00. Passes by semester are $30 (for students, I think "general public" is around $40).

They've got about 10 Beseler 23C II enlargers, a Beseler 4x5 enlarger, and enough chemistry to last a lifetime. Their print washers handle up to 20x24 prints.

Granted, you'd have to buy the paper and take the time to print yourself, but I can't believe that would wind up costing how much your labs have quoted. And you get the satisfaction of having a print that you made yourself.
 
Chris,
I use Mpix for large prints. I think they only do RC/color papers, though. But they are close(maybe local?) to you and might be worth looking at?
Mpix.com
Rob
 
f/stopblues said:
Columbia, MO, as in Mizzou? Thanks for the tip! Unfortunately, time is a factor for this particular print.
Click to expand...
Correct, as in Mizzou.
But other than that I don't know of any labs that B&W your side of the state.
 
Those prices are slightly high, but not out of line for high quality work. I'm in LA and there are still many pro labs here. I've used Photo Traditions of Maine for one image. It was a 35mm low light shot push processed to 1600. The lab did a beautiful job of printing this difficult neg. The fiber print has a gorgeous glow and I'm very happy with the work. Now that I've set up my own darkroom, I only have to take digi files to the pro lab.

http://www.photographictraditions.com/index.asp

check 'em out!
 
Yes I think those are fair prices for that size print. The quality of the image will be fine, even if there is a little grain, as long as the overall image is sharp. However, I do not mind a little softness either.

I would be sure to spend the money for a Fiber Base print, I prefer glossy over matt since the blacks, grays and whites are richer.

Another suggestion, maybe there is an RFF member, in your area, who mihg have a darkroom and be able to help you out?

Also, for comparison of prices do a google search for gamma photo in san francisco, I think his prices are fair for this area.

good luck.
 
Just look at the print prior to paying, and don't be afraid to ask for a re-print. I'm sure the person doing the prints tries their best, so be helpful if you see a failing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom