16mm processing lab

[sanmich]

Looking for a quality lab to process 16mm Tri-x reversal.
Price is secondary to quality and archivability.
I have in the past worked with a lab, and was happy with the results, but the short fix/rinse sequence with no hypo clear worries me.
These are family films, so I want them to last....

 

[Skiff]

Andec Filmtechnik in Berlin:

http://www.andecfilm.de/

One of the leading small format cine film labs worldwide.
They have a very good reputation.

 

[sevo]

Still living in Israel? Andec (in Berlin - http://www.andecfilm.de/) probably will be closest small format cine lab with a professional reputation, and I've always been happy with them. But shipping from Israel to anywhere in the EU or US will be the same cost and speed, unless things have changed, so that should not stop others from adding their recommendations.

 

[x-ray]

I've not done any cine work in years but from past experience pretty much all Cine processing machines are the same. Ive never seen one that does a hypo neutralizer step and extended wash. I've worked with original B&W film that was processed fifty years or more ago and was still in good shape except for shrinkage in the base. Film based have changed from nitrocellulose in that era to polyester and shrinkage shouldn't be a problem.

Why not get it processed and then a very high quality digital transfer then archive to multiple hard drives.

From experience the storage conditions are an important factor in longevity too. Also consider how long working 16mm projectors are going to be around. Even if you own one it will eventually need serviced and if parts are ever needed you may not find them or anyone that will work on it.

What about if the film is projected and is scratched or the projector stops and burns a frame? A high quality transperancy by a professional cine lab is smart and archive the original.

 

[sanmich]

Thanks very much for all the answers.
If all machines works the same, I guess there is no point driving the lab people nuts with my funny questions 🙂
I'll ship to the lab that I used so far, in CA.

For some reasons, I do feel the film rolls will survive better than any digital film...