Getting 120 developed

[AJShepherd]

I've used Snappy Snaps for 120 - but lately I've grown unhappy with them as the negatives have been seriously scruffy.
The last set of 120 pics I had featured major blemishes and scratches - when I scanned the negs I could photoshop most of them away, but when your prints have big blotches on them you wonder what they're doing.
I've also been getting 35mm B&W done there and that's been getting poor of late too. Also their black and white prints always seem too dark and contrasty - when I've scanned in the negatives I've seen much more shadow detail in the scans.

I'm going to develop my own in future - no room for a proper darkroom, but I figure I can scan the negs and print digitally. It'll work out cheaper as well.

 

[Charles Binns]

Photofinish in Banbury Oxon, small shop in Parsons Street next to the Old Reindeer Pub (very old) does 120 C41 - but not E6.

Mike Carwithen - the owner is the former UK Sales Manager for Minolta, has run labs for many years and provides a top class bespoke service. Looks after all the professional film users in the area as well as discerning public.

He has a web site and does mail order.

I mention him as he also does all colour processing for Ian Berry (of Magnum fame) and has always done a good job for me.

One hour service film development only on 120 whilst having a Pint of 'Old Hookey' in the pub next door works very well for me!

Mono I do myself - no hassle.

 

[feenej]

There are local labs that still do a great job. There is one near me. Too bad it's 3600 miles from you.

 

[djonesii]

There are local labs that still do a great job. There is one near me. Too bad it's 3600 miles from you.

Same problem with the lab I use ..... probably more like 5000 miles away from you, and they only do C41!

 

[Windscale]

Slightly deviating on the subject, does anyone know of anywhere in the UK which can still do hand enlargements for 120 negs up to 24x36 or 30x30 inch?

 

[wakarimasen]

Are some films easier to develop at home than others?

 

[antistatic]

Apart from the obvious that B&W is easier than colour negs or transparencies just pick one film and one developer. Personally I find Tri-X and Tmax developer hard to stuff up.

I found approaching the oldest guy at the best camera shop in my city was the most useful way to get started. He gave me developing 101 in the shop.