Newbie RF user

[Rezultz]

I recently started shooting RF cameras coming from a dSLR. I have a lot to learn so I've been shooting a lot and trying to absorb as much as I can from this forum. Since I can't develop my own film (apartment with 2 kids), I've been taking my c-41 to CVS and I recently found a place 20 minutes away that does b&w and e-6. The film developed by cvs has generally been of mediocre quality at best with random dust particles, water marks, and scratches. I just picked up the first several rolls from the new shop I found and almost all exposures on all 4 rolls (taken with the yashica electro 35 gt, canonett gIII, and a Canon FT Ql with different makes of film) were so plagued by dust, scratches, and water marks that there are NO keepers. At this point I'm frustrated and confused. Is it something I am doing? Or am I having really bad luck with the labs???

 

[samuelphoto]

I know some people get good results from dept store or drug store labs, but you just can't expect a high level of professionalism from these kind of outfits. Where are you located?

 

[Pirate]

I've had the same problem. It's a good guess that it's not you.

Try WalMart.

 

[shadowfox]

Bad luck with the labs.

For the best chance for decent film treatment, go to a pro lab, that is a lab that professionals go to (back in the day they use film for that purpose).

If you don't have any in your city/town, send it to Fuji, the easiest is via Walmart. Don't ask the clerks, just head to the film drop kiosk.

For B&W silver halide films, fill out the envelope, write in special instructions area: *not* C-41, B&W Silver.

 

[oftheherd]

Welcome to RFF. A bummer about your developing facilities. I have generally had good luck with my local CVS. The suggestion about Walmart sounds like a good one. It will take longer, but the results should be much better. Not the quicker gratification but more satisfaction.

Is the dust imbedded in the emulsion, or just on the negatives? Do you have a scanner?

 

[Rezultz]

I live in Brooklyn...there are places in manhattan but it's hike for me. In any case, it's good to know it's the developer...not something I'm doing. Going to try a rite-aid nearby. I do have an older scanner (Epsom 4490) although the scans tend to come out soft and foggy. There's only so much I can do with Photoshop.

 

[LeicaFan]

Welcome to RFF.

Refer to this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98700

It's a great deal for developing and professional scanning. I'm going to start sending in my film to them. Sure, it may be a little bit more than CVS/Walmart/Costco, but well worth it, I believe.

 

[Rezultz]

Am definitely going to give Precision camera a shot. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Darshan]

I have had a similar kind of experience, 1st roll developed at Walgreens was a disaster and I almost returned my camera. 😱
But then I got another roll developed at a pro lab and the photos came out great, only thing is it cost me $20 for processing and contact.

Now I send it to NCPS, excellent service. If you want to get it scanned too, I think PrecisionCamera's price is better (you might want to check tho, as they do not offer free processing on traditional B&W), but if you just want to get it processed try NCPS ($5.50/roll compared to $8/roll at Precision). I send out 10-15 rolls at a time, so the savings of $2.50/roll means a lot to me.