Opinion on Sam's Club for B&W Film Developing

[DRabbit]

(edit - Okay, forget about scanning - I'm going to get a negative scanner and do that myself)

I joined a local Sam's Club today (for other things) and noticed they do film processing and scanning to CD. I was wondering what everyone's overall experience has been with them?

I MAY explore doing B&W myself... but initially, since this is my first real foray into film, I want to have it done by a lab and scanned to CD, so I'd like to find someplace local that is reasonably priced. Sam's seems a good bet, but only if they do good job.

What resolution do they normally scan at? Anyone know?

I also made a HUGE mistake recently when I bought a scanner... ended up buying one that doesn't do negatives, (I bought the Epson V30 instead of the V300)... so at least for now, I can't do the negative scanning myself. (see edit - I'm going to buy a film scanner.)

Thoughts on all this?

Thanks all! I'm hoping to get either a Bessa R3a or Zeiss Ikon ZM as my first film rangefinder! Wish me luck 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

As requested, good luck.

For B+W and scanning, seriously consider Ilford XP2 Super. Same processing as colour; vastly easier to scan than conventional film because there's no silver in the image.

I don't know if Sam's Club uses more than one 'hub' for conventional B+W processing ('hub' being defined as an area lab to which things are sent) but if they do, local variations may be enormous.

Tashi delek,

Roger

 

[venchka]

Like Roger said, stick to C-41 B&W film. Kodak BW 400 CN may be easier to find. Sam's sends real B&W film to who knows where. I wasn't impressed. The scans aren't huge-what you would need for 4x6 prints.

You couldn't exchange the scanner?

DIY B&W is way more rewarding.

 

[DRabbit]

I'm not sure if Amazon will give me a refund at this point (will have to check the date of purchase and their refund policy).

Not knowing the difference between films - I have a lot to learn - how does C-41 compare to something like Tri-X 400? I did buy some film in anticipation of getting a camera, but maybe I bought wrong! I went on the recommendation of someone else and bought from Freestyle Photographic Supplies... I had hear their Arista Premium was very good...

I do know a couple of local photographers that use film professionally, so I'm going to ask them what Labs they use too. I'm just afraid it might be a little expensive for someone doing this for fun only.

ps (edit) - I'm going to get a film scanner, so lets forget the CDs.

Really, I'll just be looking for the best place to develop the negatives (since I'm not going to do it myself, at least initially)...