California (Bay Area, Northern) recommendations for processing 120 in SF

Warren T.

Warren T.

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Feb 17, 2005
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Hi guys,

i recently came upon a large quantity of recently expired 120 color film (and some chromo B&W), so it appears that I'll be shooting some with my various mf cameras in the near future. I'll at least shoot a test roll to see if the film is still good. I've been more into 35mm and digital lately, so I'm not up-to-date on where I can conveniently get my 120 stuff processed for a reasonable price (read: cheap). I live in San Francisco's Sunset District, and I work near San Francisco City Hall. Any suggestions?

Ideally, I would like developing and contact sheets, but developing and 5x5 proofs would be okay too.

TIA,

Warren
 
Hey Warren...

I highly recommend the guys at Star Photo on Irving & 7th so it's very close to you. I've come to know those guys (Alan, Jose, Jansen and Hao). They develop my color 120 film, they even process my 126 film for me. I only get my film developed and scan at home so I'm unsure about contact sheets. I'm sure they can do it for you there. If you swing by tell them that John sent you...you might even see me there as I'm there way too often.

We also meet up once in awhile at the Fireside for beer and gear talk if you're interested.
 
I would advise against Photoworks SF on Market Street. They seem like a busy, professional place but my negs come back scratched EVERY TIME.

Of course once you've got your negs, you should print them yourself in the excellent Rayko Photo Center rental darkrooms: www.raykophoto.com. They have classes too.
 
agi said:
Hey Warren...

I highly recommend the guys at Star Photo on Irving & 7th so it's very close to you. I've come to know those guys (Alan, Jose, Jansen and Hao). They develop my color 120 film, they even process my 126 film for me. I only get my film developed and scan at home so I'm unsure about contact sheets. I'm sure they can do it for you there. If you swing by tell them that John sent you...you might even see me there as I'm there way too often.

We also meet up once in awhile at the Fireside for beer and gear talk if you're interested.
Click to expand...

Hi John,

Thanks for the recommendation. I may have used them before to process some 35mm Tri-X. I'll definitely try them again for the 120 stuff, and I'll mention that you sent me :).

I have a 35mm film scanner, but I may have to bite the bullet and get something that can scan 120 (it's inevitable).

--Warren
 
vdonovan said:
I would advise against Photoworks SF on Market Street. They seem like a busy, professional place but my negs come back scratched EVERY TIME.

Of course once you've got your negs, you should print them yourself in the excellent Rayko Photo Center rental darkrooms: www.raykophoto.com. They have classes too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, Vince, it's very much appreciated :).

--WT
 
newlab.com does quick turn around, I use them mainly for E6. They are professional. Also nearby is Oscars photo lab - http://www.oscarsphotolab.com/ I've used only once and they were fine, though not cheap for prints. I'm curious as to what you discover if price is the main factor.

I'd say if you really want to rip through some film, buy an epson v500 for 200$ and just get the negatives developed (in most cases under $10 a roll), skip the contact sheet and do low res scans if you need to see what the strips look like.
 
I use Newlab as well for my E6 for both 120 & 35mm and highly recommend them. But then again I only get it developed and scan at home. I used to go to Oscar's for my bw when I didn't dev it at home.
 
Wayne I enjoyed your slide photos in your flickr stream...I added you as a contact. I highly recommend the XA, XA1 or the XA4 for your T4 replacement.
 
I'm a big fan of Rayko. I've taken several classes there and I have a monthly darkroom pass, which is sort of like having a gym membership only MUCH better. For $125/month you have unlimited access to their group darkrooms (b&w AND color). Add $25 for unlimited access to scanners and workstations. The pass also gives you 20% off their awesome private darkrooms, and the mural room with its humongous enlarger.
 
I live in the North Bay so nothing is close. I develop my own B/W incl. 120, but send the E6 stuff to Photolab in Berkeley. They do a pretty good job, pricing is acceptable, but turnaround is sometimes slow. When I had a local camera shop they sent the E6 rolls to Bay Photo Lab in Santa Cruz. Pricing and turnaround was good, and their results were excellent.

BTW - I second the Epson V500 for scanning 120. The holder that comes with the unit is OK, but you will see improvements with a holder and glass insert from betterscanning.com.
 
Thanks for the additional tips, guys. Cary, I used Kimbo a while ago when I did Wedding Photography and I was always happy with their service. Maybe I'll give them another try, but they're not as convenient to get to as Star Photo on Irving. I also use New Lab for E6 processing of 35mm and 120.

--Warren
 
Kimbo's web site was a little tricky to find where they were located ( I finally did) but I could not find the prices for developing. How much is it for 120?
 
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