Scala & Main Lab - Disappointed

[photogdave]

Got the Scala I shot in Peru back from Main photo lab recently. I'm really disappointed! The slides are COVERED in crap! It looks like dirt and water stains in some cases. It doesn't appear to clean off but to be somehow embedded in the emulsion or something.
The slides look great when projected otherwise, maybe a little flatter than I expected from what I've seen from other Scala images. My scanner didn't seem to do a very good job of giving me a sharp scan, but I haven't experimented yet.
I was really looking forward to working with Scala but this has put me off a bit. I'll definitely let Main know I'm not happy with their work. I'll consider trying DR5 but if I can't get the film to scan properly there may not be much point.
Anyone have a similar experience? Any scanning tips?

 

[photogdave]

Helloooo...
Anyone?

 

[sooner]

I love Scala, have two rolls to send off to Main Photo, so am sorry to hear about your experience. I guess the question is whether this was a one-time error or mistake or some systemic problem, not that it matters--they should have caught the damage to your slides. Lovely stuff, that Scala, best there is IMHO.

 

[Gary E]

I processed a roll of Scala in 35mm and 120mm at DR5 and had good results with them. It too was a little flat (probably because of me or the weather conditions), but I did not try to scan them. Overall, if Scala was still readily available, I would try it again. But if you look at DR5's web site, Illford HP4+ and HP5+ produces great looking B&W positives. I have yet to try it as it can get quite expensive.

 

[photogdave]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience... Seems to me that the people running that particular outfit are slacking a bit. Did you contact them? I would. Their services don't come cheap!