Should I seek another developer?

[andydg]

I've used my local store for developing my film. They in turn outsource the service due to the small number of film shooters these days. I've been a bit frustrated with the results though, so often it appears that the company doing the developing leaves specs of dust or dirt on my negatives that appear while scanning.

Should I be cleaning the negatives before scanning?

What do you think?

 

[DNG]

I am in the same boat.
I do blow on them before I scan...but, that does not seam to help.
I am going buy some film cleaner and something to apply it with...
I know, I did not help. But, maybe some will give some details...

EDIT:
Using the healing brush is a pain on a lot of dust particles!

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Yes, you need to blow dust off film before scanning. No matter how clean a lab is, dust will get on the film once they package it for you.

 

[charjohncarter]

Everybody leaves dust as far as I can see. The only film that I'm satisfied with is the B&W that I do myself. I have a somewhat dust free location for drying and then immediately put them in 'Print files.' I watch them at Costco and they leave my negative hanging in that warehouse for who knows how long. Even my Pro Lab leaves dust and hair and specks. It drives me nuts.