Prints in the UK

[thegman]

Hi All,
Just wondering where you all get your prints done in the UK? I've used Kodak service, where you upload scans and get prints in the post, results are mixed, some come out pretty dark, and not how I expect.

Also, who does more custom sizes like enlargements of 6x7 etc. I always seem to have to crop.

I don't mind paying a bit extra for good results.

Thanks!

Garry

[John Lawrence]

I've been a long time user of these guys:

http://www.peak-imaging.com/

They do film and custom enlargements and the quality is excellent. Many Pros also use and recommend them, and boy do they pack the finished items well!!

John

[thegman]

Of course, I forgot Peak, I've used them for processing, and was very impressed. Thanks!

[Michael Markey]

I use Ilford.

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/home.asp

[thegman]

I've got some colour to print as well as BW, so Ilford may not be for me, although I've used their processing, and it was good.

[tlitody]

If you are near Clerkenwell you can drop into Metro and use their Kiosk Service.
http://www.metroimaging.co.uk/printing/kioskprints.asp

They also do online prints. Not the cheapest but they are a highend pro lab so you get what you pay for.
If you try their kiosk service(or online) I would suggest doing some tests to find out best calibration of your files to suit their system. Like any computerised system, its "Garbage In Garbage Out".

or:

http://www.bayeux.co.uk/

http://www.genesis-digital.net/

http://www.spectrumphoto.co.uk/

[thegman]

Looks like Metro is less than a mile from my work, got to be worth a try... They don't list some sizes I want, but it's definitely worth a walk down there. Thanks a lot.

[thegman]

I just ordered from Spectrum, their website is brilliant, so much choice of paper, and it intelligently tells you what DPI your photo will print at etc.

[sonofdanang]

Maybe for a birthday prezzie for yourself you could try this bloke:
http://www.robinbell.com/

I think you might be surprised.

Best,

S

Edit: no relation or affiliation with me. We're not even friends! "'E don' know me, right?"

[tlitody]

Originally Posted by sonofdanang

Maybe for a birthday prezzie for yourself you could try this bloke:
http://www.robinbell.com/

I think you might be surprised.

Best,

S

Edit: no relation or affiliation with me. We're not even friends! "'E don' know me, right?"

Nothing like going to the top if you want something done well

[tlitody]

Originally Posted by thegman

I just ordered from Spectrum, their website is brilliant, so much choice of paper, and it intelligently tells you what DPI your photo will print at etc.

Let us know how they turned out and which service you used. i.e. the digipix or or the c-print online service.

[thegman]

I used C-Print, on Kodak Endura Metallic paper, I'll post about the results when I get them. The scan I printed was one which I would have expected to come back too dark from Kodak, so I'll see how Spectrum handles it. It's a dark shot, and that's my fault, but if Spectrum do a nice job of this one, they can probably do a nice job of anything.

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by thegman

I used C-Print, on Kodak Endura Metallic paper, I'll post about the results when I get them. The scan I printed was one which I would have expected to come back too dark from Kodak, so I'll see how Spectrum handles it. It's a dark shot, and that's my fault, but if Spectrum do a nice job of this one, they can probably do a nice job of anything.

On the off chance it doesn't work out ...

... and you have a calibrated screen, these people do exactly what they claim, I've had one "off" print in the last 5 years or so, they calibrate all three machines twice a day ... no connection except I've been using them for years so I'm on first name terms with most of the staff

http://www.proamimaging.com/

[tlitody]

Originally Posted by thegman

I used C-Print, on Kodak Endura Metallic paper, I'll post about the results when I get them. The scan I printed was one which I would have expected to come back too dark from Kodak, so I'll see how Spectrum handles it. It's a dark shot, and that's my fault, but if Spectrum do a nice job of this one, they can probably do a nice job of anything.

I think you'll find they won't touch your file. i.e. there is no auto exposure. If it's calibrated to their system it will come back fine. If it's not it won't. Thats why you must calibrate your monitor and run some test samples to get your end right otherwise its garbage in garbage out.

p.s. most of the affordable labs assume people using them know what they are doing and expect you to do the donkey work so that file is well calibrated. Otherwise you have to pay for operator time which ain't cheap. But I guess you know that.

[tlitody]

whats the verdict?

[thegman]

Hmm, not got it yet, nor an answer to my email asking about it. Perhaps my enthusiasm was premature, we'll see.

[tlitody]

that doesn't sound like the turnaround they are claiming.

[tlitody]

Ah I see metallic prints are 5 days turnaround so todays morning post is only 4 working days. Maybe tomorrow or monday

[thegman]

It's getting sent to my work, so it'll be monday... I wish they'd answer emails though, it's not encouraging. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt though, their website is the best I've seen.

[thegman]

Just heard back, it's been dispatched....

[thegman]

OK, got it. Very happy with the print. It's 45cm x 34cm from a 6x7 Rollei IR 400 negative, scanned on my V700, with minimal PP. Can't see grain at all, turned out great, would definitely use them again.

[tlitody]

Originally Posted by thegman

OK, got it. Very happy with the print. It's 45cm x 34cm from a 6x7 Rollei IR 400 negative, scanned on my V700, with minimal PP. Can't see grain at all, turned out great, would definitely use them again.

Pleased it worked out well and delivered on time according to their quoted turnaround times.