Push Processing - UK Processing Labs

[schimmey]

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Hello Everyone

 

I think this is the first time I have used the new forum. Takes a bit of getting used to but think I have got it.

 

I posted a while ago a question in regard to Ilford's XP2 & quite few replied saying that it was possible to push the film by 2 stops without the need to have it specially processed. So, I have done as I prefer to use available light. Unfortunately, the results are not great.

 

I currently get the film developed by Jessops and am basing my opinion on the prints received back plus CD ROM. I do have a Leafscanner but do not use this until I am selecting prints for further editing etc.

 

Can anyone advise if the poor quality of the prints back from Jessops is because the film has not been processed properly (i.e. pushed) and, if so, what terminology do I need to use to convey this to them - last time I asked I was met with a blank face.

 

Or, do I need to scan all images in - start from scratch so to speak, once the negatives are back from the lab.

 

Thanks.

 

Paul

[stunsworth]

Paul, yes I guess you made it, welcome :-)

 

Pushing by two stops indicates that you underexposed by that amount - i.e. two stops, that's a lot to ask for a C41 film be it XP or colour. In general these films handle overexposure better. Undexposure can give grainy results.

 

After saying that XP2 is a difficult film for a high street lab to print correctly as there's no orange mask to help the process, and if the machine is running on 'autopilot' you can expect to get prints with a brown or a green cast to them. The negatives, and any scans you have done, will be ok.

[vic vic]

push process basically means exposing less and NECCERALY adjusting the developing to it. if u do not adjust that will give dull results.

 

c41 films also can be pushed. the fujis can get nice results indeed, but true, me too, dont really like to push colour negatives usually. if really needed, the fujis can do nice with little push for example 800z at 1600 is ok in many cases, or 160s is no problem at 200 too of course with some add.

 

and besides... why use c41 b/w film.... they are really poor - they are very far from real b/w films.

u wanna scan? u can use colour as normal and then convert it to monochrome in photoshop or better in silverfast. but if by any chance u want to make real b/w print then c41b/w is really poor.

[earleygallery]

One word. Jessops, 'nuff said IMHO. If you must use a minilab place, go to Snappy Snaps, their quality is much better (and they seem to employ people who actually know something about photography).

 

However, I echo Steve's comment re underexposure and grain with this film, and I'd agree with Vic that conventional B&W film will give you better results.

[ron110n]

I posted a while ago a question in regard to Ilford's XP2 & quite few replied saying that it was possible to push the film by 2 stops without the need to have it specially processed. So, I have done as I prefer to use available light. Unfortunately, the results are not great.

 

 

I haven't sent to proccess any film in the UK, but here in the US we have a "special instructions column" at the envelope and you can note "Please push to ISO XXX". You have your phone number noted at that envelope and the lab technician will call you if there's any problem with your request.

 

I did it it once and they called.

"They want more money". =)

 

Hope this helps.

-Ron