Film Developing in London

[jrl]

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Is there anywhere left in London where I can get a film developed into resanable sized prints?

DON'T say Jessups, as there print quality is appaling, and they only do small prints. I can't find anywhere that will do nice 10x8 prints. I can only get either contact sheets (no good to me at all) or small holiday snap quality prints.

It's really looking like I brought an M3 at the wrong time. If I can't find somewhere soon I'll have to give up taking photos.

[Guest hammertone]

I always went to Metro imaging in Soho (3-4 Great Marlborough Street). Good and fast.

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[jrl]

Went to Metro last week, they don't do that. They would only do a contact sheet.

[ade909]

Metro Imaging are excellent, but they are not cheap

 

http://www.metroimaging.co.uk/prices/C41_prices.asp

http://www.metroimaging.co.uk/prices/B&W_prices.asp

 

I think they only do the minilab up to 4x6 (5x7 if colour) from 35mm, so if you want anything bigger, you'll have to go for individual prints by hand. On the plus side, though, you will then be able to speak to the printer in person, and agree with him/her exactly how you want your finished print to look. They will do proofs for you to assess, if a print looks like it will be tricky, and if you need advice on paper types, burning, dodging or cropping, they can help.

 

I cannot recommend Metro highly enough if you are looking for exhibition or framing quality prints. I have just taken delivery of a batch of 12x8 enlargements they did for me from b&w 35mm negs, and they look great.

 

In terms of a less expensive high street process and print package, though, I'm not sure what you'll find. The various chains/franchises seem to be hit and miss. I have had consistently good C41 results from the Leadenhall Market Snappy Snaps, but haven't tried them with b&w or slide film.

 

When I first got my M6, I used to send my b&w films away for processing and printing via RG Lewis in Holborn - good results, but it takes 5 days.

 

best

 

Ade

[ade909]

JRL - our posts crossed! I take it that Metro's hand printing wasn't what you were after then?

 

Ade

[phybron]

Have you tried Snappy Snaps? Particularly (I think) the one in Covent Garden - it's near Central St. Martins and all the photography students go there, so they might take a bit more of an interest.

In general I've found Snappy Snaps to way better than the likes of Jessops and Boots. Massive difference. Probably not up to Metro imaging standards but still.

 

Failing that, and if Metro is no good, maybe Sky Photographic round the corner on Ramilies Place?

[jrl]

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I'll have to try Sky, and the others. I don't think RG Lewis has developing anymore, as it was done by Kodak who have stopped in the UK.

[earleygallery]

I'd second Snappy Snaps. The one in Leadenhall Market is particularly good. I'm not sure about prices etc., but they're not a pro lab of course so will be less than Metro/Sky but the quality is generally very good.

 

There is also a mail order co called Lab35 who I'm sure offer packages on dev/print to larger sizes.

[hm1912]

What about RG Lewis near Holborn Tube?

[earleygallery]

Oh & the British Journal of Photography usually prints a list of London (and UK) labs and their services. I don't think it is in every issue however.

[icemendicant]

I know you were specifically looking for a London firm, but if that fails, I have been getting consistently good and speedy results from Peak Imaging, which is a mail order service but does seem to be top notch. Apologies if you are already aware of this company :-)

 

http://www.peak-imaging.co.uk/

 

All the best,

 

Dan

[brunom]

Snappy Snaps are a franchise and you could find some better than others ? but I have to say that all the ones I have used, have been good, especially the Wardour St branch, between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford St .

 

Good Luck

 

Bruno

[lambroving]

Sebastian used to recommend this lab as well. http://www.genesis-digital.net/pages/fs_service.html Not cheap, but what in London IS?!

[andybarton]

Sebastian used to recommend this lab as well. http://www.genesis-digital.net/pages/fs_service.html Not cheap, but what in London IS?!

 

Fulham is probably a half hour bus ride at least from the West End and is not well served by the Tube. Whether it is "London" enough, one can't tell.

 

London's not that expensive compared with most large cities.

[lambroving]

Andy,

 

John is a local. I think he can work it out...

 

BTW, the Tube is easy to nearby Parsons Green where there is a most excellent pub. http://www.whitehorsesw6.com/

[wattsy]

Genesis have a sister lab - Primary Colour - just north of the City (KIngsland Road). Might be more convenient than Fulham. According to their website they do a 10x8 process/print package for just over 30 quid a roll.