Fim Processing Recommendations.

[Robinyuill]

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Hi there. I know that this will have been asked before but before I sell my M6 and give up on 35mm film who can be recommended for develop and scanning to disc. I am using a company in Sheffield.... but...... I am trying hard to make sure that exposure is accurate and using Porta 160 but its grainy, lacks contrast. I have used them for Fuji Provia 120 and the results are great. I know you should't really compare formats but I thought the 35mm would be better. I will try to attach an image as an example. Regards Robin.

[earleygallery]

Hi,

 

The images look a bit overexposed to me. But also, you may have shutter issues, see the overexposed strip on the left hand side of each shot?

 

This could be a scanning issue of course, so I'd try another film and another processor first.

 

There are many threads already on the subject of commercial processors (try the search function) but if you have a Snappy Snaps near you I'd give them a try for convenience.

[CalArts 99]

Just a suggestion but before you give up on 35mm (and your M6 and Portra), select a good negative that's been properly exposed and processed. Then take it to a professional studio lab and have a drum scan made and also a large print via Lambda or Océ Lightjet. Yes, it will cost a bit (but you'll also have a very nice quality print to keep forever and a scan you can reuse.) The point is that you will now have a gold standard by which to judge. You can then find a place that can do a decent job and at a price point that you're happy with overall. At least you'll be comfortable knowing it's not the camera, the format, or the film.

[250swb]

I can guess which company in Sheffield you are using, and they have an excellent reputation.

 

Before running around like a headless chicken what do the negs look like? More or less dense than the 120 negs that print well? I'm also thinking you have an exposure problem if for no other reason the stripe on the left of the picture. The lab would probably be able to make a much better hand print, but machine prints need a normal density negative which the grain and blown colours suggest isn't the case.

 

Steve

[Torquinian]

Hi there. I know that this will have been asked before but before I sell my M6 and give up on 35mm film who can be recommended for develop and scanning to disc. I am using a company in Sheffield.... but...... I am trying hard to make sure that exposure is accurate and using Porta 160 but its grainy, lacks contrast. I have used them for Fuji Provia 120 and the results are great. I know you should't really compare formats but I thought the 35mm would be better. I will try to attach an image as an example. Regards Robin.

I use that firm in Sheffield too for my R8 photos and have always thought them expensive but good.. I use Kodak Extar 100 myself.

[tobey bilek]

Both images show some over exposure along the left edge, the bottom more than the top.

 

Could be light leak or shutter problem.

 

next issue is the scan lacks density and appears pale. Could be underdeveloped film, over exposed negative, or underexposed scan. I would use some levels and curves to try to make these look decent.

 

For a start, the black point is too high.