earleygallery Posted October 25, 2008 Share #1 Posted October 25, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Took a few films to Boots for processing and scan. I prefer Snappy Snaps but the Boots branch was more convencient this time and they were fine in the past. I felt uneasy when I dropped the films off, the guy on the counter wasn't paying much attention and the films were stood on the counter when I left..... Anyway, films and CD's ready on time, but the scans are truly dreadful, lots of dust and marks on them, and even worse, some of the marks on the scan are actually scratches/marks on the film. I would take them back, but they'll probably just do more damage to the negs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 Hi earleygallery, Take a look here Won't trust Boots again.... . I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
robert_parker Posted October 25, 2008 Share #2 Posted October 25, 2008 Took a few films to Boots for processing and scan. I prefer Snappy Snaps but the Boots branch was more convencient this time and they were fine in the past. I felt uneasy when I dropped the films off, the guy on the counter wasn't paying much attention and the films were stood on the counter when I left..... Anyway, films and CD's ready on time, but the scans are truly dreadful, lots of dust and marks on them, and even worse, some of the marks on the scan are actually scratches/marks on the film. I would take them back, but they'll probably just do more damage to the negs. I haven't had a bad experience with Boots yet, though I nearly did take back a set of films that came back with stretch marks on them - having checked though I think this was in-camera stretch from my 111f red dial d/a, which I undersatnd is genetically prone to these things when due for a CLA, so it was lucky I didn't go up there minded for revenge I haven't had problems with a bad scan though - the only criticism of the scans that I would have is that their hi-resolution images aren't neraly high resolution enough to allow reasonable editing. That having been said, the type of quality problem you describe is probaby something that varies from branch to branch and may depend on if they are using in store equipment, or outsourcing - I had a set back once from a branch which was outsourcing, where it looked as if the prints had been dropped on the floor and scuffed around. I think it's one of those things - if you're lucky enough to find a one hour place like Snappy Snaps (don't have that chain here) then best policy might be to stick with it. Pity there isn't a high street place which offers enthusiast level scans as standard !! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted October 25, 2008 Robert, it was in store processing. Been fine in the past but I suspect the staff have changed and they obviously dont know or care how to use the machinery - the scans are useless apart from as a contact sheet. I agree it might not mean that all branches are this bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Half-Handed Posted October 25, 2008 Share #4 Posted October 25, 2008 Does anyone have any advice on good places for B&W processing and scanning in the UK? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted October 25, 2008 Share #5 Posted October 25, 2008 Does anyone have any advice on good places for B&W processing and scanning in the UK? Firstly, I have never trusted Boots for processing. my parents used to take their snaps into Boot from their Black Cat Box Camera. My main processing is done on pre paid envelopes from Ilford- FP4 and HP5 but I guess there is no real answer other than home processing where one has control of the outcome. Most processing houses print by machine and the result will always be average because that is how machines work. Regarding scanning. It is something that does not interest me and I find the results uninspiring. but that is my own personal taste I am just experimenting with Kodak 400 asa film in a newly acquired M6 which Jessops can process in an hour. I have read good reports on this forum about their service and I will let the forum know my thoughts when I get my first film back But- James- Boots- you cannot be serious Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted October 26, 2008 Share #6 Posted October 26, 2008 But- James- Boots- you cannot be serious i don't see Boots as necessarily being any better - or worse - than say Jessops. As with any chain you are relying on the particular individual operating the processor. He or she may be good or bad, and may be better or worse than the person working for the same company in the next town. My own experience of processing films at local 1hr labs has been largly positive, but all I ask of them is that the film gets processed. I'm not interested in scans or prints, I'm capable of doing both myself. When I've asked for prints from digital media in order to share them with friends round a pint in the pub, I've invariably been disapointed. The online processes I've used - yes I mean you Jessops - have been very poor. Lacking in detail and over contrasty on 7x5 prints. They bear little resemblance to the original files I uploaded. For silver based b&w I wouldn't dream of letting someone else get their hands on the film. It's so easy - and cheap - to do this at home that for me it's a no brainer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 26, 2008 Author Share #7 Posted October 26, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) But- James- Boots- you cannot be serious Kenneth, at least they didn't lose my Australia holiday photos - as Jessops did!!!! I only use them (used them) for C41 processing and a CD for proofs/web use - I then rescan anything I want to print off at home. It was the city Monument branch - I won't trust them again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frase Posted October 26, 2008 Share #8 Posted October 26, 2008 Buy a cheap jobo processor from the auction site and i will guarantee you will get better negs or at least as good as any high street processor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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