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I live in a small town (Pendleton, OR) so my only choice for development is to m ail my film to Kodak. How does one go about sending 4"x5" E-6 sheet film to Kod ak for development? Where does one get the mailers to do this? How much does e ach sheet costs to develop? Any suggestions or comments would be greatly apprec iated.
Thomas:
It would be interesting to hear how you came to this conclusion. It strikes me that you have many options - labs all over the country will be happy to take your film by mail or package delivery service.
Flatiron Lab, here in NYC ships worldwide and has reasonable prices. Check them out at http://www.flatironcolorlab.com They provide a full range of services at reasonable prices. However, I suspect that you can find equivalent services much closer to home.
I never knew that Kodak provided sheet film processing services, if you do find those mailers, please post information on them to this board.
Brian
This was an incorrect assumption on my part -- thinking Kodak does 4x5 sheet film. Once I have chosen a lab, what is the best way to ship the sheet film to the lab without getting light leaks? In a "special" light tight box? If so, where does one find such a box that's cheap and disposable? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
My opinion - Even if Kodak did offer such a service, I'd still seek out another lab. Several years ago, I gave some 120 E6 to a camera store for processing. They sent it to some Kodak associated lab in Maryland. It took nearly 10 days to get the transparencies back, and they did an incredibly sloppy job.
A&I in LA is a highly rated lab you might consider. Just as a reference, the approximate cost to develop a 4x5 sheet through E6 at most local pro-labs in this area (Boston) is $2.00.
Hi Thomas,
The few times I've sent sheet film out, I used an old film box and envelope to do it, taking the film out of the holders in a changing bag. These days I do my own E-6 so it's not as much of an issue. When I started doing E-6, I was using an old washing tub and aquarium thermomitor. Now I use a Jobo. If you've got the time, I'd recommend doing your own processing- the cost is probably about the same, but you'll have your slides the same day.
If you reuse a box that isn't the same film type, be sure to write the film type on the box, just so nobody makes any mistakes. I used masking tape and sealed the box with it when I did this.
Paul
Hi Thomas,
I found early on that few labs want to deal with my film holders for 4x5... so I've always taken my film to the lab (hand carried or mailed) in a 3 part film 'box'. The sheets have been loose in the box. In mailing, you may want to consider adding the 'interleaving' sheets back (if they're clean) in order to reduce contact and add a bit of packing that would keep them from sliding/bouncing around too much. A good label on the box with you name/address/phone/film type and number of sheets enclosed is a good idea.
Since you don't know how the shipper is going to 'store' your film while in transit, you should consider premium shipping...maybe not overnight ... but better than traditional ground or 1st class.
Any doubts or questions...call the lab and talk with them.
I'm sure there are good labs in Portland that would be happy to set up an arrangement with you and let you know their preferences.
Hope this helps
Fred
The main problem I used to have with this.... film getting scratched in transit. Sheet film rubs against each other and any dirt or foreign matter between the film will cause some very annoying streaks on the chrome. I recently found a way to solve this problem, I buy acid free paper from Adorama. I cut it up in sheets slightly smaller than the format size I am shipping. Then I put one between every sheet of film, works great and no nmore scratching since I utilized this method. The paper is very cheap, I think for $8.00 you can do over 500 4x5 chromes. I also agree with the poster above, never send out any film without a tracking number to trace it... both ways!
Best of luck..