I've decided to get a batch of transparencies and negs printed digitally. I don’t like seeing my transparencies leave the house, and several have gained scratches while at the lab for printing. I like the idea of consistent, outstanding printing at short notice - I often wondered how ciba technicians work for so little per print - then I put a few prints (made at different times) of the same tranny together and saw how - they’re inconsistent and sometimes unimpressive. Reading many sites, Chromira seems to have some advantages over Lightjet, but I'm not sure it's so significant it should put me off a firm which has only Lightjet capability. That leaves the decision of the lab.
I shortlisted reputation four labs - West Coast Imaging (WCI); Calypso; ColorFolio; LaserLight.
The analysis following includes print costs which may seem odd, but takes account of extra fees to acquire larger scans, a set no. of proof prints, cd burn, postage etc. They can be compared relative to each other, but the actual numbers will vary according to individual needs.
Breaking down my analysis:
WCI - considerably more expensive 30x24@$344, 16x20@$240 offers a 'global service' with a fair amount of work possible on the print for the standard or exhibition price.
Laserlight - 30x24@$235, 16x20@$160 similar work to WCI.
ColorFolio - 30x24@$310, 16x20@$220 similar to WCI, but INCLUDES MASTER IMAGE on CD
Calypso - 30x24@$210, 16x20@$122 - more basic service - the site says the scan is cleaned up and colour/density matched, and after an optional proof print, one global colour correction is included. I asked whether any dodging/burning, or selective colour changes, would be included, and was told NO - these would require the $125/hr fee payable in 1/4hr increments. They said that for 99.9% of customers, whose transparencies are fine, such a fee doesn’t get added because they don’t use the service.
Calypso boast a good range of testimonials, including Charles Cramer, Joseph Holmes (whose images look so much more beautiful on his site than in his book), Frans Lanting, William Neill.
I haven’t considered the reprinting prices of anyone. Prices take into account current offers - Laserlight has a 4 for the price of 3 offer, and their prices have been reduced as if taken in blocks of 4.
So, the budget option is Calypso, with prints below the 30x24 very well priced compared with others. But they do less work on the print before charging you extra (although they insist it’s rare people need it - but how many prints do you get done that require NO dodging or burning???). The expensive options are WCI and ColorFolio, both of whom state their prices include up to an hour of custom imaging time. ColorFolio includes the master file. WCI has the reputation - but reputation is easily gained if you’re big enough. Laserlight sits in the middle.
I’d like to get a lot done, (choose Calypso); I like the idea of gaining the master file (choose ColorFolio [WCI have this as an option, but it’s a very expensive extra]); I don’t want them to skimp on any work that needs doing - these should be the final versions that I can always be happy with (aesthetic preferences changing over time aside) (choose WCI or Laserlight); I want a bit of everything (the compromise - choose Laserlight). But not everything in life involves compromise.
If others are/have been in my position, what would/did sway you?
I hope this summary is useful to someone else considering moving over to digital prints.
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