Lab closed dammit!

[Ed K.]

Sad news to hear. A&I in Los Angeles does do good prints and E6 with decent turn around.

Side comment -

While everyone is quick to point out the obvious decline in chemical based photography labs, there are some other issues that can cause such businesses to "reinvent".

Real estate prices for commercial property are pretty high these days. Labs are often smaller than what the SBA calls a "small business" - they are often micro-businesses. Where the larger employers get tax relief, occupation and building fee waivers, and in some cases, financial assistance to operate, small businesses are frequently saddled with ever-increasing taxes, insurance rates and environmental regulations that have variable fees (such as, in some parts of Oregon, the number of trips on a road that leads to a photo lab).

I have been researching the possibilities of opening a photo business that involves processing in various counties of Oregon. The number of issues to deal with is daunting and well, expensive. It might not even be possible unless I could open the equivalent of a Kodak corporate office. Oregon is strapped for cash in general, so it must try to squeeze every drop out of small business. The digital stuff has higher markup in many cases for the vendor with fewer variables (spoiled prints, etc.) when done right. Environmentally, while there are trash and equipment disposal issues, at least there isn't any wastewater discharge, and the amount of space required for the operation can be pretty small. Add to it that people have Wal Mart kiosks as well as their own printers at home and it's easy to see how one could have a difficult time surviving.

How I wish I could offer some of those nice, honest, regular Oregon folks a job in a high-end photo lab. It just doesn't pencil out so far for darkroom stuff - even a rental darkroom doesn't pencil out. But a "yet another inkjet and teeshirt shop with Internet sales" does pencil out just fine. Go figure.

So sure - film processing options are going down due to film use decline, however small business troubles usually are quite related.

[Robert Brummitt]

I called Citizen Photo and they are the only lab in town that does dip and dunk processing now. The prices for 35mm/36esp $6.55 a roll, 120 is $4.35 a roll and $1.50 per 4x5 sheet.
Their phone number is 503-232-8501 extention 5 for the lab.
FYI

[Stephen Fritz]

I've been using Dot Dotson's in Eugene for the last 3 years, which processes 4x5 and 8 x 10 (as well as 35mm and 2 1/4) E6 in a dip and dunk processor. They do E6 daily and C-41 once or twice a week. My results have been consistent and their service is prompt. For E6, in by noon, out by 5PM. (541) 485-1771. I sold my Jobo when I felt their quality was sufficient and now rely on them. I hear they do some mail order business.

[CG]

It's been very tough on the labs. I'm in out of the way rural NH. I've lost three labs over the last several years.

Now I'm mailing out E6. A heck of a lot less convenient, but it's to a good lab and that's what's important.

C

[ronald moravec]

Worry when you can not get the E6 gallon kit. Jobo and expert drum is my suggestion. Use one shot. Avoid contamination. $60 will allow 12 runs at 10 sheets per run. The lab did not do it for 1/2 buck each. Stay away from 3 step and off brand chems.

Nikon makes some decent digicams! I know it`s not the same.

[Mark Sampson]

Citizen Photo's E6 prices, mentioned above, are almost the same as the custom lab that I used to work for- in 1983. Their profit margins must be razor-thin. I'd love to pay 1983 prices for everything, as long as I have my 2007 salary.

[Robert Brummitt]

That's it! I'm going to do some research and write an article about where and who to send our E-6 film to. I spoke with the folks at the local photo supply store and they agree that its great the film companies make new and /or improve films but what good is it if there isn't anywhere to process the film!
Send me the contact information of labs in your area. I'm going to stockpile the information and then share them with all who love a good chrome!

[Kirk Keyes]

Robert - thanks for looking into Citizen's Prices.

I was talking with a buddy that works at ProPhoto and he said they were going to send their E-6 to K&K. We both cringed when he said that... I guess I'll be sending my E-6 to Citizens. And their price list shows that push/pulls are only $2/rack (8-4x5s).

[Robert Brummitt]

I spoke with one manager at Pro and they had heard the same horror stories regarding K&K. I think they'll not use them. I'm going to contact Ivey as well.

[Doug Dolde]

Mail it to Photo Craft Imaging in Boulder CO. Only $1.40 per 4x5 sheet.

http://www.pcraft.com/