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Thread: dr5 Problems

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    10

    dr5 Problems

    Hello;

    After hearing nothing but wonderful things about the dr5 process, I decided to give it a try myself. I sent a roll of 120 film two weeks ago from Boulder, CO (about 40 minutes away from Denver where dr5 is located). I still have not received my film back. The communication from them has also been unclear. I was told that if I wanted my film developed faster I would have to pay in addition to the almost $15 per roll for rush processing. Finally, I was told my film shipped out via FedEx on Thursday and that I would receive a tracking number. It is now Monday and the tracking number I finally received indicated that the film was only shipped out today.

    I am trying to find out if someone else has had a similar frustrating experience, or if hopefully this is a one-time deal. Of course when I see the results I will determine if the process is worth the trouble and the expense before sending my sheet film.

    What have your experiences been? Does it always take two weeks to get the film back? Thanks for any input.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Kingwood, Texas USA
    Posts
    274

    Re: dr5 Problems

    no problems here - David has also always been very helpful with questions of mine

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    S.W. Wyoming
    Posts
    1,137

    Re: dr5 Problems

    Have you talked to David personally? It could be a personel problem he is unaware of.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    San Francisco Bay Area, California
    Posts
    176

    Re: dr5 Problems

    I have had few B&W 120 rolls developed by dr5 in the past and it was a good experience. The results turned out be great, better than I expected.


    // Atul

  5. #5

    Re: dr5 Problems

    I once had an issue with shipping, mostly because it was unclear about how return shipping was handled by DR5. I was in no hurry, yet that order was sent back fastest (most expensive) way possible, despite no rush for processing. So basically it does seem possible to make mistakes in shipping.

    As for the quality of the process, I have always been pleased with the results. I would easily recommend DR5 to anyone. Just be very specific about shipping and including a note with your order, and you should avoid future problems or surprises.

    Ciao!

    Gordon Moat Photography

  6. #6

    Re: dr5 Problems

    My dealings with DR5 have been very satisfactory. I think Glenn has a good idea, contact the owner and tell him about your problem.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    10

    Re: dr5 Problems

    Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. I am happy to hear that frustrations are rare. I will contact David...I am not sure who I talked to on the phone. It doesn't help that since it was my first roll processed in dr5 and I have yet to hear someone who is not happy with the results, I'm really looking forward to seeing the images.

    For future reference, when sending small orders (1-3 rolls of 120 or 4-5 sheets of 4x5 for example) what has been the usual turn around time for some of you - including shipping?

    Thank you all again.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    10

    Re: dr5 Problems

    I received my film back last week and was very happy with the results...I will love to try it again soon. If anyone still cares to share their turnaround times it will still be appreciated.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    denver
    Posts
    21

    Re: dr5 Problems

    ..we were just notified of this post and thought we would reply.

    While your turn time on this order was unusual, at times this may occur.

    We have posted on our website our production turn times. These changed about 5 months ago. These new procedures were put into place to cut our production costs. The alternative would be to raise our rates once again, which would make more folks unhappy. Clients that send 15 rolls+ have priority under this new policy.

    Since you are close to us I would suggest you stop by and see what we do here. dr5 is a highly customized process. We hand mix our soups, our equipment is one of a kind.

    On top of trying to cut our operation costs we have always had a Quality 1st policy. Quality will reside over turn time, always! If our line is off we will not run film. If our line needs maintenance, we will not run film.

    The photo industry has gone through convulsions the past few years. our run volume has been unstable, super busy one month then nothing the next. Since our process is highly customized we found it best to even out this volume. this helps us keep the line steady throughout the year.

    Some will never be happy no matter what we do. If someone needs a quick turn time we usually try our best to accommodate.

    regards

    dw

    www.dr5.com

  10. #10
    bob carnie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario,
    Posts
    4,939

    Re: dr5 Problems

    Hi David

    I totally concur with your statements.

    2008 we see volumes that fluctuate dramatically with each month. Film processing is a very tough business to be in and FWIW Elevator*my lab* will only run full runs only and not even consider one roll process unless the customer is willing to process a single roll in a full run price.
    3 years ago we started batching film and trying to match times and quite frankly for standard dev times this worked but once film choice, dev time deviated , it could take months to build enough film to do a single run.
    This is the state of custom film processing today, custom and expensive.
    Dave has offered and amazing service for years and I would not worry about turnaround time unless one is willing to pay the minimum fee to do a full run.
    Imagine, not only does he need to keep his line in control, maintenence as well he needs to pay an operator to run that roll of film.
    If it takes from start to finish 1 hour to produce what he does then DR5 should be renumerated for that hour of labour and operation costs.

    To the OP . 1 single roll just dosen't cut it and I would be considering asking Dave how many rolls makes a run so that you can be first in line with a full run.
    Single rolls here at my lab are not even considered as bringing in an operator to properly develop that film is way beyond a single roll price.
    Quote Originally Posted by bwchrome View Post
    ..we were just notified of this post and thought we would reply.

    While your turn time on this order was unusual, at times this may occur.

    We have posted on our website our production turn times. These changed about 5 months ago. These new procedures were put into place to cut our production costs. The alternative would be to raise our rates once again, which would make more folks unhappy. Clients that send 15 rolls+ have priority under this new policy.

    Since you are close to us I would suggest you stop by and see what we do here. dr5 is a highly customized process. We hand mix our soups, our equipment is one of a kind.

    On top of trying to cut our operation costs we have always had a Quality 1st policy. Quality will reside over turn time, always! If our line is off we will not run film. If our line needs maintenance, we will not run film.

    The photo industry has gone through convulsions the past few years. our run volume has been unstable, super busy one month then nothing the next. Since our process is highly customized we found it best to even out this volume. this helps us keep the line steady throughout the year.

    Some will never be happy no matter what we do. If someone needs a quick turn time we usually try our best to accommodate.

    regards

    dw

    www.dr5.com

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