Hello from Shropshire uk & a question

**John Orrells** · 12-Mar-2010, 11:05

Hello to everyone in the LF community. My name is John and I am In Shropshire uk. Im Active with 35mm, digital, MF (67) I have been thinking the next step would be LF, not wanting to spend too much on my first camera I have obtained a Crown Graphic. My original idea was to use Fuji Quickloads and send to the lab for processing. As it looks like Fuji have or about to discontinued Quickloads I will have to use standard darkslides. My problem now is it practical to get straight sheet film lab processed, if so what do you put the film in to post it.

**Vick Vickery** · 12-Mar-2010, 11:19

Welcome to group therepy, John! Your question comes up periodically around here and is pretty easily answered: Yes, you can get it processed and the best way to take it to the lab is to get an empty film box somewhere (from your lab???) to put the exposed film in. Be sure to ask the lab to return your box also. Most of the folks around here who shoot B&W process it themselves, but there are still plenty of labs on this side of the pond that will handle sheet film, expecially color. If your favorite lab (or whichever one you find to do sheet processing) can't supply you with a couple of empty film boxes, there are light-tight emvelopes sold by the retail/mail order stores that will do the job; or maybe one of the other folks from the UK who posts here could be talked into giving you a box if you ask nicely!

**Sevo** · 12-Mar-2010, 11:19

Easy, just put it back in the original boxes. If you are short on empty boxes to start with, ask the lab - they'll have plenty to give away (if they have not, they are not the proper choice to have sheet film processed).

Sevo

**Pete Watkins** · 12-Mar-2010, 12:09

John,
For B&W you're best developing the film yourself. Patterson Orbitals are Gods gift to 4x5 & 5x7 users (this includes 1/2 plate). Only one sheet of 8x10 at a time though.
For colour I use Palm Laboratory in darkest Birmingham. www.palmlabs.co.uk
L.F on a budget is a compromise but totally possible and a wonderful challenge, I love it.
Best wishes,
Pet

**Paul O** · 12-Mar-2010, 14:46

Hi John
You might want to check out our UK-based forum too - www.lf-photo.org.uk

**John Orrells** · 13-Mar-2010, 11:36

Thank you everyone for your replies, very useful.

**Steven Tribe** · 13-Mar-2010, 12:07

Perhaps you could do some shots of the iron bridge at .... Ironbridge, as a starter!
From when UK technology ruled the world (before my time).

**Patrick Dixon** · 13-Mar-2010, 12:10

For C41/E6 processing I use either Peak Imaging or Genie Imaging. For B&W I process myself in a Patterson Orbital 1-4 sheets at a time.

I'm happy to post you an empty 4x5 box and some duff sheets to practice with if you'd like, or I'll be in Shrewsbury in a couple of weeks if you want to collect.