Labs in the UK

[plusminus]

Hello,

I'm just starting off photographing in large format (4x5) and am a bit shocked looking at the cost of both film sheets and development.

For the latter I've found Peak-imaging and DigitaLab via internet search, they both offer processing for 2.50 per sheet. Is that the usual price nowadays? Is their a cheaper lab on the European mainland perhaps?

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

[IanG]

You don't say what films but it's remarkably easy to process both C41 or E6 yourself, and you don't need much equipment. The savings are quite considerable.

Ian

[plusminus]

Hi Ian,

I plan using both c41 and e6 (prices seem to be very similar in that format). I noticed that many here seem to develop their negs and slides themselves, however I have a very limited amount of space available at home (like most people in London) so am not sure if it would be feasible for me handling 3 different chemicals and trays in the cramped little dark room that is the toilet in the house. Or is there something like a kit which makes this much easier?

[IanG]

If it was me I'd just shoot C41, the process is simpler and faster and temperature control less critical except for the colour developer. An Jobo developing tank would be easy to use, mine holds two reels with 6 sheets each.

The Tetenal two bath kits are excellent and you'd need very little space. No more than for B&W processing. Some store split up the Mini-lab kits which is cheaper still.

I have the same space issue here in Turkey where I have no darkroom so can sympathise

Ian

[plusminus]

Thank you, that's really useful! I'll do some research there.
I plan to move soon, hopefully that will make an improvement regarding the space issue

[ceb83]

Hi there,

I use Genie Imaging in Wandsworth.
E6 AND C41 processing is....wait for it...£1.99 per roll or sheet!

http://www.genieimaging.co.uk/index_red.htm

Turnaround time is pretty impressive too.

BTW, welcome to the wonderful world of LF, it's addictive.

Cheers,
Carol

[Tobias Key]

I've used Peak for a long time and would place them at the cheaper end of the spectrum, and found their developing very good.

One day I'll shoot two test sheets and send one to them and one to robin bell to see if I can tell the difference between £2.50 developing and £10 developing!

[dave_whatever]

I've only used Peak for 4x5, no problems with them, you're best waiting till you've got a few sheets though so you can get the bulk discounts, gets it down to closer to £2 a sheet.

Doing your own E6 in a jobo CPE is a doddle though, just takes a bit of initial outlay and some time. Generally works out at anywhere in the 20-50p per sheet range thereafter.

[arca andy]

Hi there,

I use Genie Imaging in Wandsworth.
E6 AND C41 processing is....wait for it...£1.99 per roll or sheet!

http://www.genieimaging.co.uk/index_red.htm

Turnaround time is pretty impressive too.

BTW, welcome to the wonderful world of LF, it's addictive.

Cheers,
Carol

Carol
Don't you have to buy the film from genie first in order to get that processing price?
Ta Andy

[arca andy]

Rather sadly I was in Genesis today (Fulham) and Lynda told me that they are quiting E6 and the end of the month...looks like I'll have to go with Genie now.