Who do you use for shipping your E6 orders?

[PViapiano]

I sent my first order (23 sheets) to Calypso today and used FedEx 2 day service which cost $15, so my round trip will be $30 plus $32 for processing.

Total cost per sheet approx $2.75, a lot better than my local labs at $4-4.50.

If I could get the shipping down, it'd be even better, but I'm wary of using USPS Priority (only $8.95 flat rate) because of X-ray possibilities...maybe I should send a few sheets at the $4 Priority envelope rate to test it...

Any experience or advice to share?

[Tom Schaefer]

I've sent 4x5 e-6 to Photo Craft imaging in Boulder Colorado
1.40 per sheet. A pleasure to work with.
Jack Dykinga and others use them
web is www.pcraft.com

Good Luck

[PViapiano]

What I meant was...which shipping service?

FedEx

UPS

USPS

[Ben Hopson]

I have used both UPS and FedEx. I do not remember what the cost was, but on orders of $80.00 or more return shipping is free. That is from Calypso. That is quite a few sheets of 4X5, but if you do have enough at one time it brings the cost down even more.

I have received film orders via USPS Priority Mail without a problem. At the time I was also concerned about X-Ray damage. I asked the same question and every reply was that it was safe.

[PViapiano]

Thanks, Ben!

I've since found out today that FedEx Ground is a lot cheaper ($5.50-ish), although that wasn't an option on the FedEx site, and neither was their 3-day service. Seems they try to force overnight or 2-day on you via the website...

Glad to hear that USPS Priority was fine for you...

[Brian Schall]

USPS Priority is shipped on FedEx planes, at least that's what my local Kinko's/FedEx said.

[Colleen K]

I use USPS Priority to ship film processing orders, haven't had a problem yet(knock on wood)
Colleen

[v gese]

Use PhotoCraft for E6 4x5's. When I want quick turnaround: express mail with return FedEx 2 day (would use Fed ex both ways but I live way out in the sticks). Pricey but sometimes required. Otherwise priority mail both ways with delivery confirmation. Never have had a problem.

PhotoCraft recommends shipping FedEx as they feel that FedEx provides the best tracking of packages should a package get lost. The guy I spoke to about a month ago stated he wouldn't trust the USPS with one-of-a-kind images. I have been very fortunate with USPS over the last 2 years and it sounds like others have as well.

One consideration if considering UPS vs FedEx: UPS trucks are dark brown and in the summer sun I imagine get pretty hot inside (where your precious film is). FedEx trucks are all white and should stay alot cooler in the summer. Something to think about.
Vance Gese

[Jack Brauer]

I use FedEx Ground.

UPS has lost numerous packages of mine (including TWO different large format lenses!) and I would never trust them with my precious exposed film! Dealing with UPS about those lost lenses gave me an appalling insight into the inner workings of their company... what a mess.

[Jim Becia]

I have been using the USPS for several years to ship my LF film to Photocraft. I'll carry a couple of their priority boxes with me on a trip and when one is full, I drop it off at a post office. Usually the processed film is waiting for me when I get home. I have never had a problem so far. Usually my film makes it to Photocraft in two days from most places. Jim


www.spiritlightphotography.com (www.spiritlightphotgraphy.com)

[Doug Dolde]

I always use US Priority Mail for shipping. If you have ever dealt with FEDEX trying to collect on a damaged item, you will understand why. They will ALWAYS blame you saying it is a poor packing job and NEVER pay.

Another recommendation for Photocraft...where else can you get great processing for a buck forty a sheet??

[tgtaylor]

I live in the east bay and used Calypso for 120 and 4x5 E-6 until they moved to Santa Cruz. They did good work and were quite reasonable: $1.40/sheet and 4.50 for a roll of 120 for 24-hour turn around. I wouldn't pay for the overnight service as FedEx ground gets to Northern California just as fast: It's an overnight run and arrives in time for it to be delivered in the morning.

Suggestion: Think about a Jobo CPP or CPA.

[Padu Merloti]

Chrome digital, but they're just two blocks from here, so no shipping...

[65Galaxie]

I plan on shipping to Calypso via priority mail Monday. I just pop the quickloads in a flat rate express mail envelope, seal it, ship it. I'll see if 33 quickoads fit in one envelope!

[65Galaxie]

I had 48 quickloads to ship so I had to put them in a flat rate box for around $8.90 shipping. Probably could have gotten another 20-30 in there if I had to.

[roteague]

If I could get the shipping down, it'd be even better, but I'm wary of using USPS Priority (only $8.95 flat rate) because of X-ray possibilities...

Don't worry about it. I live in Hawaii and I have no choice about sending my film to the mainland for processing. I always us USPS Priority - because the Post Office is more convienient than FedEx is. I've never had any problem.

[roteague]

Suggestion: Think about a Jobo CPP or CPA.

I thought about that, but decided against it. 1.) Calypso uses better chemical sets than you are likely to buy for use in a Jobo. 2.) After a long trip, the last thing I want is to spend days hand processing hundreds of sheets of film, and 3.) Calypso has much better quality control than I could achieve on my own.

The Jobo is fine for processing a few sheets, but otherwise I stick to Calypso.

[Zach In Israel]

USPS Priority is shipped on FedEx planes, at least that's what my local Kinko's/FedEx said.

Many years ago I worked for DHL and learned a bit about this. When shipping a package from here to there it will probably go on multiple planes and there is a good chance each one will be operated by a different airline. DHL, Fedex, UPS etc all fly their own planes as well as hire space on each other's planes. If Fedex has a plane going from A->B with a free palate possition it may well get sold to UPS or vice versa. Or they may well put stuff on a regular airliner if there is free cargo space.

This is normal and at the end of the month they shuffle money around.