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Hello everyone,
I will be visiting Houston for an extended photography project and need a little advice before I visit. I would appreciate any information on local labs that process 4x5 negs's both c41 and E6 at the best price and also the best place to buy 4x5 film in the area. Just browsing through the yellow pages, there are too many camera shops to go through them all and was hoping someone could shine some light on this for me. Would appreciate any helpful info!
Thanks
http://www.photosourcetx.com/index.html
I don't believe they do 4x5, but could probably direct you to a place that does.
I process all of my color 4x5 film at AZ labs (http://www.azphoto.com/). They process both E6 and C41 in 4x5 and I believe 8x10. I used to use Houston Photo Imaging (http://www.houstonphotoimaging.com/), but they are gearing themselves more to digital output now and as a result their processing quality has taken a hit. They may have stopped processing film by now, but you might want to call them if they are close to where you will be.
I usually get my film from B&H, but if you need to get some film quickly you can get it at Camera Coop (http://www.cameracoophouston.com/). They are around the corner from AZ lab. They normally carry a full line of 4x5 films, but you may want to call just to be sure they have your flavor. The folks at Camera Coop are very nice and helpful and most, if not all, of the employees are photographers. You can also get film from the Camera Exchange (http://www.houstoncameraexchange.com/) but they are a bit of a drive from AZ lab. It has been a while since I have visited them, so I can't vouch for their stock on hand.
Richard
Quote:
Originally Posted by markinwaterloo
Thank you so much for the information! It's always best to get some insider advice as you never know the quality of a lab without first hand experience. I'm ordering some film online, but in some places you 4x5 film is hard to come by, so its good to know there is some around just in case. Thanks again!
Mark
I'll vouch for Houston Camera Co-op as well. The last time I was there it looked like they had more 4x5 Velvia than anything else. Maybe the Velvia just caught my eye. Best to call or go by and make a list of what they have.
They also had a very nice, looked unsed but I didn't dare hold it, 4x5 Zone VI "Made in Vermont, USA" field camera with standard & wide bellows and two empty lensboards. I didn't dare ask the price either.
Enjoy your stay in Houston. If we can help in anyway, just holler!
I was just at Houston Camera Co-op before leaving for my vacation 10 days ago, and chatted with them about their supply of 4x5 film. They told me that what they have in stock is very closely tied to the current semester's curriculum at Rice since they are the main supplier for the student body. I inquired about the new Tmax-400 emulsion on 4x5 and at the time, they still only had the old emulsion, but as wayne said, they had a lot of Velvia in stock because that's what the course offereings were requiring. Calling ahead for something specific is a good idea.
Thanks Richard and Valerie,
You have been most helpful - I'm coming from Toronto where only 2 stores in the city seem to carry 4x5 film in any useful quantity. I've been ordering from the US lately because its so much cheaper even with all of the extra taxes and shipping . . . I still can't believe that AZ processes 4x5 for $2.35 a sheet. Guess how much it is here . . . a whopping $5.00 per sheet. I won't be bringing any back for processing that's for sure.
Thanks again for all the help!
Best,
Mark