4x5 processing - Canada

[JamesCun]

Hi, looking for some advice and feedback on places to get 4x5 film developed in Canada. I would prefer to avoid shipping to the US and I'm not ready to start developing at home. I would have a mix of E6, C-41 and BW, still trying things out and seeing what I like.

In the past I've used The Lab in Vancouver for 120 film and have been happy with the work. I would guess they do a good job on 4x5 as well as 120.

Also, any advice on shipping exposed film would be appreciated.

Thanks,
James

[adelorenzo]

I use The Lab Vancouver a lot for 120 color stuff. I do sheet film in black and white, so I have only sent them one sheet of 4x5 and it turned out fine.

I ship my film in pre-paid express post envelopes. I don't do much else to pack it and it seems to survive just fine. They do a very thorough job of packaging it when they send it back.

[Daniel Stone]

I've heard nothing but good reports about Edward Burtynsky's lab, Toronto Image Works:

http://www.torontoimageworks.com/

-Dan

[Sean Chilibeck]

I live on the east coast and there are no options for E6 over here so I've been sending my stuff to http://Torontoimageworks.com and have been happy with the results. They give a 10% discount when you mail it in with your credit card information too which makes it more worth it because of shipping.

But I'm going to try this guy next time I have enough to send in http://www.e6it.ca/, seems like some more reasonable prices (particularly for E6), and I'm not in a big rush for my stuff. He's just a guy that does it at home once a week on the weekend, all fresh chems which is nice.

For shipping I try to ship in the films box, this reduces confusion and makes me wait until I have enough to make the shipping worth it. Pack it all up in a box and send it. Usually costs about $12-$14 for a couple 4x5 boxes and 5+ 120 rolls each way. When it's sent back each sheet is in its own protector and they flip the box around to reduce movement. If you've not got a lot I've sent 120 in bubble wrap envelopes and I'm sure sheet film would do fine that way too.

[Ari]

GPC Labworks is where I used to send my 4x5 C-41 film until I was properly set up at home.
They also do E-6 and can process 5x7 as well.
Prices are reasonable and it's a family business, where nice guys run the joint.
http://gpclabworks.com/services.php

[Jody_S]

I use Borealis in Montreal.

[DougD]

A second thumbs up for the The Lab in Vancouver. Great darkroom. Dip and Dunk set up for B&W and Colour.

D.

[JamesCun]

Great, thanks for all the replies.

Since I'm new to this 4x5 world, I only have the film boxes that I'm currently using. Any ideas on where to pickup some empty boxes so I can ship some film to be developed. I don't want to get 20+ shots into using the camera and realise that I'm doing something totally wrong.

Thanks,
James

[Vick Ko]

Yep, another supporter of GPC in Ottawa.

[Capocheny]

Another vote for The Lab.

ABC Photocolor is also a decent lab. They've now moved into the facility once occupied by G. King Photo.

Custom Color in Yaletown is another decent lab.

Cheers