Back to film

[dylanstraub]

I'm coming back to film from an extended stay with digital. I'm interested in doing some architecture shots (new 20mm prime YEAH) in black and white but I want to know what if any issues I will encounter when getting my work developed. Am I going to have to send my film away or is it something that can be developed locally? If I have to send it away can anyone recommend a good shop? Thanks.

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[tirediron]

I can't speak to labs in your area, but if you want to shot black & white, why not spend another $100, pick up a Patterson tank, changing bag, some chemicals and do it yourself. Black & white developing is very simple and easily done in your kitchen or bathroom.

[Sw1tchFX]

If you're not going to do it yourself, have it done right and send it to Richard Photo Lab.

..Also, you might be a bit dissapointed in 35mm if you're doing architectural stuff.

[dylanstraub]

If you're not going to do it yourself, have it done right and send it to Richard Photo Lab.

..Also, you might be a bit dissapointed in 35mm if you're doing architectural stuff.

How so? I won't compromise and use the APS-c camera and I don't have the money for a medium format camera. At least with 35mm I get the full frame. I know the tilt shift is the go to for this kind of work but I want the slight distorsion of the 20mm lens.

[dylanstraub]

I can't speak to labs in your area, but if you want to shot black & white, why not spend another $100, pick up a Patterson tank, changing bag, some chemicals and do it yourself. Black & white developing is very simple and easily done in your kitchen or bathroom.

I like that idea but I seriously doubt I'm going to sell that to my wife. she already frowns on my crazy hobby.

[timor]

I like that idea but I seriously doubt I'm going to sell that to my wife. she already frowns on my crazy hobby.

You've got a problem. And a big one. If you want to do color film harry up, as color labs are closing fast. If you want to shoot b&w, labs in general are already closed. What is left may not give you the quality you want. Development of own films is a must. In any case it will be cheaper then the lab and you will have much greater control over your work.
It's not that expensive as you might think right now. Paterson tank you can pick-up for free this days, check your local Craigslist for starters, people are giving away whole darkrooms sometimes. Just look around. Chemicals are next. A bottle of HC110 which will develop at least 80 rolls of 35mm film plus some fixer may cost around $50. Mayor expenditure will be film, $3-10 per roll and growing and this is something to think about.

[dylanstraub]

Wow. I had no idea how far along things had come. That's really depressing because I absolutely hate the @#%&@%^*# crop on my &^#$^ aps-c camera and I can't afford a full frame digital camera at this time.

[bhop]

...A bottle of HC110 which will develop at least 80 rolls of 35mm film plus some fixer may cost around $50...

What the heck are you talking about? Average price for B&W developer (most brands) is around 15 bucks.. you trying to discourage the guy?

[gsgary]

And Foma film is peanuts and great

[timor]

...A bottle of HC110 which will develop at least 80 rolls of 35mm film plus some fixer may cost around $50...

What the heck are you talking about? Average price for B&W developer (most brands) is around 15 bucks.. you trying to discourage the guy?

Sorry about that I was not clear enough.
Let's break it down:
HC110 15-16 bucks
Stop bath 10
Fixer to fix around 80 rolls of film 20 bucks
Photoflo 10
So, even more.: 55-60 bucks per 80 rolls of film or 75 cents plus tax per roll. Is this a scary price ? With a Rodinal you can go a bit cheaper.
I think it is very encouraging. The stop bath is not a must, ok. 10 bucks less. The question is also if the chemicals are locally obtainable. If not add shipping cost. Gsgary points to Foma, I agree, it's a nice film, but distributed only by Freestyle. There is even cheaper and better film (I suspect it is Kentmere 100) from Ultrafine ; Ultrafine Xtreme Black & White Film ISO 100 - Ultrafine Xtreme Black & White Film .
If you are bulkloading that makes the cost very low and the quality is good.
The real cost is in printing, so maybe rather scanner. I don't scan, but other people may have good informations on that.

[dylanstraub]

Ok so I'm not limiting myself to B&W here but while perusing fredmiranda.com today I saw that Fuji is discontinuing 2 of its' popular Velvia films. So are we looking at the end or not? This is kind of depressing.

[timor]

Colour is disappearing fast and what worse labs are disappearing even faster. Before you would shoot colour, check around you place for labs able to do the processing. B&W film has much better outlook for future as processing could be done in even very rudimentary conditions by amateurs like we. When will be the end ? No one can say, but every year will be harder.

[gsgary]

film sales have actually gone up over the last few years, ive not shot digital now for about a month, its much better over here to get color developed i do my own b+w but dont shoot much color so i send it out

[Fred Berg]

Timor, I have to wonder about your posts. I have no problem getting colour film (negative and positive) developed. Perhaps in Canada there's a problem with the logistics and feasibility, relatively low population and huge distances, but in Germany film is still very strong. Also, the cost is stable, and even getting a little cheaper if anything. I was paying 5,90 € a roll for Ektar but it's now down to 4,35 € for instance.

[dylanstraub]

I guess I'll check my area for availability. Thanks to all for your input.