Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Abel · **Printing with Local Labs? -** 12-14-2004, 08:36 AM

anyone here on the forums print with Ritz or Wolfe Camera?

im curious to see how they are quality wise...

gpgyo · 12-14-2004, 12:08 PM

I have not use Ritz/Wolf, but I did do some comparison testing about 6 months ago. I had 8X10 prints made of the same file at WalMart, CVS, MPix and WHCC (the last two are online printers.) The WalMart print looked washed out. This is probably not entirely WalMart's fault. I use a laptop computer and I'm sure the monitor is not anywhere near being correctly calibrated (but that is something I have to consider until I upgrade my monitor and get calibration equipment.) The CVS print looked pretty good. Had the image been properly color corrected on a calibrated monitor, I'm not sure if it would have been oversaturated or not. Two online printers were outstanding. Both color corrected the image and made prints with perfect skin tones. I continue to use MPix. Their per print rates are reasonable but you do have to add $5 for shipping (and they do ship the same or the next day.)

Recently I needed prints immediately for Christmas cards, so I went to CVS. They were ready in 30 minutes and they were fine for what I needed. When I'm selling prints or presenting them to someone so they have to be perfect, they go to MPix. The few pennies per print more and the shipping is more than worth the quality in my book.

Hope this helps,
Greg

Abel · 12-14-2004, 12:14 PM

i also did a test run with

Printroom.com
Samsclub.com
ofoto.com
mpix.com

i loved the quality. packaging and quick turnaround time of Mpix.com but i have some chrristmas cards i need printed this week so i dont think ill chance an online printer...

in fact, i just noticed that Costco has some very good printing reviews. in fact they even offer custom ICC color profiles to match the exact printer at the store im going to. i find that very cool plus their prices are cheap too.

im sending a couple of samples to them tonight and theyll be ready tomorrow... ill see how they come out.

Ps I called a local Ritz and asked about uploading the file to their website and them printing it from there. the girl said that it would be better to bring the file into the store because it will come out better. she said if i upload it that it wont come out as good because it "goes thru the internet and stuff..." needless to say i will not be going there! :shock:

Steelsun · 12-14-2004, 12:46 PM

I've used Walgreens & Sam's. Both about the same quality - adequate.

I've been trying to get through to WHCC for a few days now, but my emails to the test account address (where you send your images to check calibration before setting up an account) have all bounced, and I usually get tired of being on hold over a few minutes when I try calling. WHCC has a good reputation on the net and in pro-forums, and I really want to use them, so I hope they fix whatever problems they are having (probably holidays related)

Mongo · 12-14-2004, 01:15 PM

We just did a large order thru ezprints.com and were pretty happy with the results. Prices are a bit cheaper than Mpix, but not by much. Had the prints in less than a week after I placed the order (used the cheapest shipping), no complaints there. All the people that got the prints (it was the team pic's from my son's Highschool football team) have had nothing but good things to say about them. Only thing you have to watch with them is if you crop the shot before you upload i to their site. They will fit the shot to whatever size you want and if one of the dimensions is too big, you will lose part of the picture.

swanny338 · 12-14-2004, 01:47 PM

i have used wolf camera for black and white film that has to be sent out, I havnt done it anywhere else but they looked great when I got them back.

markperez · 12-14-2004, 11:23 PM

I use costco. They are 17 cents for 5X7 and $2 for 8X10 and they came out really well for me.

swanny338 · 12-14-2004, 11:40 PM

I used wolf camera at town and country today, they did a pretty good job. i think i will take one of the files somewhere else and see if i like one place better than the other

Abel · 12-15-2004, 07:15 AM

mark, 17 cents for 5x7? wow...

i saw they were like 66 cents... hmm lemme know how u get it at 17

markperez · 12-15-2004, 07:30 AM

I'll have to double check but I am pretty sure it was 17 cents but if I am worng I know I didn't get them for 66 cents

Vik_7 · **wol camera -** 12-23-2004, 03:37 PM

Had good luck with wolf lab in West U. - Actually on the second try. Gave them pictures and they came out either washed out or too dark, etc. Asked them to re-print with no corrections and they came out just like they were supposed to be in the first place. The tech guy told me that by default they adjust (or auto-adjust) images. You can see on the back of the prints what they have done - if it says NNNN then it was a straight print.