Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

ChristopherCoy · **Mpix.com? -** 06-22-2009, 10:37 PM

I think I remember Donna saying that she used Mpix.com, so I decided to check them out. I was quite impressed with the simplicity of their online ordering system, and their prices. So I created an account, and today I uploaded an image as a 'test' run.

(1) I'm going to order two 11x14's of the same pic tonight. One on that Kodak Paper and the other on that Metallic something or nother paper they have. I want to see what my camera produces at that size print, and I want to be able to compare each paper. Anyone have any input on anything else I need to consider at this point? Possibly the 'coating' they put on?

(2) I did some slight red level adjustment to warm the browns, and I also adjusted some brightness/contrast/gamma levels because the original was a little too bright on my screen. Will they automatically correct color/brightness to optimize the print and make it look its best?

Overall, after reading their testimonials I feel pretty good and comfortable about giving them a test run. Everything looks really easy and it seems they've taken any confusion out of the matter. Anyone else dealt with them? Have anything to say about them?

(Donna... sorry, I know you got the same questions in your pm box.)

Jake · 06-22-2009, 10:51 PM

I've ordered from mpix a few times in the past and have always been very happy with the prints.
They are a pro lab after all. They are Miller's consumer branch.

I don't remember anything about automatically correcting your files, but it's been a while since I've used them.
The labs I use now, you have to tell them if you want them to correct your files. It's not automatically correct.

Dobick · 06-22-2009, 11:01 PM

mpix is the partner lab for zenfolio, and they are absolutely excellent and their customer service is second to none. due to personal confusion when I first set everything up at zen, I printed some test stuff and was disappointed with the crops. They redid everything, and shipped it out immediately and overnight. In other words they made it right even though it wasn't their screw up. At the time, zenfolio was also partnered with ezprints, and I was not as impressed with ezprints color reproduction (I had a few of the same file printed at both locations and really liked what I got from MPIX, and not so much from ezprints)

ChristopherCoy · 06-22-2009, 11:02 PM

Well, if I am understanding correctly, on the Mpix.com website you have to mark "DO NOT COLOR CORRECT," which leads me to believe that they will automatically correct according to their calibration tools.

I'm no concerned with color, as I am the brightness. After my little stint over at Wally World the other day, I'm still a little shell shocked. I just dont want to pay $7 for each 11x14 just to have them come back with a glaring over exposed look....

Dobick · 06-22-2009, 11:11 PM

I have had this image printed at Walgreens and MPIX (without correction) and at ezprints. (has a lot of shadow detail, and I was very specific about the color that I wanted the bricks and sky so it is easy for me to see when the print differs making it a good test image for me)

at walgreens with the image correction turned on, it completely blew out the lightning and made it one big blob of white. They reprinted and turned off the image correction and no problems.

at MPIX, I have always chosen no correction.

Coolclarkie · 06-23-2009, 12:16 AM

I have used MPIX, and the problem I have had with them is consistency. It seemed to be that 1 out of 3 orders was wrong either the color or density of the print. We would do about 5 orders a week so this became a problem. Although they always did the reprints no questions asked. Also not much customer service no phone number to call only email. We have since switched to White House Custom Color and have been very pleased.

carrbowl · 06-23-2009, 12:25 AM

Clark, I wouldn't compare MPIX to WHCC, I would compare Millers to them...it's more apples to apples. Have you ever tried Millers??

Coolclarkie · 06-23-2009, 12:28 AM

renae,

You do have a valid point. I tried to register with Millers and something went wrong with the registration so went to WHCC instead

ChristopherCoy · 06-23-2009, 12:32 AM

Well I just placed a test order with Mpix.com. I went with two 8x10's, one on each type of paper, and both with lustre coating. If they come back nice, once I decide which paper I like, I'm going to take the image up in size just to see what this camera will produce as far as IQ.

carrbowl · 06-23-2009, 12:34 AM

I believe Millers is the one that will give you 5 8 x 10's one color corrected and one not...free (my favorite word!!!) but it is a good way to see how good their color correction works..

ChristopherCoy · 06-23-2009, 12:37 AM

I just went to the Millers website and I have to have a business and fill out a questionaire... I'm not at that point yet. But as Jake said, isn't Mpix the consumer branch of Millers? If so, I hope their 'consumer' printing is just as good quality as their 'business' printing.

doctahjones · 06-23-2009, 04:05 AM

i've used mpix for my last several orders and have been very pleased with the results. i did just order their 'calibration kit' as the colors were -slightly- off from my monitor (which has never been calibrated), but the pics -were- still great.

i have not used any other printers yet though. adorama is my next target, then gonna try to sign up with millers and whcc and have the same print done...

CaptainTom · 06-23-2009, 04:18 AM

Chris
I have accounts with several of the "pro" labs.
Each has their specialties.
Mpix is cheap. Their upload is easy. Their turnaround is the fastest.

I use them when I shoot Mary Kay ladies on Monday nights (I'm home by 9pm).
I upload the images by 11pm, and have the prints in hand usually on Thursday in my PO Box.

They don't have any phone for customer service (I've called Millers and gotten some help re MPIX, but that was an emergency), but their email system works pretty well.

lyncca · 06-23-2009, 08:23 AM

I'm using Mpix and they are great. I rarely rush an order since their turnaround is so fast. They will color correct if you want them to, it is one of the options when you order. I believe it is on by default but most photographers I know turn it off.