Who still processes 35mm film commercially?

[bjrichus]

I want to start using B&W film again but printing seems to be something I might not get back into doing.

Assuming I get back into developing the negs, I guess I could scan them, but then there is printing. Far too much work and cost in a digital age is my initial reaction.

I used to have my own darkroom (30 years ago) and can certainly do it, but it's not something that appeals to me now.

So assuming I do my own negs, where is "best" for printing?

I know... what's best for one person is not best for another, but I'd be interested in hearing (reading) what others think.

I know that printing digital files is going to be cheaper done commercially for most sizes than doing it at home, but I don't have a printer that will do bigger than letter size, so for now, home printing large sizes is not an option, so that again is part of my question...

Where does the experience suggest is the best place to go?

[studiocygnet]

I think the title of your thread may be misleading people. You're not asking about getting film processed, but asking where to get prints made from 35mm negatives? I use Holland Photo here in Austin, and as far as I know they take print orders from all over the country.

[bjrichus]

Originally Posted by studiocygnet

I think the title of your thread may be misleading people. You're not asking about getting film processed, but asking where to get prints made from 35mm negatives? I use Holland Photo here in Austin, and as far as I know they take print orders from all over the country.

Sorry about that...

I guess I do mean both actually! Having both D&P done for me is something I had not considered, but I suppose $5 or so (is it more now?) for a roll of 36 developed wouldn't be too bad...

[venchka]

If you want real silver based B&W developed & printed, contact Holland. This question came up recently from a member in DFW. Not sure if anybody is still doing it in DFW.
Costwise, it's cheaper to get Kodak BW400CN (a B&W film for color negative processing-a.k.a. Walgreens/CVS) developed and scanned and copied to a CD. Use the JPEGs to select negatives for printing. Send the negatives to Holland.
Personally, I would develop my own film, scan my own film and print my own film with an inkjet printer. You get to take all the credit AND all the blame. Wait. That is what I do.

[bjrichus]

Well, after a little bit of pounding the streets, I found "Barron Photographix" (note is an "x" not a "c" at the end), on 6th Street just a few blocks away from Fort Worth Photographic, who don't offer film processing anymore.

The web site (at the obvious address) has a full catalog but to give a flavor of costs, it's $11 to develop a roll of 36 exposure B&W film, which if a roll of FP4 is about $8 means that just to get the negs done will set me back the best part of $20 (more with tax).

And then printing is another story entirely... at least they still do it and are local to me - even if not open at the weekends.

[ka5txl]

you might check out BWC here in Dallas, back when I shot film I used them all the time. BWC Photo Imaging

[bjrichus]

Originally Posted by ka5txl

you might check out BWC here in Dallas, back when I shot film I used them all the time. BWC Photo Imaging

Thanks - I'll take a look.

EDIT: They seem a little cheaper - Wish I still had all my old darkroom gear from over the years, I'd be able to get going again for just the cost of the film and chemicals...

[zachary]

Originally Posted by venchka

Personally, I would develop my own film, scan my own film and print my own film with an inkjet printer. You get to take all the credit AND all the blame. Wait. That is what I do.

+1, I do this as well, and I also get to take all the credit and blame. Mostly blame.