Mail in cheap 35mm processing

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citronzx - 17 Feb 2004 00:27 GMT

I'm new to photography and I am looking for a place to get my film developed
without having prints made. I have a 35mm film scanner so I do not
need/want prints. Where I live in Washington there is not anywhere that
will just develop the negatives. I've been taking a lot of pictures and if
I have to pay for prints for every roll then it will be a huge waste since
I'm going to scan them and then edit in photoshop. Does anyone know of a
mail order lab that will process the negatives inexpensively?

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James Robinson - 17 Feb 2004 01:28 GMT

> Where I live in Washington there is not anywhere that
> will just develop the negatives.

Are you sure about that? Pretty well every grocery or drug store near
me with a photo machine will process the negatives for something like
$2.00 with no prints.

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citronzx - 17 Feb 2004 02:40 GMT

> > Where I live in Washington there is not anywhere that
> > will just develop the negatives.
>
> Are you sure about that? Pretty well every grocery or drug store near
> me with a photo machine will process the negatives for something like
> $2.00 with no prints.

Hmmmm, well I'll have to ask around. When I've inquired in the past I've
been told that they can only do the things printed on the developing
envelope.

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James Robinson - 17 Feb 2004 03:23 GMT

> > Pretty well every grocery or drug store near me with a photo
> > machine will process the negatives for something like
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> been told that they can only do the things printed on the developing
> envelope.

You might have to talk to the manager of the photo section. I get
negatives processed all the time, and even though it isn't on the
envelope, they simply write "no prints" in the special instruction area,
and charge me $1.99 for the service. I usually ask them not to cut the
film, and do it myself, since they want to cut it shorter than I do.
They can usually turn the rolls around in about 20 minutes when they
aren't too busy.

The only problem I've had is the manager once rolled up the film and
stuck it in an old film case without putting on gloves, and I had to
clean her fingerprints off when I got home. You'd think the manager
would no better.

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citronzx - 17 Feb 2004 22:45 GMT

> > > Where I live in Washington there is not anywhere that
> > > will just develop the negatives.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> been told that they can only do the things printed on the developing
> envelope.

What stores are you going to get your film developed? I've now called
around and some stores refuse and others want $4.50 a roll!!

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James Robinson - 17 Feb 2004 23:19 GMT

> > > Pretty well every grocery or drug store near me with a photo
> > > machine will process the negatives for something like
> > > $2.00 with no prints.
> >
> What stores are you going to get your film developed? I've now called
> around and some stores refuse and others want $4.50 a roll!!

I currently use a nearby grocery store, since I know the photo manager
reasonably well, and know they keep their chemicals in good shape. I
have previously used two local drug stores, and got about the same rate.
I haven't tried the local Walmart, but I suspect they would do the same.

It appears that some of the stores near you don't understand the issue.
The additional negative processing makes it easier to keep the chemicals
in their machines in balance. They should welcome the additional work.

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citronzx - 18 Feb 2004 07:57 GMT

> > > > Pretty well every grocery or drug store near me with a photo
> > > > machine will process the negatives for something like
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> The additional negative processing makes it easier to keep the chemicals
> in their machines in balance. They should welcome the additional work.

Wal-Mart does them for 1.75 a roll. They also scratched the hell out of
them. I guess you get what you pay for.

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Michael Weinstein, M.D. - 26 Feb 2004 04:31 GMT

For a minimal investment you could do it yourself. You need only a changing
bag, a tank, some reels, a stable water bath and a thermometer. The
chemicals are expendable.

Signature

Michael Weinstein | "Never underestimate the power of stupid
Nashua, NH | people in large groups."

> From: "citronzx" <dillonbaca@earthlink.net>
> Organization: EarthLink Inc. -- http://www.EarthLink.net
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I'm going to scan them and then edit in photoshop. Does anyone know of a
> mail order lab that will process the negatives inexpensively?

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DaveHodge - 26 Feb 2004 15:58 GMT

<< Where I live in Washington >>

Are you in Washington State, or Washington, DC?

In the Washington, DC, area there are several FotoImage 1 HR labs that will
develop only. I use their lab in Bel Air,MD. I usually have my film proofed,
but they have developed only for me on occasion. They also develop all my
monochrome film and do not make prints. They also make all my color exhibition
prints and digitized posters.

The telephone number of the Washington, DC, store is 202-785-1037, and they are
located at 17th and M Streets.

There are also 2 stores in Reston, 1 in Alexandria, 1 in Baltimore, 1 in
Cockeysville, 1 at Burtonsville, 1 at Dulles Town Center, and the one at Bel
Air that I use.

Hope this helps. Best regards--

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MarkW122 - 10 May 2008 13:15 GMT

You may want to consider getting a membership at a Costco and use their lab
to convert your film to CD - only processing cost (not sure what they charge)
plus about $3 for each CD. gl

>I'm new to photography and I am looking for a place to get my film developed
>without having prints made. I have a 35mm film scanner so I do not
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>I'm going to scan them and then edit in photoshop. Does anyone know of a
>mail order lab that will process the negatives inexpensively?

Reply to this Message