Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I recently acquired a Graflex Graphic View 4x5 camera (circa 1941) and several film holders that had belonged to my father and I'm dying to try out. I have never shot large format but I figure that the only way to learn is to just jump in and start swimming (or sinking,as the case may be).
Anyway, whilst I'm researching my pet project and trying to figure out whether it's even worth spending a bunch of money on, I'll be shooting some 35mm B&W. Knowing that the local Walgreens doesn't develop B&W, I came across Ilford Lab Direct. They offer a wide range of services on their website, including sheet film developing. So I was wondering who here has dealt with them and what you thoughts/experiences were. Also, I've read here that some of you process your own B&W film and was interested in how difficult it is to get started with that if I decide to go that route.
My father had a darkroom in our house when I was a kid and I spent a lot of time with him there, doing both B&W and color processing, from film to print, so I'm somewhat familiar with the process, although I admit that I've forgotten much of what I learned back then in the intervening years.
Thanks in advance,
-Erik-

And oh, by the way, why the He!! isn't there a section for film photography here?!?!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I am also experimenting with a film camera. LFL (looking for labs), I happened across one located in San Clemente, CA, called The Darkroom. Their website "thedarkroom.com" has full details of their 35-year history, their current services and pricing as well as straightforward contact information. Apparently they see no sense in operating "in hiding" like so many UHH members do. Their services include developing a wide range of b&w film formats (35, 120, 220, 4x5, etc.), color neg and slide film. They sent me a postage-paid mailing envelope with a USPS tracking number. Will be mailing my first roll of film to them today. NOTE: Despite any appearance to the contrary, I do not work for them and am not related to their owners or staff. My original search came up with other labs - some were distinguished by the LACK of any clear address or details. Is it cheaper to develop your own? Of course. Are the results more satisfying? Depends on how much one longs for the harsh odor of development chemicals. I'm going to give The Darkroom a try. Stay tuned.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Thanks Ralph, I give them a look.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I've found using walk-in local labs to be more cost efficient for developing than mail order. No shipping costs, generally lower prices for developing and often you can pick up the developed film within a day or two if you do your own scanning and/or printing.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I use the darkroom.com for all my film developing needs.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Sadly, there are no walk in labs in my area, no camera stores either.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Thanks, I'm checking them out. It looks like they're about $6 cheaper per roll do develop than Ilford.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Relatively speaking their turnaround is pretty good. I can usually send out my rolls on a monday morning, and I get the digital scans download link by Friday or Saturday of the same week. The negatives usually follow in the mail a week after the download link is provided. Northern Michigan to the West Coast.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I did my own darkroom work (B&W and color slides) for three decades. It's very easy. If you can mix, measure, adjust temperatures precisely, agitate precisely, and follow a timer precisely, film processing is easy. It's a lot like cooking. Find a copy of Time-Life Photography Series' The Darkroom at a used bookstore or library. It has a great depiction of the exact way I did it.

Kuzano

Ilford labs is in the game for the long run. A foreign company, they have been popular enough in the film market to create a presence in the US in just recent years. (California, I think). They are one of the companies that has renewed or strengthened a commitment to film, as have many others.

The future looks great for film. And, having been buying and selling film camera's on eBay for nearly 20 years now, I can tell you business is brisk, and prices are rising. I am also having fun with film in 35mm, Medium Format and Large Format. One of the things I enjoy is modifying and building "FrankenKameras"! So much fun.

One of my "creations", created on a dark and stormy night. Pieces of old bodies laying around and lots of Electricity. Also my film fridge. I mostly buy all types of film, even expired on eBay. Actually time to restock a bit.

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Kuzano

You absolutely should not feel alone. Very few of us have walk in access to film, processing, or camera's. However a commitment to the process and a high number of mail in labs take care of most of us. Home processing (WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE A DARKROOM, CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF) takes care of the rest.

Daylight processing tools, dark changing bag, or a darkened closet takes care of the rest of us. The information is all over the internet.

Frankly, I am having quite a bit of fun with the Caffenol process. The prime ingredient is Folgers Instant Coffee, then washing soda and Vitamin C.

fortunately, there are still plenty of supermarkets where I live. The washing soda is available from swimming pool supply companies, and there are pharmacies in almost every supermarket or mall i visit.

So, don't be sad... just get busy, if you are interested in film and processing.

Kuzano

Surprise Folks!!!

While not many are still builing film camera's... a large number of large format camera's are still built and sold new to this day. There is a lot of used inventory and an old Graflex is a great way to start, companies like Toyo, Shen Hao, Chamonix and many more are rolling out NEW LF camera's in 4X5 and up film every day. There are even ULF camera's... Ultra Large Format.... negative carriers up to 11X14 and 20X24 actual film size!!!

Kuzano

You haven't eaten a lot of my cooking, have you?

The Time-Life photography series, ALL OF THEM, are a gold mine of photo information, I had all the copies at one time. The large silver bound books ... right ?

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Sounds good Clint, thanks.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Thanks Bill, I'll be on the lookout for the T.L. books. My daughter-in-law works at a book store so if i can't find it, she can!