Photo Lab?

The lab I was using has gone out of business --

I'd like a recommendation for another lab that can process and mail back to me quality images in a reasonable time frame and for reasonable pricing ... in the USA only. Definitely not looking for a "cheapo" lab ... Thanks BD

What functions was the "lab" performing?

gonzogolf wrote in post #17227183
What functions was the "lab" performing?

Sorry -- prints ... I don't use a 'home printer' for my 'art prints' for clients -- I then frame them myself.

Who, in your mind, would be 'cheapo labs'? No sense having people suggest labs you won't do business with.

Prodpi or whcc

moose10101 wrote in post #17227235
Who, in your mind, would be 'cheapo labs'? No sense having people suggest labs you won't do business with.

Well, I don't know any -- I'm looking for suggestions / recommendations from you guys who use one for prints.

I used a local lab for years and years (over twenty) -- but the owner passed away, and the folks that 'took over' don't know much about printing -- they turned it into a "public venue" like a Walmart or CVS, (cheapo labs??) whatever.

Plus, the lab decided to raise prices - like double. So, I'm looking for a photo lab that can process my images into silver-halide photographs -- I'll send files online and have them mail out to me the finish product. But I have no clue which labs are good and timely, and which are not. The web is like a crap-shoot, so many out there claiming excellence -- but who knows. I'd prefer not to test them all one-x-one.

I assume some of you pros on here will know a good one to try ... I don't do enough of this kind of work to justify the expense of personal equipment.

BTW: Usually one print at a time - for framing - but also, sometimes a production run of a hundred team photos too. It really varies ...

Thats why I asked earlier sbout lab. You said you just needed prints which sort of implies prints fom a digital source in this day and age. If you want prints from Negatives without scanning your options narrow considerably.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17227599
Thats why I asked earlier sbout lab. You said you just needed prints which sort of implies prints fom a digital source in this day and age. If you want prints from Negatives without scanning your options narrow considerably.

Yes, I guess I should have been more clear -- digital age has certainly arrived... I still occasionally shoot with film or slides, but primarily RAW digital as the quality has risen quite a bit over the years since I first began ... technology really rips along at a pretty quick pace, doesn't it?

I'll second RGNY, WHCC and ProDPI are my go to labs.

I like ProDPI's prints just a tiny bit more than WHCC, but I prefer the finish work and options on WHCC's canvas wraps and metal prints a bit better. WHCC shipping (and multiple locations in the US) can make for a day or so faster shipping to me, but both are fine.

Both are quality labs with reasonable prices.

OK ... thanks for the info guys -- will check these out ...

Advanced Imaging and they will send you control images to help you calibrate to their system.
http://www.aiprolab.co​m/

I've always had good luck with Millers or MPIX www.millerslab.com

Monkey, it might help if you also listed at least your state or preferrably your city location. There may be some great labs in your area if we only knew where you are located. I have started using McKennapro.com recently. It is a very good pro lab with many services offered and they are only a few hours from me here in Des Moines Iowa. So just another option if you happen to live in the midwest and want to work with a lab that is somewhat local. They have always been great to work with regarding color profiles and even which monitor to buy when I asked about that.

sirquack wrote in post #17228836
Monkey, it might help if you also listed at least your state or preferrably your city location. There may be some great labs in your area if we only knew where you are located. I have started using McKennapro.com recently. It is a very good pro lab with many services offered and they are only a few hours from me here in Des Moines Iowa. So just another option if you happen to live in the midwest and want to work with a lab that is somewhat local. They have always been great to work with regarding color profiles and even which monitor to buy when I asked about that.

We operate out of two locations - one east coast, one west coast - so, local is not as critical as is quality and performance (quick in and out - ship) ... Plus, we work all over the USA, so are often in the field - but we want a USA lab ... that's more important. Makes no sense to have England or Canada, or whatever?

You want a printer, not a "lab", right?

By lab, I picture your needing film processing...