Just got an Elan II and need film recommendations

So I just ordered an Elan II because I wanted to finish using up the film that I have and because I just feel like it . Anyways, my local lab (Costco) say they can only process film that uses the C-41 process. What film would you recommend? I want to keep costs a low as possible too so keep that in mind when recommending. I do have a roll of Kodachrome 64 and an Etachrome too. If you know any place that can process those let me know!

So exciting...:p

i use Ilford XP2 Super 400 B & W film for my film cameras. i get them processed at my local film lab. here's a link to the pics taken on this film on pbase:
http://www.pbase.com/c​ameras/ilford/xp2_supe​r_400

What film do you have?

Ektachrome is E6, so pretty much any decent lab should still be able to develop those.
Kodachrome is tricky. This seems to be the only one US wide: Click.

Fuji Superia is pretty damned cheap.

I have about 4 rolls of Kodak Gold Max, 1 roll of Kodachrome, and 1 roll of Ektachrome. Unfortunately for me there isn't any "decent" labs around my area. I really would like to use Ektachrome or Velvia but the local labs only do C-41 processing. I haven't checked all the labs in my area but they're all 1 hour places. Thanks for all the suggestions!

actually forgot to mention that the Ilford is C-41 and my local photo lab is one of those 1 hour ones...

The Kodak Gold is color negative film (C41)...
There are also a few B&W films that can be developed in C41 chemistry. Kodak has one (T400 CN), as well as Ilford. (XP2)

Do you have a walmart in your area?

They have a send out service for E6 and standard Black and white films. It takes between 7-14 days but its dirt cheap. I Shot a roll of velvia on July 4th, dropped it off that monday and had it back in about 9 days at a cost of $4.88 mounted. The black and white prints I got back from Walmart left alot to be desired, but it was cheap and the negs were ok and I was able to scan them with good results.

Also if you have a scanner that is film enabled, Target stores will process C41 films at $0.94 next day service with no prints, then you can scan them and print them yourself or send out the ones you want to print. Even the prints arent that bad either, $0.16 for next day service.

As far as film choices, for black and white c41 as has been mentioned, ilford xp2 and Kodak bw400cn. I find that the ilford doesnt come out all that great when processed at target, it had some wierd tones. the Kodak when done at Target comes back a little better.

For standard color you cant beat the deal on Fuji superia 400, it usually comes in the 4 roll bonus pack with 1 extra roll at walmart for $7 or $8, and it looks pretty good too.

I have since started developing my own black and white, but if you check out my sets on flickr, I have them broken out by film type.
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/randerson07/set​s/

Yes I do have a walmart nearby. I didn't know they had that kind of service available. Do I have to tell them specifically that it needs E6 processing? If walmart can do it then I'll get some more Ektachrome or Velvia.

Oh by the way great shots randerson07 and cricketboy75!

when you do their send out service you fill out an old school envelope, and in the special instructions just list that its E6, and also note if you wanted mounted in paper, or plastic, or not mounted at all.

I had them mounted in paper, and they came in a nifty little plastic case, I was very pleased with the resulted, I ended up buying 10 rolls of Elite Chrome on clearance and plan to have walmart develop them all.

Los Angeles-area pro lab

For B&W, try either Ilford HP5+ or Kodak Tri-X.

René Damkot wrote in post #5952763
Kodachrome is tricky. This seems to be the only one US wide: Click.

Yup, last Kodachrome lab left in the US (probably all of North America) is located in Parsons, Kansas. I just drove through there a few weeks ago. Should have stopped in and said "hello".

Wow this is awesome. I just found out there's a photo lab across the street from school that can do same day E6 processing! $9.99 for 24 exp. and $11.99 for 36 exp. Thanks for all the help everyone.

bsaber wrote in post #5961213
Wow this is awesome. I just found out there's a photo lab across the street from school that can do same day E6 processing! $9.99 for 24 exp. and $11.99 for 36 exp. Thanks for all the help everyone.

OMG! you guys have things so good in the US! can't wait to get there next month. costs me AUD$19 to develop 36 shots with scans on CD here...definitely going to bring my Olympus XA2 along...