Photo Developing Services?

[Sherman A1]

Looking for one that is both reliable and offers high quality. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[elleng]

1. Used to be Ritz (I think,)

in DC. Not sure whether they're still around.

[ohheckyeah]

2. I usually do mine over the Internet now.

I've used this site before and was happy with the photos:

http://www.mpix.com/

If I use a B&M place, I use PhotoUSA. Ritz closed up shop in my area.

[Richard D]

21. MPIX

Always been good, with good prices. Just make sure to choose the right papers.

[ohheckyeah]

22. Yep....

I've been happy with MPIX. Not happy with Vista Print.

[ManiacJoe]

3. Are you talking about developing film or printing pictures?

[Sherman A1]

9. Uploading digital and having prints made

from those files.

[Major Nikon]

4. I'm assuming you mean prints made from uploaded digital images

The one I use is http://www.bayphoto.com/

[Sherman A1]

10. I saw an ad for Bay photo

I will look further into their offerings.

[Major Nikon]

12. I've been using them for years

You will have to install their ROES add on in order to place an order, but it's no big deal. I suggest you go with the full color correction option unless you really know what you are doing. Their processors do a great job and I've never been disappointed.

[intheflow]

5. I would check at a local camera shop.

In St. Louis (where your profile says you live), there's Creve Coeur Camera. They sell film and film cameras, they would know where to get film developed, or maybe they develop it themselves. We have a local place here in Denver that both sells cameras and develops film. Good luck!

[Sherman A1]

8. Thanks

but we have some "issues" with Creve Coeur and their service. I think yesterday pretty much took them off of any list of potential processors and frankly they are way overpriced along with emailing you that your print is done, but done doesn't mean it has been delivered to the store for pickup, so that requires a second trip and wasted time. I am done Walgreens who make a free print too costly in time and aggravation with their charming method of editing that apparently includes a lobotomy for the photos subject, along with failing to make promised phone calls, exceptionally slow uploads and product not ready anywhere near promised times. I have tried Whitewall and was not overly pleased (metal print came back with a defect in it), just sent some off to Adorama to see how well they do.

[postatomic]

6. Sure, I'll throw in my 3 cents (inflation and all)

When you say 'high quality' what are you referring to? Mpix at one time had a pro service where you sent some images that they would print for free to calibrate your images with their printers. You have to be a "pro" (have a website and stuff like that)

If you're looking to develop film there are several companies online.

If this isn't a one shot deal and you are talking about printing then you need to learn a thing or four about ICC Profiles.

That wasn't a complete 3 cents worth but if I knew what we were talking about I could give ya' better info.

[RC]

7. Costco does a good job, assuming you have one somewhere around.

http://www.costcophotocenter.com/Home

[Sherman A1]

11. There are a couple not too far away

I am not a member, would that be an issue?

[RC]

13. I forgot about that. Maybe, maybe not.

http://www.costcophotocenter.com/Help#/topic/terms-and-conditions

A credit card is required for Home Delivery of prints and other products. We ask you to provide a valid credit card number (including expiration date and billing information). We will only charge your card if you order digital prints, digital enlargements or merchandise from the site for home delivery. Please note that your credit card is charged when your order is placed. Home Delivery digital print and merchandise services are available only in the United States.

I. Terms of Membership You must reside in the United States and be at least 18 years old to become a member of Costco Photo. Costco Photo membership (referred to as "Membership&quot is available to you if you submit certain requested information to Costco Photo, including (but not limited to) your name, Costco Wholesale membership number and a valid email address. In addition, by becoming a Costco Photo Member, you agree to provide Costco Photo with true, accurate, current and complete information about yourself when such information is requested by the Services (whether by questionnaires, surveys, registration forms or other informational requests).

We have a Costco about a mile from here and they have some pretty good deals sometimes.
The terms and conditions for the Photo Center, only says 'credit card' As far as I know they only take cash or their American Express. But their terms of the Photo Center reads to me as it is separate form their regular membership.
They do have this:

By entering and using the Site, you agree to the Terms and that you are bound by and subject to them. In other words, these Terms are a binding legal agreement between you and Costco Photo in which you promise that you will use the Site only in a manner that is consistent with the Terms. If you have questions about the Terms, please contact us at [e-mail] . If you do not agree with the Terms, do not proceed to access the Site or use the Services.

[justiceischeap]

14. I *think* you can use delivery services without a membership

but you can't pick up in store without one. I just had two prints made there--a 12x18 and 16x20. Both very nice quality and got them the same day (but I have a membership, so I'm able to get them same-day). The 12x18 print was 2.99 and the 16x20 was 5.99.

Apparently they have million-dollar photo printers in their stores that are calibrated daily. The kids working in my store wear cloth gloves when handling the prints... it seems fairly legit.

And here are printer profile directions that I came across specifically for Costco.
http://www.drycreekphoto.com/icc/using_printer_profiles.htm

I don't know if you're getting prints for personal use or gallery shows but I'm pleased with my prints, one of which will be in a gallery show (the 12x18). I'd send them some files and give it a shot. At their prices, you can do one large print for fairly cheap to check the quality.

On edit: Found this link
http://photsy.com/blog/?p=967 that says you DO need a membership

However, according to this article http://thefrugalfind.com/you-can-shop-at-costco-without-a-membership/ If you know someone who has a Costco membership, you can give them money to buy you a Costco Cash Card and that will get you in the store without a membership.

[Stevenmarc]

15. My 2 Cents

I've pretty much used every one of the services mentioned, that said I usually only print 16x20 and up.

Forget any drug chain or big box store, the results are completly inconsistent.

I've had great results with both Bay Photo and Mpix and their customer service is great.

The one I use the most is Adorampix, it is as good as Bay Photo and Mpix with a quick turnaround and the prices can't be beat and they're even better when they have sales.

http://www.adoramapix.com

Even though I really like Adorama there are a couple others that I use for various reasons. Digital Silver Imaging prints your B&W digital files in traditional process. Also Duggal when you are looking for museum quality premium printing at a premium price.

http://digitalsilverimaging.com

http://duggal.com

[justiceischeap]

16. I just sent in a test print for Adoramapix

I've been reading some good things about them and White House Custom Colour. Before you can open an account for WHCC, you have to send them 4 images so they can send you four 8x10 test prints.

Cool way to get some free 8x10's.

[Stevenmarc]

17. The only very minor down side

Is that you have to keep the Jewish calendar in mind if you have time critical projects that might fall within those times.

They also offer prepaid and when those go on sale it's always an offer worth jumping on, it makes their great pricing even better.

[Sherman A1]

18. That sounds cool!

I will have to check them out.

[Sherman A1]

19. I just did a test run with Adorama

and they have already shipped my small order of 2 5x7 prints, they may be here by the end of the week even with the holiday, if not then early next week which is far ahead of their projected time frame. We will see how they come out, but I am liking this already.

[Sherman A1]

20. Thanks

I will check into duggal and digital silver. Appreciate your thoughts on the question.

[sir pball]

23. If you want quality uber alles, go to iolabs.

They're widely considered to be the best fine-arts print shop in the country...but you have to understand digital workflow and it's going to cost you dearly. Once you upload an 8-bit flattened TIFF in Adobe RGB 1998 space and calibrated with their profile, your first print is $15, after that it's anywhere from $8 per on down for 5x7s. Not that they're the kind of place you bang out the Xmas photo album from, but for a single 8x10 of a great shot they can't be beat.

Me, I like Winkflash for sheer volume; I find their quality to be a little higher than Snapfish (WF supports Adobe RGB TIFF) while still being like thirty cents a print. For nicer, but not Fine Art, stuff I use ProDPI...they're a buck and a quarter or so, so you'll use them for keepsake or gift prints, but they do offer a couple of nicer papers and have very good quality.

http://iolabsinc.com/
http://www.prodpi.com/
http://www.winkflash.com/

[Sherman A1]

24. Appreciate your links

and thoughts on the subject. I will look into them all.