Black and White Processing and PrintingWe, at Marc Carver Photography, believe in taking the same care with your negatives and photos as if they were our own. This is why we include archival quality negative files for each roll of film we process. We also feel that every print should look the best it can from the negative provided. To achieve this quality, it usually requires printing several test strips before the actual print is made. In the event we encounter substandard negatives, the enlarger's filter pack is adjusted to meet the required contrast level needed to make an acceptable print.
So what makes our B?W processing different from other professional labs in KC? In a nut shell, we offer "hand processing and printing" and personalized pick-up and delivery. The primary difference between "machine processing and printing" versus "hand processing and printing" is how the film and the prints are handled. In the machine process visualize a person placing the film into a film transfer box attached to the processor. After the film leaves the cassette, it is subjected to many rubber rollers as it is transported through the chemistry. If any one of these rollers happen to picked up any unwanted debris, it will transfer the dirt to the film and grind it in. At the end of the processor, the film is introduced to rubber blades that squeegee the film to remove the excess photo flo. If these blades are not clean, they will put a long scratch through the entire roll of film. Machine printing is very much the same way. The paper is contained within an enclosed machine. No dodging, burning, or special cropping is available with this process. In hand processing, the film is loaded in tanks by hand in total darkness. Our film is never squeegeed. If you have ever taken photography in high school or college, we use the same techniques in our processing and printing. Our prints are printed one at a time and if an area needs to be lightened or darkened, we introduce into the path of the light dodging and burning tools to achieve the best print from the negative provided. Cropping, too, is not a problem. If you want a mug shot from a group photo, we can do that. Contrast levels are totally controlled by dichroic filters and multi-grade paper. Our prints come with a 3/16" border for cropping purposes on glossy RC Ilford paper. We use Ilford paper because it has a warmer black tone and makes the print very suitable for display.
Here's the biggest difference between our service and other labs in town. We, the people who have processed the film and made the prints, deliver and pick up the work from your desk. We don't use a delivery service. If something is wrong with the order, the person who printed it is standing before you. If something is wrong with your equipment, we can inform you and explain how to correct the problem so the next roll of film comes out fine. By looking at your prints we can give you shooting tips and show you how to properly clean your equipment to better optimize your print quality. We care about your B?W needs. Please give us a call.
If your prints are going to the press for printing as a brochure or a newspaper ad, follow this link to scanning and pre-press services. We scan directly from the negative or color slide and then prepare the image for the best possible reproduction on the press.
Free pick-up and delivery with orders of $25.00 or more and we only charged the additional amount needed to bring the order to the $25.00 minimum.
Service time is usually the next day for film processing while prints will be handled in order of deadline demands.
Rush charges will only apply to same day orders.
Marc Carver Photography v 2818 North 79th ST v Kansas City, Kansas 66109 [ Home Page ]
