question for photographers ...
 

i know most you guys use digital (im assuming) but i have a question about film.

I have a few negatives id like to develop, they are from like 1920 or so i think.

each negative is a bit larger than an index card.

I cant seam to find anywhere that does these custom size films. What exactly should i be searching for on google or yellowpages ?

i tried all kinds of things and came up empty.

thanks so much in advance.

:(

sounds like 4x5 black and white sheet film.

you can easily develop yourself in a tray in a darkroom using 2 powered chemicals mixed with water, or send the sheets to a commercial photo lab.

but it sounds to me like you've already handled them in the light.

and if so, you're outta luck.

sheet film is used in view cameras, and in early days was called "press" film and used by lots of newspaper guys using speed graphic cameras.

they still make it.

if you are sure the film has not been exposed to light go to google and do a search under "commercial photography lab", they can develop the sheet film and make prints from it.

Wow! Smarty!! :thumbsup

i thought ppl would use the older cameras still, but i dnt know wat type of digital cameras there are for professial photograpers so i cant comment on that one, but what type of camera takes better quailty?

Develop or print?

Either way, you want a professional photo lab They can handle large negatives, especailly older ones.

Yes, pretty much have to go to a pro lab. I am assuming you mean make prints from these off sized already developed negatives, right?

There might even be a specialty BW lab in your area that would be even better.

Tom

Ever thought to put the ngatives on a Agfa Scanner and just scan them? Usually every good scanner and software will make you a positive scan. Probably much cheaper and enough for you to use them :)

I can scan them for you. Or if you want prints... look for a professional processing studio... one hour photos will not cut it.

Best thing to do is call around different companies in your area... if they do not do it, ask if they know someone who will.

I use to use this place in Santa Monica many years back... Cannot remember the name...

you are right on the money bro! Grandpa was photographer for the newspaper, and he used a speed graphic (infact i still have a few of them.

The film IS 4x5 sheets.

BUT they have been steadily exposed to light, and are not ruined. Maybe they are not negatives? I mean they sure look like negatives, but the light didnt ruin them.

I was hoping to have them developed for x-mas as a present to an older relative, but i dont think it will happen. Most places are telling me i need to send it out to get done.

What type of places have dark room on the premises? Maybe a wedding photo place? i dunno ...

ok, they might be already developed B&W negatives.

undeveloped film has a coating on it, which is opaque.

if it has been developed it will allow some light to shine through it.

and even if the negs are overexposed and/or overdeveloped they might be able to be saved using a chemical reducer bath.

to do this a black and white lab is a must.

most guys that are into fine art photography develop and print their own stuff, but some commercial labs do develop and print sheet film, i think university art depts that still teach fine art photography have labs and a student can maybe do this for you.

look for a lab that can print 4x5 negs. used to be a bunch of those who advertize in the classifieds of shutterbug magazine.

or post a message on usenet: rec.photo.large-format (or something like that) someone in that group has a lab i'm sure.

someone on this thread mentioned scanning the negs---if you have a good quality scanner with a high D-max that's probably the way to go.

IF they are vintage negs and the images have any connection with people still living they sure can have a profound effect on the recipient.

so make the effort if you can get a good image out of them.

4x5 negs have quality good enough for a museum if the taking lens was any good.

good luck.

oooppps,

i see you might be in NYC?

if so, many darkrooms down in your photo district.

call B&H photo for a reference.

good luck.