I'm trying to find a good pro lab to print some of my snaps. I've tried West Coast Imaging - they're good, but not great, IMHO. Last year, I had my own Epson R1800 printer, with which I got great results. I can't afford my own large format printer to print 24" wide prints, so I need to have them done by a pro lab. If anyone has experience getting quality large prints done, especially in the bay area, please let me know. Thanks,
I print myself on an Espon 7600. However, based on what I have heard so far, West Coast Imaging does a really good job. Preston, who uses them, should be able to chime in with his experience. In addition, there is Calypso Imaging, located in Santa Cruz. You might want to check them out too.
Posted by Lon Overacker on October 11, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Kartik,
I'm surprised you weren't happy with the results from WCI. They have an outstanding reputation. I've used Calypso for a number of years for Lightjet 5000 prints from 4x5 transparencies that I've scanned myself. I'm quite happy with them, although they don't have the same quality reputation as WCI.
I also use PhotoCraft Labs in Boulder, CO - but mostly for E6 processing. They are also an excellent lab, IMHO.
Depending on where you live, there is Custom Photographic in Dublin. I've used them occasionally for processing, but never prints. I think they are pricey, but at least local.
Kartik,
if you are looking for quick on line processing from digital files I have heard a lot of good input about Mpix.com. I personally have never used them, I have a local processor located in Riverside who has handled all my E-6 and large prints from a Epson 7800 for 15 years now. I like his prints as they come out identical to the smaller ones I print at home on the Epson 2400 using the Premium Lustre paper in both cases. My vendor is named Tony and his business Intellicolor is located at 3600 Lime St. - #716 - Riverside, Ca. 92501 (951) 682-1600.
Posted by Greg Cope on October 15, 2007 at 3:58 PM
I print my own every so often, but my printer isn't that great.
I've gotten prints from mpix several times over the last year or so and have gotten great results in the end.
Recently, I've been testing out the printing services at Costco. They print of Fuji Crystal Archive paper, comparatively speaking you can't beat their prices, you can order online, and pick up your prints in about an hour. So far I have been quite impressed with their services, and I've used them several times over the last few months for many of my personal prints up to 20x30.
I have used both WCI and Calypso. I found WCI to be great. The Calypso job was a complete nightmare. They screwed up the same order at least 4 or 5 times. They ended up not charging me, but it was painful. WCI has given me excellent prints with no grief. I now print my own on a 4800, but would not hesitate to use WCI again.
I have been using WCI for several years using their 'Exhibition Print' service for prints from MF and 4x5 transparencies.and never had any issues with the quality of the prints; in fact, I am always delighted and impressed.
If you are using WCI, have them send you a proof print if you are using their 'Exhibition Print' service! You can 'mark it up' with any corrections you need and they will make them for you.
If you are sending them 'preflighted' files, be abolutely sure to soft proof using their pinter's profile. They will not correct 'preflighted' files: you have to make sure they are right, before you upload them to their site for printing.
Since you apparently were not happy with their quality, give them a call and talk to them. They are great folks, and their only desire is a happy customer.
Discussion
7 repliesI'm trying to find a good pro lab to print some of my snaps. I've tried West Coast Imaging - they're good, but not great, IMHO. Last year, I had my own Epson R1800 printer, with which I got great results. I can't afford my own large format printer to print 24" wide prints, so I need to have them done by a pro lab. If anyone has experience getting quality large prints done, especially in the bay area, please let me know. Thanks,
Kartik
I print myself on an Espon 7600. However, based on what I have heard so far, West Coast Imaging does a really good job. Preston, who uses them, should be able to chime in with his experience. In addition, there is Calypso Imaging, located in Santa Cruz. You might want to check them out too.
I'm surprised you weren't happy with the results from WCI. They have an outstanding reputation. I've used Calypso for a number of years for Lightjet 5000 prints from 4x5 transparencies that I've scanned myself. I'm quite happy with them, although they don't have the same quality reputation as WCI.
I also use PhotoCraft Labs in Boulder, CO - but mostly for E6 processing. They are also an excellent lab, IMHO.
Depending on where you live, there is Custom Photographic in Dublin. I've used them occasionally for processing, but never prints. I think they are pricey, but at least local.
Good Luck
Lon
if you are looking for quick on line processing from digital files I have heard a lot of good input about Mpix.com. I personally have never used them, I have a local processor located in Riverside who has handled all my E-6 and large prints from a Epson 7800 for 15 years now. I like his prints as they come out identical to the smaller ones I print at home on the Epson 2400 using the Premium Lustre paper in both cases. My vendor is named Tony and his business Intellicolor is located at 3600 Lime St. - #716 - Riverside, Ca. 92501 (951) 682-1600.
I've gotten prints from mpix several times over the last year or so and have gotten great results in the end.
Recently, I've been testing out the printing services at Costco. They print of Fuji Crystal Archive paper, comparatively speaking you can't beat their prices, you can order online, and pick up your prints in about an hour. So far I have been quite impressed with their services, and I've used them several times over the last few months for many of my personal prints up to 20x30.
I have been using WCI for several years using their 'Exhibition Print' service for prints from MF and 4x5 transparencies.and never had any issues with the quality of the prints; in fact, I am always delighted and impressed.
If you are using WCI, have them send you a proof print if you are using their 'Exhibition Print' service! You can 'mark it up' with any corrections you need and they will make them for you.
If you are sending them 'preflighted' files, be abolutely sure to soft proof using their pinter's profile. They will not correct 'preflighted' files: you have to make sure they are right, before you upload them to their site for printing.
Since you apparently were not happy with their quality, give them a call and talk to them. They are great folks, and their only desire is a happy customer.
-PB