I've never gotten along with inkjets. As a matter of fact, no peice of equipment I've ever owned has ever given me more trouble and frustration than my Epson printer (an R2400). Yes, it's probably user error to some extent, but I cannot EVER get exactly the print I want for a variety of reasons. It's usually close, but never perfect. I am a print perfectionist with a background in photographic printing on a variety of laser systems. The inkjets always look sharper of course, but for me, nothing beats the look and feel of a photographic print whether on gloss or matte. My inkjet stuff is for really huge prints only.
I figure I've probably lost the war with my Epson and turned to West Coast Imaging to do the work for me. Both a time saver and relief if the job was done right. I discussed options with them and I must say their staff is very knowledgable and easy to work with. I ordered a lot of small 8x12 test prints on Fuji Crystal Archive (my favorite photo paper) in Matte and also tested the full range of inkjet papers available on various inks. When I recieved my package of prints today, I was simply blown away by the quality. I used to work for a print lab and still have never seen anything that beats the prints I got today. Even the inkjets are beautiful with rich colors and deep, true blacks regardless of the paper and inks chosen (though there are subtle differences - my favorite was probably Hanhemuhle photo rag with Ultra Chrome inks). Still, being true to my traditional preferences, I chose to have my portfolio (11x14's) printed on Matte Crystal Archive using a Chromira system and have no regrets. The only time I prefered inkjets to Crystal Archive was, not surprisingly, for my B&W work. Here I prefered a Crane Meuseo Silver Rag with K3 inks which looked similar to an old-style dye transfer print.
Just thought I'd pass on the recommendation for those who might be searching for a quality lab with affordable pricing and don't print at home for whatever reason.
West Coast Imaging has done most of my printing for quite a while. Since I am a film user, I have them do the Tango scans, as well. We are of similar tatse: I also prefer the Fuji Crysatl Archive, but in glossy.
Not long ago I had them do some 16x20's (from 4x5). The proofs they sent looked wonderful, but needed some minor tweaking. When I received the large prints, I was astonished (but not surprised) by the accuracy of their work, the color, and the richness of the prints!
My experiences with the folks there has been personable and very professional. Their pricing is quite competitive, too, as you know.
I live about 1-1/2 hours from their studio, so I might just hop over there when I am ready to submit another order. I've spent a lot of time on the phone and e-mail with most of the staff, so it would be great to meet them in person.
So, I will add a hearty "second" to your positive comments about WCI.
They've always done an excellent job for me too. Definitely a top-notch shop with helpful and professional staff.
Guy
Posted by Robert Helms on June 16, 2006 at 8:01 PM
Marc, could you tell me the turn around time it took from your order placement til the time you received the prints? I have been looking into another lab to print some 4x5 images for me. Like you, I am very picky about the quality of prints I receive. I figure if I'm going to go through the work of getting the image, then I'm not going to let a lab ruin the experience for me by sending me mediocre prints.
Glad you are pleased! I have heard many good things abou WCI ,and have been wanting to give them the opportunity to make my prints for me. My biggest concern is the turn around time. I currently wait about four weeks or so and do not really want to increase this time by too much.
Nothing but great things to say about WCI here too. A friend of mine directed me to them and I recently had them do a number of chromira prints for an upcoming show I am having. The order was about half digital and half slide film and they did a great job on all of it. Numerous people at the frame shop commented about the quality of the prints. I took advantage of some monthly specials they were having so the turn around time was a little longer, but normally I think they can turn work around in a week or so. Depending on size. Very knowledgable staff, good customer service, great prints, competitive prices. Like I said, all good things to say.
Posted by Cory Freeman on June 16, 2006 at 11:36 PM
I strongly endorse them as well. Quick turn around, for my local, and very helpful. I had my EPI print done by them on Somerset Enhanced Velvet. Came out great.
Posted by Roger Rouch on June 17, 2006 at 12:06 AM
Another high compliment for WCI. My typical order is for a 16X20 exhibition print and scan from film. Although it ain't cheap I've always felt like I've gotten more than my money's worth. I've usually ordered when they have a special running and the turn around has been pretty slow in those cases, but I'm not in a big rush.
but I cannot EVER get exactly the print I want for a variety of reasons. It's usually close, but never perfect. >>>>
Same here. My problem - I do not know any lab in Germany which might do a good job.
Robert, the turn around is usually 4-7 business days. I have an account online with them and do not need scans made. When I have mailed images to be scanned and printed, it has taken two weeks or less.
Posted by Robert Helms on June 17, 2006 at 5:28 AM
Thanks for the reply Marc - I'll give them a try in the next few weeks.
Posted by David Senesac on June 17, 2006 at 11:04 AM
The real test for me now in 2006 is can a printer service reproduce the prints close enough that customers can order a print they've viewed without being able to see a difference versus my large masters. The shop I use now that is used by many pros, does that without requiring guide prints. Just input the same profiled TIF file. In other words their Lightjet process is very tightly controlled and constantly calibrated. So how are you folks finding WCI on that issue? Years ago they still required guide prints to match when they were also using a Lightjet. ...David
I have had reprints made of several images at different sizes: They are indentical.
If you decide to change papers, then I'd suggest having them send a proof to you, just for insurance sake.
Just a quick note regarding WCI's enlarger...They are using a Chromira enlarger. They use a LightJet enlarger for very large prints. I have prints from both of these machines on Fuji Crystal Archive and the Chromira prints are every bit as awsome.
Marc:
I've seen your work and theirs, both excellent.
I've been wanting to suggest this for awhile... now that CrossRoads is gone I think you should go work for WCI. Plan a trip to Yosemite NP and set up a visit to see them. Ya never know.
I have only ever heard good things about WCI. Fortunately for me, here is Santa Barbara, CA, my local lab, Specialty Color Services, prints on a Chromira, and does traditional B&W as well. And also here is Samy's Camera, with their large digital printing department (mostly inkjet), and Marc Muench's studio where I get my 4x5's scanned on a Tango.
Discussion
13 repliesI figure I've probably lost the war with my Epson and turned to West Coast Imaging to do the work for me. Both a time saver and relief if the job was done right. I discussed options with them and I must say their staff is very knowledgable and easy to work with. I ordered a lot of small 8x12 test prints on Fuji Crystal Archive (my favorite photo paper) in Matte and also tested the full range of inkjet papers available on various inks. When I recieved my package of prints today, I was simply blown away by the quality. I used to work for a print lab and still have never seen anything that beats the prints I got today. Even the inkjets are beautiful with rich colors and deep, true blacks regardless of the paper and inks chosen (though there are subtle differences - my favorite was probably Hanhemuhle photo rag with Ultra Chrome inks). Still, being true to my traditional preferences, I chose to have my portfolio (11x14's) printed on Matte Crystal Archive using a Chromira system and have no regrets. The only time I prefered inkjets to Crystal Archive was, not surprisingly, for my B&W work. Here I prefered a Crane Meuseo Silver Rag with K3 inks which looked similar to an old-style dye transfer print.
Just thought I'd pass on the recommendation for those who might be searching for a quality lab with affordable pricing and don't print at home for whatever reason.
West Coast Imaging has done most of my printing for quite a while. Since I am a film user, I have them do the Tango scans, as well. We are of similar tatse: I also prefer the Fuji Crysatl Archive, but in glossy.
Not long ago I had them do some 16x20's (from 4x5). The proofs they sent looked wonderful, but needed some minor tweaking. When I received the large prints, I was astonished (but not surprised) by the accuracy of their work, the color, and the richness of the prints!
My experiences with the folks there has been personable and very professional. Their pricing is quite competitive, too, as you know.
I live about 1-1/2 hours from their studio, so I might just hop over there when I am ready to submit another order. I've spent a lot of time on the phone and e-mail with most of the staff, so it would be great to meet them in person.
So, I will add a hearty "second" to your positive comments about WCI.
-PB
Guy
Glad you are pleased! I have heard many good things abou WCI ,and have been wanting to give them the opportunity to make my prints for me. My biggest concern is the turn around time. I currently wait about four weeks or so and do not really want to increase this time by too much.
Same here. My problem - I do not know any lab in Germany which might do a good job.
I have had reprints made of several images at different sizes: They are indentical.
If you decide to change papers, then I'd suggest having them send a proof to you, just for insurance sake.
Just a quick note regarding WCI's enlarger...They are using a Chromira enlarger. They use a LightJet enlarger for very large prints. I have prints from both of these machines on Fuji Crystal Archive and the Chromira prints are every bit as awsome.
-PB
I've seen your work and theirs, both excellent.
I've been wanting to suggest this for awhile... now that CrossRoads is gone I think you should go work for WCI. Plan a trip to Yosemite NP and set up a visit to see them. Ya never know.
Pete