Topic: Peak Imaging: UK Dev & Print Service

[Ed Wenn]

Through the wonders of FriendFeed I found a link recommendation from Lorissa (of Expressions fame) to this lot: http://www.peak-imaging.com I've checked out their services and they seem to offer a very comprehensive list of process/print options from 35mm to 120 to Xpan. They do b/w, C41 & E6. Dev prices are very competitive, print prices perhaps less so (although they claim their 'pro' print service is very high quality) and the postage will vary in value for money depending on what your order is.

I may give them a shot at some point soon.

Has anyone here used them before?

[LT]

I gave them a go about 7 years back.  They seemed fair enough. things may have changed now though.  Let me know how you get on ... I've got some colour 120 rolls to dev (I know - wonders will never cease).

[Heather]

I've only used them for dev of my slide film. It's been fine. Pretty fast service.  My current cheap-o dev place of the moment is Spectrum Imaging. They've been pretty fast and the prints are okay (although they don't bother cropping the paper for 6x6 images so you get a square image on a rectangular paper with two wide margins on either side). Seems like there's hidden fees in the postage though, especially when you start getting up to 12 rolls like I did recently but even so, with the weird shipping price it works out to an average of ?5.60 dev and 4" prints per roll either 120 or 35mm.

Peak's pro-side, ProPix, apparently did my wedding photos too as we have the index prints from that, but that was 6 and a bit years ago now.  

[salvo]

Hi Ed, I use them for my colour processing (and BW when I feel lazy or to make sure I don't mess up). I am very satisfied with their service. The process only service is pretty quick and usually i get the films back in a couple of days. For the colour P&P  I usually choose the pro service, it is very good and I've been very happy with it (however 120 format is only provided as pro service). My wife always expect me to use their pro service  for our hols or family shots (no cheap high street stuff is good enough for her   ). The films are returned in nice transparent sleeves and never had any problem, marks or damage with them. They have a good CS happy to clear any issue or query and they are happy to let you speak to a lab technician if you have specific question. Yes I recommend them. No I don't have any shares in the company  

[Pete_R]

I've used them for on-line printing. They have some software you can download that handles everything. Simple and the results are pretty good. I tend to use Metro in Birmingham for E6 and C41.

[Lyonheart]

I use them for all colour stuff and occasional B&W if time constrained. Found them to be very good and reliable. Usually post films on Monday and have them back by Thursday.

[david b]

I've used them for years for big batches of colour neg film and I've never had a single problem with them.  Never tried their printing services though.

[choppert]

I've used them for MF slides and they were fine.

I need a nice large enlargement doing - has anyone used either their standard or extra-special snazzy ?6 upgrade service? Is there a big difference?

Ed - are Darkside good for enlargements? I tried Michael White in Grimsby and it was a most unpleasant experience!

Chops

[Karl]

I've used them for colour film dev and they are good, nice service

[Ed Wenn]

Thanks one and all for the responses. Much appreciated. I think I'll give Peak a go with my next lot of colour P&P or dev only. I've been using Truprint as some of you know for holiday/family 35mm C41 and have been generally happy, but have a few concerns about scratched negs and fancy trying a different lab. Good to hear that their turnaround times are good.

Heather: I've heard about Spectrum too. I think they may be based somewhere near me in South London. Will try them after I give Peak a go.

[Heather]

Ed: Spectrum are up in Newcastle actually. I use their postal service. I do vaguely recall a place I think in Brixton that were allegedly "really cheap" but not for postal orders, only in real life. I've not used them, though, and I'll be darned if I can't remember what they're called....

[picfreak42]

Hi there

As I live in Sheffield UK I have used Peak Imaging for a long time, particularly for E6 processing. They are usually quick , professional and clean. I have had no real problems.