Beginner Question

[Snoopydance]

I'm going to be getting a 35mm camera soon (a Pentax k1000) and I'm wondering about some things.

Say I get a roll of color film developed somewhere (just for the example, Walgreens). The way I understand it, you get the prints back and the developed negatives too. If I really like an image and want it printed larger, how would I go about getting another print of it? Maybe there's something fundamental I'm not understanding about this. I mean, do I just take the negatives back somewhere and...ask?

Sorry if I'm not making much sense! I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out. It's very interesting.

[SmartWombat]

do I just take the negatives back somewhere and...ask?

Yes, exactly that.

[Snoopydance]

Well that's simple enough! Thank you!

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Snoopy,

It all depends on the lab. There are several options available:

1. You can have them just develop the film and when you get home, scan them youself. From there you can pick out the shots you want and bring in a cd of shots to get printed or upload them to Mpix or another online printing service.

2. You can have the lab develop the film and scan the images for you then burn them to cd. Then like above you can pick which shots you'd like printed and where you would like them printed.

3. You can have them develop the film and make prints. Then you can pick which shots you would like to have enlargements made of and bring in those negatives.

One thing to keep in mind is not all places are doing "traditional" prints. Some are making "digital" prints of the negatives (they scan them, then print). If you plan to get serious with it, I would find a reputable lab you trust and check with them on the different options available to you.

[Snoopydance]

Hey again, a few quick things.

Someone is getting me some film for Christmas and the kind I wanted to try out was Fuji Superia 200 film. The box we found in the stores, though, doesn't actually say Superia, or any other sub-brand type thing. It just says 200 speed and Fujifilm. I'm wondering whether or not these are the same or if Fujifilm actually makes 3 different qualities of film: HQ (apparently the cheapo version), [nameless ordinary version], and Superia. Is this true or do they just not put it on the box anymore?

Also, how do I find a lab that does do traditional processing? What kind of questions would I ask? It's all exciting but also overwhelming. Get back to me soon, thanks

[Xia_Ke]

Fuji, along with Kodak, make 2 levels of film, consumer and professional. For the most part with the consumer grade films you just pick which speed would work best for you. When you start getting to the professional grade there will be options for different saturation levels. Checking Fuji's Consumer website, looks like they list Superia Reala 100, Fujifilm 200, Superia X-Tra 400, Superia X-Tra 800, and Superia 1600. These are generally the films you will find in drug stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, etc. These will be great for you to start with. They're cheaper to buy and I wouldn't worry too much about where you get them developed. Any local Walgreens, Walmart, or grocery store should be able to take care of that. Developing film is technically "traditional" no matter who does it. For now, just get out, shoot, and have fun. When you start to find your film and equipment aren't meeting your requirements, then it's time to start looking for other options.

[cameron665]

If you can get the Superia Reala. We ran out whilst on holiday and had to get the consumer level Fuji from the local mini lab. The difference in quality was significant. However, if you only want to take some snaps the lower end film may suffice. It depends on what end result you are after. If you can't get it locally try online.