This is some information about a real gem of a photolab I found a while back and have been using regularly since.
I initially came across West End Cameras on the internet after going to 4 photolabs in my home town for them to look at me like I was bonkers when I asked for my pictures to be developed, scanned to CD and printed – WITH EXPOSED SPROCKET HOLES. I searched online and came across www.westendcameras.co.uk almost straight away. Wherever you live in the UK, you can ship your rolls of film to them, they get on with whatever you have asked them to do (on a mail order form that they email to you), call you when they have finished in order to take payment and post the films back to you right away.
Photo by kneehigh85
They are definitely not the cheapest photolab I have ever used but the pricing system is very clear on their site (they even quote different amounts for Spinner 360 film, x-pro, sprockets etc). The staff (especially Edgar who seems to be in charge) are really knowledgeable and friendly and they get on with things really quickly. They also stock Lomography products so know a lot about them too. They do student discount and often run promotions to make things a bit cheaper which is brill. I also think that posting your pictures off and not knowing exactly when you will see the results just adds to the excitement!!!
Photo by kneehigh85
All in all I would give this photolab a 9 out of 10, with the only real downside being cost – although it is true what they say, you get what you pay for.
17 comments
zoezo
cool i will try these out!
willyboy
Great to know about! Cheers!
andrewhope
Cheers for that, I have been using photofilmprocessing.co.uk and there great only problem is no sprockets, but there cheap. Will start using these guys for roll's with exposed sprockets.
kylewis
Thats a great price ... with CD! thanks for posting ; ))
the_dude_abides
Agreed! I've been going to West End Cameras for a few years since getting a Holga and being initially clueless about film - they gave me really good advice and always have a good stock of lomo stuff and slide film.
parky
worth a look, the only photolab near me that will x-pro isn't open weekends so am looking into mail order as an option. The albeit small possibility of getting lost in the post worries me a bit though...
kneehigh85
Yeah it is a risk. Although he does return shipping by recorded delivery.
ninja12
Thanks a lot for this tipster...I am moving to London this weekend and that will really come in handy... :)
parky
of course, recorded delivery! Hadn't thought of that!
tricky_eye_line
Yes I have used these guys but I normally use these guys.
http://www.thewholep(…)out_us.html
They are very friendly and have a very quick service. If you send over 5 or more roles in Feb or March 2011 you get 15% off!
natalieerachel
Sounds great, wish I lived there! My lab uses machine so it doesn't show sprockets :(
johnccc
May give them a go , when I get my Diana !
westendted
kneehigh85
Thanks very much - I will hold you to that as I am in London twice in March x
crafty-kat
t-boy
good article, excellent recommendation!
houda21
Hey, I'm intrested in these guys but I'm a bit confused about the pricinf. How much do you reckon it'll be to develop a 35mm film, 36 exposures including postage? Plus i'm a bit hesitant about giving credit card details over the phone, any advice? Thanks a bunch :)