Lab scan, scanner or camera

[flektogon]

I do develop and print color film (mostly C-41 and some E6 for film and RA-4 for prints - Mostly on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper), but not as frequently as B&W. Color requires precise temperature control and color filtration precision to do well. It's a lot easier with the right desktop processing equipment that is difficult to find nowadays (for color, I use a Phototherm Sidekick automatic and programmable film processor and a Fujimoto CP-32 automatic print processor - both of which I acquired years ago for pennies on the dollar when no one else wanted them. They cost thousands in good working condition nowadays, but there are lower-cost alternatives such as the Jobo CPE and CPP system. A water temp controller is a godsend. Getting the color filter pack right is the other challenge, but with time and experience, it gets easier- but not for the faint of heart for those just starting out.
The other thing is being ecologically responsible - very doable but requires extra effort that I strongly advocate.
MIchael

Well, I've never developed colour films myself, as I didn't have any temperature control device. I made only B&W negative and reversal films. However, I used to make colour enlargements. Their processing could be done at the room temperature, so it was OK. But the entire process was a nightmare! At first, my enlarger came with a "drawer" and a set of complementary filters. It was a nightmare to come with a proper paper exposure and colouring. So, I decided to use the additive filtering, but there were no such tools. I had to make myself a tool carrying R,G,B (gelatine) filters, which I mounted below the lens. Four different exposures (the fourth one without a filter) and that it . Well, it took me even 3-4 hours to find (just experimentally, no colour analyzer) the right exposure. Then I made a batch of prints. However, when i dried/polished them, the pictures turned to be bluish! So, I had to start from the beginning, as the development solutions meantime oxidized, and everything was different. I remember that the first time I was doing this, I started after 8 p.m. and went to bed next day at 10 a.m. :-( .

 

[aks100]

I have used an OpticFilm 8200i for many scans (35mm and a few 110/120), the process is easy and the results are good.

I also have a Nikon ES2 adapter and macro lens, and have used this combination for a few scans to validate the workflow, believing it would work out faster overall for scanning a ton of family 'snap shot' negatives.

I've not yet spent the time scanning everything, and I flip between workflows, but overall I like camera scanning for initial speed, and scanner scanning for fastest way to best results (for me). Note, 'best' final images for me means cleaned up dust / blemishes / grain to liking, and other edits as needed.

I don't use a lab, and haven't used a flatbed for scanning film in many years.