Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I just processed my first roll of film on my Praktica MTL 5B. The film sits a little low in the camera, as you can see in the pics supplied. They haven't adjusted for this during the processing, however, resulting in my dog's nose being chopped off! This happened in all the prints, some of which display a black line across the top of the print.
What do you think I should do about this. Should I be able to get them re-printed. Will the compensate in some way if I kick up a fuss. I was a little annoyed when I got the pics back, but thought I would see what people think on here before I complain.
Cheers for any help.
[picture of negative and scan of print]
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Benchista
Wich Tyler
Reged: 11/08/2000
Posts: 36431
Loc: Everywhere and nowhere, baby
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What print size did you order? If it's not one in the same aspect ratio as the neg (i.e. 3:2), you can expect some cutting off. However, they should reprint them without much fuss.
Compensation? If they reprint, what is there to compensate you for? They might, however, make a goodwill gesture.
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Nick
www.nbrphoto.com
Light and Shade II - the new blog
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Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 19552
Loc: Currently Unknown!
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It's all down to "The film sits a little low in the camera"
The roll of film would be processed and the photos printed automatically. They probably didn't even get viewed by a human, or perhaps maybe quickly viewed as they passed through on a computer screen.
The photo looks like it's got part of the film frame on the left hand side.
Without them knowing that the film 'sits low' it'd just be processed normally.
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Fen.
- Fen's Flickr Fotos -
"One good photograph does not a photographer make."
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4241
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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"My dog has no nose" "How does it smell?" "Terrible!"
Poor doggie. 
Seriously though the framing is wrong at the bottom of the print as well as the right hand side. I think maybe the automatic printing system is printing rather less than the full frame. I wonder whether this is because of the offset on this particular film or in an effort to match the less than 100% view shown by most viewfinders. 
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I printed at 6x4, nice and simple as it was my first roll through the camera and could well all fog.
I'll take it back today and ask for a reprint. I'll leave any good will up to them (!).
Cheers for the help and terrible jokes!
Rhys
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I took the film back today, and they agreed to reprint the films, and all would be sorted. However, exactly the same results came back. When I complained, they said that the full print did not show up on the computer, and they were unable to change the alignment.
Also, I got these results from a roll of XP2 back today
I measured the negs, and the exposed area is spot-on 24x36mm.
I'm really disappointed by this. All my careful framing, and there is no point. I may as well stand back and crop later, but that shouldn't be the way, should it?
Is it that I am getting these prints done at the wrong place, and expecting too much. They do seem to charge a good amount for the prints, however.
Again, what do all you guys think. Do you have similar problems?
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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nimbus
enthusiast
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 295
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All machine printers crop images slightly, this is unavoidable and not a valid point for complaint. It must be remembered that the viewfinder of most slrs also does not show the full extent of the frame either. It is not a problem as such. The fact that the camera does not necessarily align the film perfectly means that it is necessary for the printer to crop slightly. If you do not like this there are really only two options to deal with it. Either pay for hand printing, which is costly, or process them yourself. The latter option gives absolute control!
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CircleOfConfusion
addict
Reged: 22/01/2006
Posts: 420
Loc: Bedfordshire
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Nimbus is right about there always being some cropping when 35mm negs are printed, but looking at the example you've given I would say there is a lot more cropping on your photo than should be expected.
I had a similar problem with some stage photos I took where the edges of the frame where too dark for the printer/scanner to pick out, this resulted in all the dancers having their feet chopped off. However I took them back and complained and I just got a load of prints back that had exactly the same problem (they also did a crap job of cutting the negs too  )
I'd probably take them back and suggest they may need to adjust how much their cropping the scans and what ratio their using as the photo you've shown is a ratio of 1.39 not the 1.5 of a 6x4 print
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Steve
My Photography Blog Updated 27/01/08
My Flickr page
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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I ordered 7x5 prints of the B&W roll, as it was on offer. Obviously, I didn't think about the aspect ratio at that time.
Either way, they informed me they were unable to change the alignment of the scanner, and so I will have this problem with any prints I take to them. I suspect this is going to be true of all high-street processors, for reasons as stated above.
My plan is to buy a shed and set up a dark room eventually  . Just not at that stage as yet.
Anywho, thanks for all the comments.
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Mojo_66
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 25/05/2006
Posts: 3137
Loc: Lancs
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7x5 prints do Generally crop the frame. You might be better off going for 9X6 if you want more in, or print them yourself. I can recommend The Photoshoponline for printing however, they do seem to check the negs before they print them, and if you tell them your problem beforehand they should be able to help.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojo_black/
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Thank you very much for your advice. I am going to find somewhere else to print my films, and I will give your suggesting a look.
If anyone else has had good experiences elsewhere, I would be happy to hear about them. Of course, I will post any feedback I have about them on here also.
Cheers,
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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AJUK
Reged: 22/03/2005
Posts: 2638
Loc: UK
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This is why I use Asda!
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Al
[Insert clever comment here]
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Gordon_McGeachie
Joke Historian
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 3854
Loc: East Yorkshire,
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If you are going to DIY then you will be able to rectify this problem of the film `sitting low` when you print, but,if you are going to continue to use photolabs, then your best bet is to try to get the problem sorted out or buy another body that takes your lens.
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She (Avro Vulcan XH558)Took To The Sky Like A Lovesick Angel.
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yourhavinalarff
newbie
Reged: 28/09/2007
Posts: 2
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Rhys, get yourself a better camera. The Praktica is notorious for this 'problem', and the problem is yours, not your local Jessops. All standard automatic processing machines for film always trim pictures, they never print full frame. The only way to print full frame is to find a lab with a larger mask and some time on their hands, and subsequently a higher price, unless they're based in the outer hebrides.
Labs on the high street, including Boots etc.., work to time and price constraints. They have alot of work to produce and unfortunately too many members of the public expect professional quality prints for cheap as chips prices. In my experience my local Jessops does a good job with my work, and it always helps to build up a good relationship with the lab manger or printer.
Alot of people are giving Jessops a hard time at the moment, but they are still way and above better than most of the competition... good luck with your problem!
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Rhys_Hardwick
enthusiast
Reged: 12/04/2007
Posts: 209
Loc: Cardiff, Wales, UK
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That was why I used the title I did. I wasn't really sure whether I was right to expect this sort of service.
Unfortunately, I really like my Praktica camera, but it is the first film SLR I have owned. Perhaps I can control the problem with the way the film loads, I'll have to have a go.
Thanks for everyone's advice though, it is appreciated. Either way, I am hoping to set up my own dark room in the not too distant future. Then I could solve all my problems right there and then.
Thanks again
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Rhys Hardwick
www.rhyshardwick.co.uk
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Benchista
Wich Tyler
Reged: 11/08/2000
Posts: 36431
Loc: Everywhere and nowhere, baby
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Quote:
Alot of people are giving Jessops a hard time at the moment, but they are still way and above better than most of the competition...
Well, your username is well-chosen! 
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Nick
www.nbrphoto.com
Light and Shade II - the new blog
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