Printlab

The owner wrote: «Unfortunately, in every business, communication problems can happen.
In our defense, the B&W film we processed, was, and still it is in pristine condition along with its scans.
The scratches the client is referring to were all in the Color Film, processed by another Lab.»
Blaming communications problems on your abysmal work is as unprofessional as the work you did.
If the color film was scratched by the other lab, why didn’t you inform me? Please tell me the name of the other lab so I can run your allegation that they scratched my negatives by them.
I just discovered that you scanned the negatives BACKWARDS, so you screwed that up too.
Since you did the scanning, not the other lab, what you are saying is that the color lab scratched my film, and then you scanned the negatives in reverse. Strikes me as extremely unlikely. Unless you can make a plausible case how that could have happened, my negatives were definitely scratched by you.
Clearly, instead of taking responsibility for destroying my negatives and all the other things you screwed up, you falsely blame others.
All in all, you couldn’t be more unprofessional.

Just went to Printlab to have an 8×10 enlargement made. The result is beautiful and the employees who I talked to were friendly. Great place!

I’ve been working on this project for 160 days in a row and it was time for my first print and I was so nervous about it which is ridiculous, isn’t it? But this really means a lot to me. (massive understatement)
Here’s how anxious I was this very day: I could not figure out how to open their door. (Push 04, wait for them to answer, push the left door very hard, walk in and go up to the third floor where a calm and smiling face awaits). Street parking no sweat.
Very pleased with my print. And seriously-​the service was way above and beyond.
Thank you Geneva!

these days, there are a million places offering digital printing services. printlab stands alone among them. here, you’ll find actual artists/​master crafstmen who will realize your vision. this is where you go if you want the highest quality prints available. it’s where the pros go. the best part is that they will give you the same level of service as they give to dennis manarchy! it is rare to find a commercial business that offers such artistry and expertise combined with such exceptional personal service.

It took me almost a decade to walk into Print Lab, and I wish I had done it sooner. The owner JR always listens to your needs and budget. It’s a simple balance, but not all businesses understand this balance between needs and budget. I may have an idea of how I want something printed, but JR always confirms the best economical way to do it. In addition JR is mindful of schedules that we often don’t have control over. I was in a time crunch with a last minute offer for a show & JR went out of his way to meet me and make sure the tests were ready, in order to make the printing schedule. I’m happy to say that his prints have now made it into two museums, and a private collection. Thank you JR for being helpful & mindful of the small independent artists!

If you are looking for a printer who will care about your prints, get to know you, spend time to make you happy, and work with you on rush orders, this is your printer. I had a large-​scale fine art print that needed to be made with relatively quick turnaround. Since these prints ARE my artwork, I want to be able to have confidence in the printer who is helping me make them. I had tried to go to Gamma Imaging first, but they were a huge let down (see story below). So I called Print Labs and asked if they could meet with me to run a proof on short notice. They said that was no problem. As soon as I got to Print Labs, I knew I was in capable hands. I worked with J.R. who was extremely knowledgeable. He set up my image on the computer and looked over it very carefully with me. We spotted a few little areas of distortion/​noise and he showed me how to fix it. Then, as I waited, he printed a to-​scale strip proof. We looked over it together, made a few changes, then he printed the final piece WHILE I WAITED! He was SUPER nice, VERY helpful, and the quality was excellent (their office is also beautiful and very welcoming). They were less expensive than Gamma (by almost $ 100). I won’t go anywhere else.
(My experience with Gamma: I went to Gamma Imaging in Chicago first to get the image printed. I called ahead and asked if I could look over my print with someone and see a proof done all in one day, since I was going to drive in (over two hours) to get this print made. They said that would be fine. After I got there, they kept trying to charge me for little things. For example, they told me I wanted a giclee print made instead of an inkjet print made. When I asked the difference, they said that with the giclee I get access to the printing technician and they print a proof for me for the image. This is of course, more expensive than an inkjet print, and in addition to the higher cost per inch, you also have to pay for the proof which is between $ 65 and $ 85. When I asked more questions, the guy told me that the giclee was printed with the same printer and inks as the inkjet, so what you are really paying for is the privileged of paying for a proof. What?!? On top of all of that, when I asked how long the proof would take to print, the guy said he couldn’t print a proof for me while I was there, although I had driven all the way in and they had told me they could over the phone. In addition, they treated me like an idiot and could have cared less about me or my artwork.)

I have been wanting a replacement for Gamma, which I used a bunch in days of yore, but am sick of their inconvenience (in particular), often snooty attitude, and too-​orange envelopes.
I’m very happy with my prints and the experience at Printlab.
Parking is easy; the building is an old warehouse — you have to ring the buzzer and go in. They were exceedingly friendly and helpful.
You’ll need to make some decisions on paper and borders and etc. — the website doesn’t have all the info, and is a bit cloudy on what exactly you need to decide — there are so many options — the staff showed me a few prints on assorted papers, and made some suggestions on which would compliment my images.
If you have notions of particular papers or qualities they can help you — it would be useful to have a binder handy that shows some of the options.
Note I just got digital prints. They also work with film (!) so I’m tempted to bust out my awesome old cameras and see how it goes.
My prints look really really good. I haven’t gotten the same prints done elsewhere for comparison, but suffice to say they look great.
Pricing seems competitive for similar quality prints. They are obviously expensive compared to crappy prints (Target, etc) — but these are gorgeous, full-​service archival prints.

The Print Lab is the most unique photo lab in town. I love this place. They offer great customer service and a high quality product. It would be great if we all had darkrooms big enough to make 30 or 40 inch prints, but do not fret, the Print Lab is a can-​do place. They make have resources to make huge silver prints. And they are definitely the place to bring any special photo project. They offer a lot of unique services you just won’t get anywhere else. Drew, J.R., and the rest are your guys!