Comments for Richard Photo Lab Blog

Comment on Frontier? Noritsu? What? Huh? Who cares? by Christopher Breedlove

Christopher Breedlove — Sat, 28 May 2011 11:32:40 +0000

Brian, seriously thank you for the amazing post. Straight to the point: I agree. Not because you said it or RPL does it, but the fact is both machines are great. Both machines offer a bit that the other doesn’t. It’s the nature of the beast and technology is different, although similar when it comes to scanning. Personally, it’s phenomenal you can ‘name’ drop when submitting film so that you get a similar color feel. It’s not about copying someone else method, it’s really learning and taking that lesson to match our desired look. And don’t they say, “imitation is a form of flattery.” Film offers a world of possibilities that frankly digital does not. Color shifts, light leaks, faded colors, etc. – is it always always about a super sharp image? Both mediums can tell a story well, but the story is only as good as the author.

I do respect Jose and Jonathan and many others, but they have really honed their craft and understand it. It takes time and experimentation. Film is definitely an art all in in itself, one that can be explored in so many ways. So, bottom line, take time to explore and create, and don’t get caught up in having your images look like someone else….shoot, push and pull, scan on the Nor and the Front, and go for it. Thank you B!

Comment on Frontier? Noritsu? What? Huh? Who cares? by Josh Malahy

Josh Malahy — Sat, 28 May 2011 06:11:50 +0000

Thanks for the insight Brian! When I first spoke with Bill about using you guys I asked about the whole Frontier/Noritsu thing and he encouraged me to try both and see what I liked better for my work. Personally, while there wasn’t a huge difference, I actually preferred the color and skin tones from the Noritsu. After all the things I had heard about the magical Frontier scanner, I was a little surprised. I think you said it well…a lot of people assume that if they buy camera x, shoot emulsion x, and have you scan on scanner x, that their work will look just like photographer x.

From what I can tell, the Frontier scanner is a wonderful machine…so much so that Walmart (and several other one-hour labs) have used them for years. I may be wrong, but I don’t think many people who take their film to Walmart are rushing out to sing the praises of the highlight retention and color from their Frontier scans. Ultimately, its about your team of skilled techs handling the scanning process MUCH more than it is about which machine they’re using.

Comment on Frontier? Noritsu? What? Huh? Who cares? by matt haines

matt haines — Sat, 28 May 2011 04:37:04 +0000

When I switched over to film 100% last year for my client work, I was surprised to find that one of the benefits of shooting film is the improved workflow! Which seems counter intuitive from a digital perspective. Until you try it. Sure you have to wait a week for your images to come back. But then when they come back, you show ‘em to your client! OK maybe you have to crop a little, but it takes me half an hour to have my proof selection ready. Whereas I might have spent that whole week tweaking the color and contrast.

There are a lot of other reasons to shoot film. But the improved workflow and better color rendition was a surprising bonus!

Since you say you’ll happily scan images based on another photographer’s look, can you make all mine look like Wendy G’s? She rocks.

Comment on Frontier? Noritsu? What? Huh? Who cares? by Wendy G

Wendy G — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:12:53 +0000

Thanks Brian for sharing this! As photographers in a very competitive market, sometimes we get too caught up in what another photographer is doing. And forgetting to “mind” our own businesses.

We’re all individuals with different tastes and our clients are looking for those unique qualities. Therefore, we shouldn’t want to be spoon fed everything. Each one should gain some experience, look carefully at their business (plan, model, environment, situation), and figure out what works for their particular set of needs.

Comment on Frontier? Noritsu? What? Huh? Who cares? by yan palmer

yan palmer — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:50:16 +0000

really interesting post, i enjoyed it. thanks for always striving to help, encourage and educate. one thing i do notice in the example you posted of the noritsu and frontier at 100%, is that the bright spot of grass(?) behind the girls right shoulder appears to be completely blown on the noritsu. whereas in the frontier scan, there is a lighter shade of green. i have heard that the frontier retains better detail in the highlights, and this example does seem to illustrate that.

that being said, i have been pretty much overjoyed with all of my scans from your fne lab, which have all been on the noritsu. so far, i am too impatient to wait on that lovely frontier. =)