P3D Re: Qualex processing problems!

["Greg Wageman" <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

From: Ron Short <rshort@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>


>I sent in a roll of Ektachrome 100  (36 exp) for standard slide
>processing, non-stereo, and some idiot at the lab ran my film through
>the C-41 print processing chemicals.  The envelope that I sent the film
>in was clearly marked SLIDES, but what I received back from Qualex was
>PRINTS
[snip]

Ron, I am very sorry to hear about how this INCOMPETENCE ruined your
valuable photographs.

>All they did in reparation was to send me one roll of Elite Chrome 200,
24 exp

Unfortunately, unless you can afford the expense and time involved in a
lengthy lawsuit, that is all the reparation you are likely to get
without one.  The envelope in which you submitted your film had a
printed disclaimer against all liability, including negligence, limiting
it to an equivalent unexposed roll of film.  It would take a full-blown
suit to get anything more, and even then the burden of proof would
likely be on you to prove that the images were of more than mundane
value.

>A Qualex representative told me that it wouldn't hurt if I used
>a highlighter marker on the film envelope to emphasize that it contains
>slide film and not print film.  I sincerely hope that nobody has the
>same problem that I have had!


This is major cover-their-butt on the part of their representative.
Every film canister is clearly marked with the type of film as well as
the required process for developing it.  E6 looks nothing like C41.
Somebody tossed your film in the wrong bin.  Trying to blame you for
their mistake is creative, but nonetheless a slime-ball move.

I am still looking for a convenient, competent local processor.  I had
known that it was only a matter of time since the tragedy until Ewert's
would be closing for good.   (A family business, all of the principals
were killed in a private plane crash as they were returning from a
weekend getaway.)  This is their last month in operation, and as you
might expect, service has deteriorated seriously under the interim
owners, whom I expect are liquidating the business to reap the profit on
the land.

     -Greg W. (gjw@xxxxxxxxxx)








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