Copying Old Photos

[mikey4444]

I have just located the only photo ever taken of my paternal grandfather, which dates back to 1928. Can anyone recommend a really good professional laboratory where I can have this copied ? I don't want to chance it with one of the Supermarkets, and I can't find an old-fashioned High Street place. There used to be so many but they all appear to have gone now.

[kvalidir]

If you have a scanner do it yourself Mikey. Scan it in and then print it out, otherwise someone like Max Spielmann will do it there and then for you whilst you wait ( so you don't have to leave it) I've copied all of our old ones even the ones back to the 1800's with no drama at home.

[jomifl]

can you not just get someone with a fairly decent digital camera to photograph it for you? Or do you want a proper silver halide print?

[mikey4444]

Thanks you two. I have scanned it but my printer really isn't up to scratch to make a good print.

I saw an advert outside one of these high street places a few years ago, that said that they could restore old photos, removing creases, etc. It looked like a really professional job, but the place has closed down now.

As regards a silver halide print ...yes this is probably what I want. The copies have to be fade proof and really good quality. Its only about 3 inches square, so I am hoping that it could be enlarged slightly as well. I don't mind paying a premium, as long as its the best that I can get.

[royfromaus]

Buy a decent printer/scanner.
Software can easily get rid of creases.

[retrocop]

I have made very,imo, acceptable copies of old family members photographs using both methods described.Some printer/scanners even have sepia colour copying facility which I have used with success. I was told by a younger family member,who knows everything!!!, that I could'nt copy an old sepia photo of my grandfather in his sergeant's Territorial Army uniform about to embark for Gallipoli. I used a Praktika 35mm camera,zoomed into the original and the result was good.My mother was delighted. Going back to scanners etc there is a facility in some programmes photo studio etc where you can touch up old creases or cracks in the original print on the copy you have made.

[hc4361]

Where about in the UK are you, mikey?

[kvalidir]

If you want to email me the image I can repair it for you then send it back to you, then you can stick it on a memory card and get it printed out anywhere. They are simple to restore.

[mikey4444]

Swansea ! The ugly, lovely town by the sea, according to a Mr D Thomas.

[Retrochic]

mikey you could use an online photo service -this one is in USA but it doesn't matter as they will restore your photo from an uploaded pic and send you a hi rez copy back which you can then put onto a memory card and go get printed anywhere

http://phojoe.com/Restoration.html

[retrocop]

I would love the Gower Peninsula on my doorstep unless it has been spoiled in the last 100 years.

[jno]

these people in Port Talbot claim to do restoration

http://www.electrastudios.co.uk/

You could phone them and ask for details.

[hc4361]

A Swansea company worth checking out
http://www.galaxystudios.co.uk/photo_restoration_swansea/photo_restoration_swansea.html

[mikey4444]

Thanks everybody, especially hc !

[mikey4444]

Retro...you can be assured that the Gower has not been spoiled. It has changed a bit over the years, just like most other places. But think that there was almost a Butlins in Llangennith in the late 50's early 60's, but it was built in Barry instead....narrow escape !

[Mags22]

I had a sepia one of my grandfather, also one of my great-grandparents done in Boots very successfully