Photography News Issue 45

Photography News | Issue 45 | absolutephoto.com

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First tests

Accessories First tests

We get our hands on the latest kit and share our first impressions – so you know whether or not to add it to your wish list

Reviews by Will Cheung and Kingsley Singleton

Print Foundryenlargements from£92+VAT

Specs

In the digital age, we don’t print as much as we used to; there are more ways to view images electronically than ever. Yet with increased camera resolutions,andeasier,moreaffordable printing, big enlargements are more accessible than ever, and they make a fantastic impression when hung in your home or office. We decided to test some enlargement options from The Print Foundry, looking at two sizes with different finishes. The Print Foundry operates a simple ordering process. You create an account, then upload images to the website. Images can be JPEGS, TIFFs, PSDs, or PDF format, and you’re advised to send files of at least 1MB. It makes sense to upload the largest version you have, especially if you plan to make several different prints. The images we used for this test were around 6500px on the long edge. For more bespoke services you can upload direct to an FTP site, and email the company with your requirements. After uploading, it was a simple matter of choosing the style of enlargement; I first picked the HD Acrylic product, print size 102x68cm. Options for this include an aluminium subframe, recommended to help hanging, and the total cost was £175+VAT. You can add branding to the frame or box if you’re producing the enlargement commercially at £1 each, and exacting customers can get a small test print for £2 to check colour accuracy. From there you check out as with any other website. I also ordered a Pro Mounted Print at the same size on 5mm white PVC with a matte finish (at £92+VAT), and another matte Pro Mounted Print, this time at ahuge 203x120cmto checkhow a much bigger enlargement affected the look (£215+VAT). The process took me less than 20minutes. Post and packing cost was £19+VAT for a five to 10 working day service; reasonable considering the size and weight of the prints. After ordering I was contacted by The Print Foundry, suggesting some colour correction to one of the images, which looked great. The print arrived just outside the 10

Prices 1x 102x68cm HD Acrylic print with aluminium subframe (£175+VAT) 1x 102x68cm Pro Mounted Print with wooden subframe (£92+VAT) 1x 203x120cm Pro Mounted Print with wooden subframe (£215+VAT) Ordering system FTP or internet page Turnaround time 5-10 working days 1-3 working day priority service

Postage & Packing Under 40in £9 + VAT Above 40in £19 + VAT Contact theprintfoundry.co.uk

Sharpness was excellent too, despite the enlargement being well over 400%

days, due to an imperfection being spotted in quality control. That might sound like a negative, but it’s not; I’d rather wait a couple of days longer for a perfect product. A one to three day priority service is also available. Unpacking the products in turn, the HD Acrylic looked wonderful. It’s one of PF’s best sellers, and I could immediately seewhy. Using a 12-colour print process on a white backing, certified for 100+ years, the photo is sealed against damage from heat or moisture, with 5mm crystal-clear plexiglass at the front. The polished- glass look gave the image an incredibly vibrant finish which was perfect for the seaside subject matter. Sharpness was excellent too, despite the enlargement being well over 400%. The recommended frame also made hanging easier, overall it was a very well finished product; perfectly

Images The huge 203x120cm Pro Mounted Print enlargement that we made was very impressive, with a floating look and a fine-art matte finish. All the products arrived well packaged, too.

straight edged to the eye and with a very smooth, high-spec feel. The Pro Mounted Prints were excellent, too. The 102x68cm print had great clarity and the matte finish and clean white edges give a modern, fine- art look. The matte finish also proved a benefit when hanging in bright areas, where the high gloss option would have been blindingly reflective. The image we used held up well in the 203x120cm enlargement, too; of course details soften a little, but the viewing distance is greater, so it makes little difference, and the size makes an amazing impact. It’s well worth checking shots with a fine-toothed comb before supplying though, as any imperfections are magnified. Packing of all the products was first class. They were well protected with additional foampacking at the corners, and arrived in perfect condition. KS

Verdict

A great experience all round. The prints we made had top-quality workmanship with clean, straight edges and image quality was excellent. Packing was first-class, turnaround times good and prices were reasonable, too. Throughout, customer service was great with lots of advice and help in ordering if required. If you want some enlargements made, The Print Foundry is a great option.

Pros High-quality products, packing and affordable prices Cons None

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