I recently had to relocate to the Columbus, Ohio area and Ive been told that the one of the best local B&W labs is Slide Service International. Ive spoken with them, and theyve told me they use an Ilford Dip-and-Dunk machine with Ilford DD developer. I am not familiar with either this machine or this developer and havent been able to find anything about either on the web (unless the person I spoke with meant Ilford HC-D, which I've never used). Has anyone had any experience with this lab and/or this processor?

Im particularly interested in hearing of results with Agfapan 25 & 100 and Kodak Technical Pan, as well as Ilfords line-up. I shoot a bit of everything, but lately have focused on portraits. I used to do my own processing -- over the years I experimented with D-76, HC-110, Rodinol, and Technidol (not to mention a few horrible outings with Acufine and some homebrews) -- but Ive been out of B&W photography for a several years and in any case I had to leave my darkroom back in Boston. Id appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks!

-- Charles G. Ruberto (cruberto@fas.harvard.edu), October 04, 1998