Dry Vs Wet Heats up Best Photolist

One of the most pressing questions facing independent photo labs is when to make the transition from wet labs to dry labs. Silver-halide is a proven technology, with a ready availability of replacement parts and support. Dry labs, however, are proving to be the way of the future, with the possibility of a wide array of new, creative products for labs.

A recent discussion thread on the BestPhotoList, sponsored by PMA, drew dozens of responses. List member Joel VanHemel posted a message March 31 about considering the pros and cons of going to a 100 percent dry lab solution, the Noritsu 1005: “I have seen samples, etc., but I would appreciate input from those of you who saw it at PMA as to pros and cons.”

The thread, under the title “Business ‘Drying’ Up?”, has sparked more than 20 responses over the next few days, providing insight into the value of silver-halide labs, particularly favorable raw material costs, versus the new market opportunities presented by dry labs.

“It not really a matter of dry v wet, we all have wet machine that still work great, we have two but also a instant/dry solution,” wrote Phil Gresham, of Australia’s FotoFast. “What is instant? We find that 20 minutes is still considered instant and these instant customers are usually small orders anyway… Take a close look at what you are offering are you really a speciality camera store/minilab what makes you so special? Mark & Mike really understand it, just look at the classes etc they offer, they
truly are special. We have a lot to learn from them. We will introduce a range of classes in the next three months something the others don’t do in our space.”

If you’re interested in joining the discussion, go to pmalist.info and apply for membership to the BestPhotoList.