FESS UP ! Are you using Mpix to print?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/09/2005 10:00:07 AM · #1

Can anyone out there tell me anything about Mpix's various print media...I'm interested in the metallic paper and canvas prints. How good is the quality and is it worth the $60 for a 20x30 frame stretched canvas print? Also does their B&W paper really make B&W prints that rival high quality B&W Film prints? So far, they look like they may be my next printer but I'd like to hear from experienced DPCers but anyone using Mpix to print would be great.

cbeller

Nikon D300

04/09/2005 10:06:52 AM · #2

Originally posted by ericsuth:

Can't you order a free sample kit from them to check out the different papers? I thought I saw that you could when I was at their site the other day. The metallic paper caught my eye, as well.

04/09/2005 10:13:44 AM · #3

Originally posted by cbeller:

Can't you order a free sample kit from them to check out the different papers? I thought I saw that you could when I was at their site the other day. The metallic paper caught my eye, as well.

Yes, I just finished requesting the sample kit and I'm excited to check out the metallic as well.
Unfortunately, I'm thinking they won't send the frame stretched canvas example though ;)

Edit: clarification/grammer

Message edited by author 2005-04-09 10:15:48.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/09/2005 10:21:22 AM · #4

One of the professional photographers in my area is using Miller's, which is the professional version of Mpix. She buys a lot of 16x20 and 16x24 metallic prints from them and they look excellent.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

04/09/2005 10:33:13 AM · #5

I don't have the answer, but wanted to say thanks for asking the question! I hadn't heard of this type of paper, but I signed up for the sample pack and may try some prints there sometime.

04/09/2005 10:40:32 AM · #6

I use mpix.com often. The sample kit (free) will give you an excellent idea of the metallic. I have yet to order on canvas. I have ordered my prints on matboard. I still am extremely impressed with their quality.

I finally received my first order from DPCPrints, which is less expensive than mpix. However, I guess I wasn't expecting my print to come rolled - a little disappointed in that. I compared the quality to my mpix prints. The paper is thinner on the DPCPrints photo. I will use them again anyway.

Mpix sends your photos flat and extremely well-packaged. Large prints are taped (masking tape)to cardboard. I can't say enough about them. You will pay more than DPCPrints though and a $4.95 shipping & handling fee. They also do not take Discover card, whereas DPCPrints does.

Those are the pros and cons IMO.

krazyivan

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

04/09/2005 11:58:11 AM · #7

Use Mpix all the time and there service and quality is excellent. I haven't used the metallic paper yet, but the sample is awesome. The colors come out at you and the detail and saturation are excellent.

04/09/2005 12:36:04 PM · #8

Originally posted by woohoopepper:

Large prints are taped (masking tape)to cardboard.

This is not a good thing. Masking tape is not archival and the adhesives will damage the print. I'm not sure of the long term issues of using masking tape 'temporarily' but I have seen the long term effects of masking tape and they are not pretty.

04/10/2005 12:18:07 AM · #9

Oh! Well, it's just the corners, and I would imagine most people would remove the photo from the backing when it arrives in the mail. But that is something to consider. I haven't experienced any problems yet, and the part that is taped usually ends up under a matt for framing.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/10/2005 01:41:01 AM · #10

Originally posted by woohoopepper:

For a short term, it probably would not do much harm. I would just remove the masking tape as soon as the print arrives and then let the print remain uncovered and unframed for at least a day or two to let that adhesive air out of the print. If I was buying from Mpix, I would probably inquire about that and see if they would be willing to use an acid free tape for that process.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/10/2005 02:05:32 AM · #11

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

... let the print remain uncovered and unframed for at least a day or two to let that adhesive air out of the print. If I was buying from Mpix, I would probably inquire about that and see if they would be willing to use an acid free tape for that process.

It may well be (I hope!) an acid-free paper tape which superficially resembles masking tape.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/10/2005 02:07:49 AM · #12

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:
... let the print remain uncovered and unframed for at least a day or two to let that adhesive air out of the print. If I was buying from Mpix, I would probably inquire about that and see if they would be willing to use an acid free tape for that process.

It may well be (I hope!) an acid-free paper tape which superficially resembles masking tape.

It may be if it's a white tape. If it's yellow tinted like normal masking tape, it probably is not. The acid-free hinging tape that I use to mount my prints resembles a thin masking tape but it's white and it never turns yellow. It's also buffered with calcium carbonate to give it a 'base' pH so it will actually neutralize acids that it may come in contact with.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/10/2005 02:09:31 AM · #13

At least it's not duck tape.

sofapez

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

04/10/2005 02:09:38 AM · #14

Two thoughts. rolled prints are safe travelers. Lay them out and they will flatten within a short period of time. Generally prints mailed flat and "taped" down are inside archival plastic bags and are safe safe. If they are not... I want a refund. There is plenty of acid free tapes on the market that are not permanent and leave no residue as well. They could be using that. I love metalic paper for certain uses. Water is marvelous as is anything metal.. or organic such as flowers. It catches the eye and adds that "live" look to plants and greenery, sparkle to snow.

kevinswope

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

04/10/2005 02:15:25 AM · #15

I have oredered the same prints from most of the well known printers out there. And MPIX is the best hands down. I really wanted to give one of these other companys like shuterfly a try because they offer a service inwich i would like to use i.e. let customers buy there prints directly from the website at my prices. I just havnt found a company that i can trust to always have great prints like MPIX does. I have never been disapointed with them. Ive ordered for about 40 customers from them so far and everyone has been amazed at how well they turn out. I do have one regular customer that insist that i print all of her prints on my canon i960 even though i tell her that there wont me archival quality. All this to say Mpix Rocks

Kevin

aerogurl

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

04/10/2005 03:08:03 AM · #16

I love the metallic paper, its gorgeous. I would suggest ordering the sample kit, once you get that you will see the difference. I haven't tried the canvas printing, but am considering printing an image on canvas as a gift for a friend. MPix just rocks, best out there :)

04/10/2005 05:11:26 AM · #17

okay, now my mouth is watering to check out the metallic paper. I've generally used walmart for quick 8x10s as my local one has consistently done a pretty good job. Other Walmarts I've tried have been horrible, so I guess it just depends on much they pay attention to their processing. There is another smaller printer in town and they use Kodak paper with even better color and processing but they charge around $9 for 8x10s. So now matter what it sounds like Mpix is going to knock my socks for in regards to its price/performance ratio. I have also tried Ofoto for large 20x30 prints and they do a fair job, the paper is heavy enough but as it was delivered rolled, I did worry somewhat about creases when unrolling. I'm glad to hear that Mpix mails flat. Sometime I'm going to lay out the $60 for the canvas but that may be a little while off.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/10/2005 08:30:03 AM · #18

This may a little off the subject, but here goes. Are there any processing centers that will print on watercolor paper? Mpix will print on canvas, and that's great for a photo with an oil painting quality. I've been editing mine with a watercolor effect and that's why I ask.

I read in Pop Photography (latest issue) about different types of paper fed through different printers and watercolor paper was one. After I've labored hours over a photo, I actually look forward to someone else professionally processing it.

Travis99

Canon EOS-5D

04/10/2005 09:12:21 AM · #19

Were can I order a sample print on Mpix?

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/10/2005 10:24:44 AM · #20

Originally posted by Travis99:

Were can I order a sample print on Mpix?

It's not a free sample print, exactly. It's just some samples of their papers. Not your prints. Here's the link.

//mpix.com/SampleKits.aspx

04/10/2005 11:41:57 AM · #21

Originally posted by woohoopepper:

Are there any processing centers that will print on watercolor paper?

Yeah, I've also wanted to get prints on watercolor paper but in general it's rather expensive as demand is pretty low and it's done on large plotter/printers. Here are two :
//finerworks.com/

You could also try a local Fedex/Kinko's but their prices seems to be on par with the rest of the printers online; generally aroun $55-$80 for a 20x30.

Message edited by langdon - removed link at site owner's request.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/10/2005 05:11:17 PM · #22

hmmmm, well, thanks for the info. I'm going to check out the sites you listed.

Message edited by author 2005-04-10 17:11:46.

Plexxoid

Canon EOS-30D

04/10/2005 08:27:07 PM · #23

I use both Mpix and Winkflash. When quality is more important, I use mpix, when price is more important I use Winkflash. Both are excellent, but I prefer the "DO NOT COPY" on the back of Mpix's Kodak paper.

C-Fox

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/10/2005 11:05:56 PM · #24

No shipping it seems to canada. At least it wouldn't let me sign up with a non usa address.

sage