Posted by
TC
20 yrs ago
I note that the pictures taken with each of my 3 digital cameras are in the size proportions of 1:1.33 and whenever I take my favourites to get developed I run the risk of having heads lopped that are too close to the top of the image. I understand that this is because the proportions for 4R and 3R prints are 1.5 and 1.43 respectively and the developer has to stretch the sides of my image to fit the 4R/3R, and in so doing the top of the image disappears. When I remember I make what adjustments I can on my computer before going to the developer, but that's more often than not a bit of a hassle and I tend to forget and take my chance. (I then end up doing it anyway with those where the heads - or some other significant part of the image - have disappeared.) Also when I remember I try to make allowance at the top of the framed image when taking photos, but even that gets forgotten at times. Someone once told me that you can actually adjust the proportions on your camera, but I can't find anything of that sort. (I have 3 different makes - Kodak, Minolta & Canon.) I'd be interested to know from anyone who has the same problem. Thanks.
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rift2
20 yrs ago
I'd never had a problem when printing them out with Fotomax. Just tell them to "fit-in with border". The print out will show the whole image (if you don't mind the white border outside your images).
Please check: http://www.fotomax.com/fmxweb/tips.do
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Had same problem but apparently there is a new program/ machine/ whatever, that is now available to photo printers. I took mine back and they fixed them when they had the new machine (In Sai Kung)
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TC
20 yrs ago
Thanks to both of you for your comments.
rift2,
I understand what you are saying, but with differing proportions it seems to me there are only three options:
(a) making the width fit which results in the image height being too great, heance losing some off the top
(b) making the height fit which results in the image width being too small, hence an exaggerated white border on the sides
(c) stretching both sides to fit which results in a disproportionate image
The last of those simply isn't an option, the second looks bad, and the first has a risk of losing importatnt bits of the picture. But maybe I'll have a chat to my local Fotomax guy (not the one I go to usually which is a convenience thing, but he certainly did our wedding photos last year and we keep in touch) about the problem.
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crj
20 yrs ago
I use the Fotomax online service, and they do a great job.
I choose
Photo Size - 4D digital photo(4.5"x6")
Fit in with Border - which gives you a border, but does not crop the photo. Often with 4D there is no border required.
They have a great upload system from their website, and they send you the photos very quickly or you can pick up.
You can choose to 'bulk upload' which is great, except you can only upload 100 MB at a time which is a bit annoying.
And it is really cheap - so you can experiment and see what you prefer.
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TC
20 yrs ago
Aha, thanks - that sounds like a really viable solution. In fact I've never heard of 4D before, but the 1:1.33 proportions are spot on. Think I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip - much appreciated.
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crj
20 yrs ago
I haven't found other shops that do 4D... I don't see why more don't as it is really convenient for many digital camera owners. All the photos I had printed overseas (US and UK) came out awful, I did them via fotomax and they were really perfect. Except of course they won't fit into some albus or photo frames...
Enjoy the prints...
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Quite a few of the online companies - www.snapfish.com and www.shutterfly.com also have the 4D size. RIGHT BEFORE YOu check out, they ask you if you want that, or if you prefer standard dimensions.
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How about you get a Digital SLR, then you don't have to worry about the aspect ratio problem with your existing point and shoots.
Digital SLR's like 35mm film SLR's, take photos in the correct "rectangular" format, with intermediate photoshop CS2 experience, you will get amazing results.
Digital SLRS have dropped substantially in cost, around $6750hk inc 18-50mm lens. All of the specialist photographic brands like, Nikon, Canon, Leica, Pentax, Minolta make them.
Why fiddle bum around with the film processor, just get a DSLR and take the correct aspect in the first place.
The next suggestion, with your point and shoot, be aware of the printable area when you frame your shots, allow for cropping, crop the photo in photoshop, and you are done. Too easy.
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