Film Processing
Click Here for Mail-In Film Processing Order Form
Film Processing & Payment (Pricing)
How long will my order take?
Film processing and scanning generally takes 4-7 days depending on workload and other constraints. Develop only takes 48 hours and we do have a rush option for up to 5 rolls at 48 hours as well. We will give you an estimated delivery date when you drop off your film. Your film will be done as late as 6pm on the due date of your order. If you have not received an email about the completion of your order by 6pm on the due date, call the store the following morning to inquire about the status of your order.
*We typically push the deadline back during weeks with holidays, or if the film processor is undergoing maintenance.
What type of film do you develop?
At our lab, we provide comprehensive film development services. We can process a wide range of color films, including C-41 films in formats like 110, 120, 126, 220, and 35mm. Just confirm that your film canister is marked with 'C-41,' and we're ready to develop it. Additionally, we offer development for black and white films in both 120 and 35mm formats, as well as APS and sheet film.
We cannot develop altered film, as well as cinema, remjet or boiled films:
We regret to inform you that we cannot develop Cinema or altered film. Attempting to develop these types of film in our machines can lead to severe issues, including clogging our filters, detached and disintegrated emulsion, potential damage to the machinery, contamination of our chemistry, and the risk of ruining other customers' film within the same processing batch. The cost of draining and replacing chemistry, along with potential machine downtime, can amount to significant expenses. To maintain the quality and efficiency of our services for all our customers, we must adhere to this policy.
Can you cross process? No.
No, we do not offer cross-processing services for film in our photo lab.
Can you push or pull film? Yes.
Black & white yes, color no. We offer the flexibility to push or pull film up to 2 stops, allowing you to achieve creative effects and adapt to different lighting conditions. However, it's essential to keep in mind that there are limitations to this process, depending on the type of film and the specific results you desire. We recommend discussing your specific needs with our knowledgeable team to ensure the best outcome for your project. We charge $5 per roll for push and pull processing.
What If I received blank, clear film, no exposure or frames? The negative was never exposed to light.
Your negatives will be see-through is the negative was never exposed to light. There will be no dark area in between the sprocket holes of the film. The most common cause of this problem is improper loading. If the film is not loaded properly, it will never be exposed because it will not be transported in front of the shutter. Check your camera's shutter to ensure it is opening. Check your camera's battery to ensure the light meter is functioning properly. Improperly setting the film's ASA, using too high of a shutter speed, or too small of an aperture can contribute to the film not receiving enough light for a properly exposed image. When using a disposable camera, this can be caused by not using a flash in dark conditions.
What if I see faint images, poor color, or grainy photos? The negative was underexposed--there was not enough light to expose the film properly.
Your negatives will be very faint or see-through, and your scans will be dark/faded, grainy, and low contrast. Check your camera's battery to ensure the light meter is functioning properly. Improperly setting the film's ASA, using too high of a shutter speed, or too small of an aperture can contribute to the film not receiving enough light for a properly exposed image. When using a disposable camera, this can be caused by not using a flash in dark conditions.
What if there are pictures that overlap or are too far apart? Your camera is not moving film from the canister to the uptake reel uniformly.
Your negatives will either be overlapping or too far apart. Make sure you are loading your film correctly. If the problem persists, your film camera needs to be evaluated by a repairman.
What if I see a vertical or horizontal reddish, yellow band? Light is getting into your camera body.
Typically, this is caused by faulty seals around the camera back. Check your negatives for faded or discolored streaks or bursts in a scan. Often, they will extend outside of the frame. Check the seals on your camera are light tight. Try shooting another roll if the seals look good. If the problem persists, your film camera needs to be evaluated by a repairman.
Why do my files say 72 DPI when I paid for High Resolution at 300 DPI?
We understand that there may be confusion surrounding DPI (dots per inch) and its relationship with image resolution. We'd like to clarify this to ensure your satisfaction with our services. Our high res service creates roughly a 14”x22” image at 300 DPI. When you open your high res files, you may find they’re 94”x62” at 72 DPI which prints the same quality at 14”x22”.
Historically, 72 DPI became a default value for saving image files, often due to its association with the standard resolution of computer monitors. However, this measurement does not dictate the actual resolution of your file. What truly matters is the pixel ratio of your image.
To gauge how your file will print at a specific DPI, such as 300 DPI, simply divide its dimensions by the desired DPI. For instance, our high-resolution files, delivered at 6774 x 4492 pixels, will perfectly print at 22.58" x 14.97" when divided by 300 DPI. You can opt for larger prints, but this may result in a slight decrease in DPI, leading to less crisp prints.
Rest assured, our scanning process utilizes the Noritsu HS-1800, an industry-leading scanner designed specifically for scanning 35mm film. This ensures the highest quality scans with optimal resolution.
We hope this clears up any confusion regarding DPI and image resolution. Should you have further questions or require clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Do I have to pay for scans or prints at the time of my film processing order? Yes, as we require payment upfront.
Yes, it is more cost effective for you and time efficient for us. As part of our film processing packages, we require that all film scan and printing charges be paid in advance. This policy ensures a smooth and efficient process, allowing us to develop your film and promptly provide the final images without tracking additional conversations regarding your preferences or taking the order out of line while waiting for confirmation or the additional payment required for those preferences. We kindly request that you make the decision regarding prints or scans prior to us facilitating film processing.
Additionally, if less than five images from your roll turn out, we will refund you for any prints or scanning you had originally paid for.
Can I get my film developed and then decide if I want prints or scans? Yes, with limitations.
Yes, but it will take longer and may cost more. You have the option to order development only and once you pick-up your roll, you can create an entirely new order for scan and print services. However, ordering a la cart film services may cost more than opting for a processing package in the first place. A la carte orders typically involve more individualized attention and may be priced higher due to the additional time and handling. Our streamlined production process is designed to optimize efficiency, which is why bundling services within a package is the more economical and time efficient choice for the customer and for us.
What if my roll doesn’t turn out? We refund you the delivery method (prints/scans).
In the unfortunate event, less than five images from your roll turn out, we are committed to ensuring fairness and quality. In such cases, we will provide you with a refund for any prints or scanning services for which you had initially made payment, along with consultation notes on what may have been the problem i.e. light leaks, over exposure etc. We will also still provide you with the 5 or less images that did turn out as a courtesy.
Is film development refundable if my roll is blank? No.
Film development costs are non-refundable. As these costs encompass the valuable time, expertise, and materials invested in the film development process, regardless of the outcome. Even when a roll turns out to be blank, our skilled team dedicates time and resources to the development procedure.
Do I get my film back? Yes, if requested.
Yes, you have the option to receive your film back after development. We will hold your film for up to 60 days after the completion of the development process. This provides you with the flexibility to retrieve your film at your convenience, within that time frame.
What do you do with film that is blank? Whatever you’d like.
When it comes to blank film, our policy is straightforward. If you have specifically requested the return of your film, we will save it for you as part of our standard practice.
However, if you have indicated a preference for us to dispose of your film, we will typically plan to dispose of it. Unless you request to see your blank film within one week of the completion of our processing services.
What if I didn’t get my scans on time?
We aim to send your scans on the due date, by 6pm weekdays and 5pm on weekends. If you do not receive your scans by the end of the day, on the due date, call us the following morning to check in and get it resolved.
If it is your first time processing with us, check your spam. Also search for WeTransfer in your email. It is very rare, but it is also possible that you may have encountered WeTransfer in the past and unsubscribed from it.
What resolution do you scan film?
We offer a wide range of resolution options for our film scanning which can be found on our pricing brochure. Resolution and Pricing
Can I mail in my film for processing?
Yes, you can certainly mail in your film order for processing using this form. (Main-In Form) When submitting your order, include the form and please note that any information left out will result in delayed processing while we try to contact you for such information.
Please note that payment is required upfront. Upon receiving your mailed-in film, we will promptly send you a PayPal* invoice for the processing costs, and your order will commence once payment is received.
To ensure the safe return of your developed film, we offer a secure UPS shipping option for a fee of $13. We do not ship USPS as they have a track record of losing our packages. This fee covers the shipping and handling of your processed order, allowing you to receive your cherished photographs with peace of mind.
*Paypal Information: We do not accept payments over the phone to ensure the privacy and security of your financial information. Instead, we provide a hassle-free payment process by sending you an emailed invoice via our PayPal secured portal. It's important to note that you do not need a PayPal account to make payments through our portal. You can simply use your credit card for a fast and easy transaction.