FAQ

 

General

How can I contact you?

Feel free to either use our chat bubble, found in the bottom right corner, send us an email at help@filmdeveloping.co, or use our Contact Us form.

Do you offer long term storage of scans or negatives?

No. Downloaded scans must be saved to your own devices or cloud storage. Negatives are returned with your order. We do not maintain archives of customer negatives or digital files after delivery.

Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?

We do not offer bulk discounts. Our pricing is already the lowest in the nation for professional film developing and scanning. New customers receive 10% off first order with code FILMDEVCO at checkout.

What scanners and equipment do you use?

We scan all film on professional Noritsu scanners (HS-1800) calibrated for accurate color reproduction and optimal dynamic range. Our equipment produces high quality digital files suitable for social media, printing, and archival purposes.

How do I receive my scans?

After processing is complete, your digital scans are delivered via WeTransfer download link sent to your email. Links remain active for 30 days. Download immediately and create backups. We do not offer cloud storage or long term hosting of scan files.

Can I track my order status?

Yes. Once your film arrives at our lab, you will receive an email confirmation. Processing updates are sent automatically when your scans are ready for download. Check your spam folder if you do not receive notifications within expected turnaround times.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay through our secure checkout.

What is sharpprints.com?

Sharp Prints is our nationwide bulk and wholesale print company. Sharp Prints operates out of the same lab and with the same team as Film Developing Co. We offer incredible pricing for real silver halide photographic prints. If you need photo prints (a ton or a few), we've got you covered.

Film Developing

What types of film do you develop?

We develop and process Color (C-41) and Black & White film in the following formats:

  • 35mm
  • Single-Use/Disposable
  • 120 & 220
  • APS (Advantix or Advanced Photo System)

We do not offer developing for:

  • E-6 Slide Film
  • ECN2 or motion picture film
  • 116, 127, 126, 828 or 110 film formats

How much does film developing cost?

Film developing and scanning services start at $10 per roll.

How long does film developing take?

Once your film has arrived at our facility, the typical turn around for Color Film time is 1-2 business days - sometimes even less!

Black and white film processing typically takes 1-5 business days, as we hand develop all B&W.

How will I get my film scans?

Our standard process and scanning option include the delivery of uploaded files via WeTransfer.

Once your order is finalized and payment is processed, we will promptly send a WeTransfer email link.

It is advisable to download and save your completed scan files as soon as possible and remember to create backups.

Do I get my negatives back?

All negatives are returned. We don't want them; they're yours and you should keep them!

How are negatives cut?

Film cutting and sleeving are standard procedures, unless otherwise instructed or if frame separation is challenging. Here is a breakdown of how we handle different film formats:

  • 35mm film is cut in strips of 4 frames.
  • 6x4.5 and 6x6 are cut in strips of 3-4 frames
  • 6x7 and 6x8 are cut in strips of 2-3 frames
  • APS film is rolled back into its canister.

We offer the option for Uncut Negatives, where we will carefully sleeve your entire film roll and send it back to you.

Do you offer TIFF scans?

Yes, TIFF files can be provided at an additional cost, and only for High Resolution scans.

What if my film is expired?

Expired film can be processed normally. Results vary based on storage conditions and age. Refrigerated film degrades slower than film stored at room temperature. Severely expired film may show color shifts, fog, or reduced contrast. No additional fees for expired film processing. We cannot predict results before development.

Can you develop old and expired film?

Expired film can be processed, but will produce less-than-fresh results. How old the film is and how it was stored (the colder the better) will dictate the outcome. In general, there will be varying degrees of increased grain, loss of contrast or color shifting.

We've salvaged decent exposures from rolls over 40 years old!

Can you push/pull my film?

Yes. Push and pull processing available for black and white film only. Available in 1, 2, or 3 stop increments. Select push/pull option when ordering and specify stops in order notes. Additional fees apply. Not available for color C41 film.

Can you develop damaged, wet, or souped film?

Film showing moisture, water exposure, or prior chemical alteration may be refused to prevent contamination of lab chemistry and equipment. If received, you will be notified and given return options.

What if my film turns out blank?

Film that is completely blank after processing (i.e. no discernable exposures) will incur baseline develop-only charges of $7 for C-41 and $13 for Black & White, since each roll requires time, chemistry, and labor. Additional service requests (scans/prints) for the related roll will be refunded.

Shipping will not be refunded on blank roll orders, your negatives will still be returned.

What additional options are available, such as photo prints or gifts?

You can add photo prints, high resolution scans, TIFF files, and uncut negatives.

Our sister company, Sharp Prints, offers photo gifts, such as canvases, metal prints, and bulk photo printing.

Are color, contrast, and density corrections included, or can I opt out?

We do not color correct. Our goal is to keep scans true to the original film stock and preserve the natural color characteristics of the emulsion.

In cases where film is expired and shows extreme color shifting, we may apply light correction to produce a usable image. For overexposed or underexposed frames, we adjust density as needed so the image is visible and properly balanced.

We do not offer full custom color grading, but we aim for clean, accurate scans that reflect how the film was shot.

What equipment or processing methods are used for developing black and white film?

Black and White film is hand developed in house using controlled chemistry and temperature monitored processes. Each roll is individually processed for consistent results.

How can I pay for mail in film developing, and are forms or mailers provided?

Orders are paid online at checkout. After ordering, you receive a confirmation to include in your package. Customers are responsible for packaging and mailing their film securely to our lab.

Do you process large format film?

No. We process 35mm, 120, 220, 620, APS, and disposable cameras only. We do not handle 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, or other sheet film formats.

Do you offer rush processing?

No expedited or rush service available at this time. All orders processed in received order on standard turnaround schedule. Plan accordingly for time sensitive projects.

What if my film has light leaks or other issues?

Light leaks, fogging, and camera malfunctions are visible after development. We process film as received. No refunds for camera errors, light leaks, or user exposure mistakes. Only completely blank rolls with zero discernible exposures qualify for partial refund.

Do you clip test or snip test before full development?

No. We do not offer clip testing service. All film is developed in full.

Can you process movie film or motion picture stock?

No. ECN2 motion picture film requires different chemistry and remjet removal. We only process standard C41 color negative and traditional black and white stocks.

What if there are partial exposures on my roll?

Partially exposed rolls are processed and scanned normally. You are charged for the full roll. Frames with no exposure are skipped during scanning. Minimum charges apply even if only a few frames are exposed.

Can you develop film from underwater or waterproof cameras?

Yes, as long as the film is standard C41 or black and white and was not compromised by water intrusion. If film canister shows water damage or moisture inside, contact us before shipping.

How should I handle film that sat in my camera for years?

Old film left in cameras can still be processed. Results depend on storage conditions and initial exposure. Heat, humidity, and time degrade latent images. Process as expired film. No guarantees on image quality but usually recoverable.

Prints

How long do prints take to produce and ship?

Print production time depends on quantity and size. Most standard print orders are completed within a few business days after your scans are finalized, then shipped based on your selected delivery method.

Can I order prints directly with my developing order?

Yes. Prints can be added during checkout when ordering film developing. Print sizes correspond to film format:

35mm/Half-frame and Disposable Cameras: 4x6 prints

120 Film:

  • 6x4.5 format = 6x4.5 prints
  • 6x6 format = 6x6 prints
  • 6x7 format = 6x7 prints
  • 6x8 format = 6x8 prints

APS Film: 4x6 prints

What print sizes are available?

Standard print sizes are listed on our film developing page and correspond to your film format: 4x6, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8. For larger print sizes or custom dimensions, order through our sister lab at sharpprints.com.

What paper and quality are your prints?

Prints are produced on professional Fujicolor Crystal Archive photo paper using calibrated lab equipment. Color accuracy is matched to your scans. Prints ship with your negatives in the same package.

Can I order prints from old orders?

Yes. If your negatives have already been returned, order reprints at sharpprints.com using your saved scan files. Upload the digital images and select your desired print sizes.

Shipping

How does the mail-in process for film developing work?

Place your order online, print your order confirmation, and mail your film to our lab. Once it arrives, we process, scan, and upload your images. Your negatives are then shipped back to you.

Where do I mail my film?

Every film developing order includes a Round-Trip shipping label in your order confirmation email. Our mailing address is embedded in the label. Print the label and attach it to your package.

Alternatively, use the QR code included in the email to print your label at any USPS location.

Full instructions available on our packaging guide page.

How should I package my film for shipping?

Use a padded envelope or small box. Include your printed order confirmation. Pack film securely to prevent shifting during transit. Multiple rolls can ship together in one package. Full packaging guide available on our packaging guide page.

How are negatives returned to me?

Negatives are mailed back via USPS in a protective mailer and typically arrive 5 to 10 business days after processing completion.

What if my film gets lost in the mail to you?

We are not responsible for packages lost or damaged by carriers before arrival at our lab. If your film is lost in transit, contact us directly.

Follow our packaging guide closely. Multiple orders have arrived with damaged outer packaging, but because the film was sealed in a plastic bag per our instructions, the rolls were protected and successfully processed.

Can I use FedEx or UPS?

Yes. You may use any carrier to ship film to our lab. The round-trip shipping fee applies to all orders regardless of inbound carrier selected.

Do you ship internationally?

No. We only accept orders from customers in the United States and US territories. International shipping is not available at this time.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping time depends on your location and selected service level. Economy shipping typically 3 to 8 business days. Standard shipping typically 3 to 5 business days. Express shipping typically 1 to 3 business days. Shipping time is separate from lab processing time. Processing begins when your film arrives at our facility.

What if I need to change my return shipping address?

Email us immediately with your order number and updated address. Changes can only be made before film is processed and shipped back. No address changes after negatives have shipped.

Should you have any further questions you'd like us to address, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!