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Film Development FAQ’s

Do you develop disposable cameras?

Yes, we process both color and b&w disposable cameras.

Do you develop old and expired film?

You can develop your old or expired film with us! Film degrades with time depending on age and storage, but our savvy film techs will do their best to work with your old film. You will most likely see a slight color shift or fog in the base of the negative which most times can be corrected if working on the image digitally.

Do you recommend I push or pull my film?

Your film could benefit from pushing or pulling the ISO. Pushing can help compensate the exposure when the film is exposed in lowlight situations. Depending on the type of film it will help increase contrast but will often make the grain more noticeable. Pulling the ISO will decrease contrast and can help pull more detail from the shadows.
You will need to note your push or pulls so we can process the film accordingly. There is a minimal fee of $1 per every roll that has been pushed/pulled.

What developer do you use to process Black & White film?

Our standard B&W developer is Kodak D76. Special developers as listed on our Film Processing page are available by request at an additional charge.

My roll or sheets are blank. What happened, and how will I get charged?

Our producers will notify you in the event of severe over/under exposure, or if no images develop after processing, and we will do our best to help you troubleshoot the mishap. If your film is completely blank, chances are that your film was not loaded properly or there was camera malfunction.

You will only be charged for the film processing and there will be no charges for any other requested services linked to your blank roll. If taking advantage of our mail-in service we will send you a credit voucher.

Do you offer minilab prints with my film processing and scans?

Yes, mini-lab printing services are now available!

Check out the extras section on the Film Processing page or the Printing Services page.

How will I receive my Dev + Scan files?

You’ll receive an email with a link to download your images. (If you can’t find our email, be sure to check your spam folder). For high volume counts and for scans bigger than 20mb, we recommend you provide a hard drive when dropping off your film.

Do you process E-6 film?

We do not offer E-6 film developing services, but if you are interested, we can convert your positive film into negatives by cross-processing your E-6 film at no additional cost.

What is ECN-2 film and do you process this film?

First and foremost, it is important to note that we DO NOT process ECN-2 film as it may contaminate our C-41 chemistry and other film being developed at the same time.
Originally intended as a motion picture film, ECN-2 film is now available to for still photography. This color negative movie film is protected by a rem-jet layer and it is processed in ECN-2 chemistry. Please notify us if you are bringing in ECN-2 film re-spooled into C-41 35mm canisters or onto 120 rolls. Failure to notify us may result in additional fees.

Do you process Super 8 film?

We do not offer motion picture film developing.

What are your turn around times?

Standard turn around times are as follows:
Develop Only: 1 day
Develop + Scan or Develop + Contact: 2 days
Develop + Scan + Contact Sheets: 3 days

Production times above are subject to change based on film quantities and/or in-house work volume. Our producers will confirm turnaround times upon film receipt.

Note: We can expedite your film! Please email us at info@phnyc.com to request more information about our RUSH FEE services.

Can I mail in my film?

Yes, you can mail us your film! We offer a $5-One-Way or $10-Round- Trip mailing service. Check out our mail-in form and more information on shipping and packaging your film.

I mailed in my film, have you received it yet?

If you mail-in your film, you’ll receive an email from us with a receipt and contents confirmation. If you have not heard from us, please check your tracking information.

Can I have my film mailed back to me?

If you are unable to pick up your film, take advantage of our $5-One-Way mailing service. We will email you tracking information once the package is ready to ship.

Do you ship internationally?

We do ship internationally! Additional duties and tax fees may apply.

How long will you hold on to my negatives?

We have limited storage space and encourage film pick up within a week of your order being ready. We can ship your film using our $5-One-Way mailing service.

In case you forget your film, our archivists will send reminders. Unanswered emails for film or prints left at our studio longer than 6 months will subject your film to be classified as abandoned.

Do you sell film?

We do sell film! We carry a wide range of color and B&W film. Stop by, call or email us to set up an order. We can deliver to your home, studio or location! Click here to see price list

Is the darkroom available for rental?

Sorry! We do not rent out our darkrooms.

Do you offer classes/workshops?

No, we do not offer any darkroom classes or workshops at this time.

Is there a student discount?

We do offer a 20% discount for students and teachers!


Analog Printing FAQs

Do you offer minilab prints?

Yes, mini-lab printing services are now available!

What kind of chromogenic papers do you offer?

We carry Fuji Crystal Archive papers. Inquire about paper types and surfaces. Metallic and Luster are available upon request (subject to market price and availability).

What kind of B&W papers do you offer?

We work with Ilford Photo papers. Select from different surfaces and/or tones. Other fiber papers may be available depending on market price and availability.

What is the difference between Resin Coated and Fiber Silver Gelatin B&W papers?

Resin coated paper is thinner than fiber paper, weighing about 190 grams. The paper is sealed between layers of polyethylene with the emulsion and a super coating on top. As the paper is sealed in the resin layers it never absorbs liquid, the chemicals never permeate the paper itself so it is quick to wash and dry. Resin coated papers dry flat and are particularly good for scanning.

Fiber paper generally has a thicker base and weighs in around 250 grams. The paper’s emulsion is able to sit in the grain giving the image more depth and richness compared to prints on resin coated papers. Because chemicals are absorbed as the paper develops and fixes, it will need a longer time to wash and dry. During drying, the paper will curl and needs to be flattened in a press once dry. Black and white fiber papers are also wonderful for scanning.

One on one with your printers?

Absolutely! Speak to your print producer about our rates or to schedule an appointment.

Can I come in to view my prints?

Of course! Speak to your print producer to schedule an appointment.

Can I mail in my negatives for prints?

Yes, you can mail us your negatives! We offer a $5-One-Way or $10-Round- Trip mailing service. Check out our mail-in form and more information on shipping and packaging your negatives.

Additional costs may apply for big quantities or large prints.

Do you ship internationally?

We do ship internationally! Additional duties and tax fees may apply.

What are your turnaround times?

Contact Sheets (already developed film):
1-2 days depending on quantities and/or in-house work volume.

Prints:
2 to 5 days depending on quantities and/or in-house work volume.


Other FAQs

Is the darkroom available for rental?

Sorry! We do not rent out our darkrooms.

Do you offer classes/workshops?

No, we do not offer any darkroom classes or workshops at this time.

Is there a student discount?

We do offer a 20% discount for students and teachers!

Do you sell Gift Certificates?

Yes! Contact us via phone or email for more information.