How to send us your films correctly

How to send us your films correctly

Table of Contents
    To ensure we can develop your films safely, cleanly and without delay, correct packaging and dispatch are extremely important. Please follow these steps:

    1. Order number – essential!

    Once you have completed your order in our webshop, you will receive an order number.
    • Write the order number clearly on the envelope or parcel
    • Also include a note with the order number inside the envelope or parcel with your films
    • If you want to make our job even easier: make a note of which films you have sent!
    Without an order number, processing will be delayed and, in the worst case, we may not be able to identify your films at all.

    2. Packing the films

    All films should be packaged in such a way that they can be transported safely, without any light getting in or causing mechanical damage:
    • Always pack films clean and dry
    • Provide shock protection where possible (e.g. a small box or padded envelope)
    • Do not send loose films in an envelope
    • During the wet season, send films in a freezer bag

    3. 120 / medium-format film

    Extra care is needed here:
    • The film must be rolled up tightly and stay that way
    • Secure it with a strip of tape to prevent the roll from unravelling
    This will help you avoid:
    • Light piping
    • Light leaks caused by the film unravelling
    • Damage during transport
    “Semi-open rolls” ruin photos.

    4. Include important details

    Please include a note with the following information:
    • Order number
    • Film type (e.g. Kodak Portra 400, Ilford HP5, etc.)
    • Push processing (e.g. +1, +2) (don’t forget to mark the rolls!)
    • Scan preferences (e.g. Standard / Flat / Full Border / Scanner type)
    • Add any special notes if necessary (e.g. “underexposed”, “experimental exposure”)
    IMPORTANT: We do not develop or process “souped film”! We will return these at your expense.

    The clearer your instructions are, the more accurately we can develop and scan your film.

    5. 4x5 large-format negatives – particularly important!

    Large-format film requires extra protection. The negatives are sensitive.

    Please pack them as follows:

    • Place each 4x5 negative in a light-tight, sturdy inner container (e.g. a black film sleeve, a light-tight bag or a black bag with multiple layers)

    • Then place this inner container inside a sturdy outer box
    • Very important: The packaging must clearly indicate that it contains large-format film, for example:
    “4x5 NEGATIVES – OPEN ONLY IN THE DARK”
    4x5 film is opened in complete darkness. If it is exposed to light at the wrong moment, the negatives will be immediately damaged or ruined.

    6. Please avoid

    • Loose rolls of film without protection
    • Missing order number
    • Missing information regarding push processing
    • Loose 120 rolls without a fixing solution
    • 4x5 film without light protection or labelling

     

    IN SHORT: The better you pack and label your film, the faster, safer and more accurately we can develop it. We also encourage the reuse of packaging.


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