Choosing the right film for your needs

Film photography offers a unique look and feel that cannot be replicated with digital photography. But in order to achieve the desired look, it is important to choose the right film for your needs. With a variety of film stocks available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss some factors to consider when choosing the right film and film processing labs for your needs.

Film Formats

Film photography comes in various formats such as 35mm, medium format, and large format. 35mm film is the most common format and can be easily found in stores. Medium format and large format films produce higher quality images but are more expensive and require specialized equipment.

Film Speed

Film speed, also known as ISO or ASA, refers to the sensitivity of the film to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the film is to light, making it easier to shoot in low light conditions. However, high ISO films also produce more grain, which may not be desirable for certain types of photography such as portraits. A lower ISO film will produce a smoother, less grainy image but requires more light to capture an image.

Film Type

There are several types of films available including black and white, color negative, and color positive (also known as slide film). Each type of film produces a different look and requires different processing techniques.

Black and White Film

Black and white film produces a classic, timeless look. It is often preferred for portraits, street photography, and landscapes. Black and white film can be processed in a darkroom or lab, allowing for a high degree of creative control.

Color Negative Film

Color negative film, also known as C-41, produces a color image with a wide range of tones. It is often used for everyday photography, such as family events and travel. Color negative film can be processed at any lab that offers color film processing.

Color Positive Film

Color positive film, also known as slide film, produces vibrant, saturated colors. It is often used for landscapes and travel photography. Slide film requires specialized processing and is often more expensive than color negative film.

Specialty Films

There are also specialty films available such as infrared, high contrast, and cross-processing films. These films produce unique and creative looks but require specialized knowledge and processing techniques.

Budget

Another factor to consider when choosing the right film is your budget. Some films are more expensive than others, and the cost of processing can also vary. It is important to consider the cost of film and processing when selecting the right film for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right film or film processing labs for your needs is an important part of the film photography process. Factors such as film format, speed, type, and budget should all be considered when selecting the right film for your needs. By carefully selecting the right film, you can achieve the desired look and feel for your images and create lasting memories. The tactile experience of handling film and working with chemicals to produce an image can be therapeutic and calming for many photographers.

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How do I drop off my film?

1. Place your film order on gelatinlabs.com – select ‘Return Shipping’ at checkout’ to get negatives returned (and prints, if you ordered them).

2. Envelopes for your order are provided over the counter. Write your name and order number, and load film rolls inside.

3. Hand over your envelope to a Knickerbocker team member.

Your film will head to Gelatin Labs every Monday and Thursday!

How do I drop-off my film?

1. Place your film order on gelatinlabs.com – select ‘Ship Negatives’ to get negatives returned (and prints, if you ordered them).

2. Our box is located near the exit of the coffee shop. Take an envelope (or your own ziploc), bag up your film, and write your order number. Your film will head to Gelatin Labs!

How do I drop-off my film?

1. At the front entrance, buzz in to be let inside.

2. The Gelatin drop-off box is directly across from the front desk. Place your order via the QR code on the box. Select ‘Ship Negatives’ to get negatives (and prints, if you ordered them) returned.

3. Take an envelope (or your own ziploc) from the front desk, bag up your film, and write your order number. Your film will head to Gelatin Labs!

Turnarounds

At Gelatin Labs, quality is our main priority for every order. Our team keeps film moving through the lab as efficiently as possible, but estimates are not guaranteed. 

Current FLEXIBLE TURNAROUND Estimates:

Order size and options chosen affect turnaround time.

Small orders (3 rolls or less) with fewer options (up to Pro Level scans) take less time. Larger orders (4 rolls or more) with more options (including SuperPro scans) will take longer.

For same to next business day, guaranteed timelines, use our Fast Pass ⚡️ service.

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It’s Time To Get Printing!

Whatever type of work you create, the Gelatin Labs Print Upload will render beautiful, archival prints that will enable you to bring your art off of your screen and into the realm of physical existence. The process is simple: select your print size, upload your images, and pick from three distinct finishes!

8x10 inch

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4x6 inch

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Welcome to Gelatin Labs, your trusted partner for all your film photography needs! We recognize that each photographer has their unique preferences, which is why we are excited to introduce two remarkable options to cater to your individual needs: Simplified and Customized.

Simplified

DEVELOP + SCAN • PRINT

  • Streamlined options for quick checkout
  • Choose the look & feel of your images
  • Less options for an uncomplicated experience

Customized

DEVELOP • SCAN • PRINT

  • Expanded customization for film types, options, services
  • Upgrade to SuperPro hi-res scans
  • More options for the more advanced user

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