Common Issues with Mail-In Film Developing and How to Resolve Them

A vital part of photography is shipping film for development. Select a reliable lab that treats your film roll carefully and employs top-notch equipment. Reputable labs will ensure that your film doesn’t get damaged or lost during the mail in photo developing process. They employ skilled technicians who handle it with care and have a solid tracking and return system.

Package your film correctly.

Packaging of 35mm film: When shipping your film during development, you must package it appropriately to avoid exposure and possible damage to your images. Before shipping your 35mm film to the lab for development, you must put it into the plastic film pot. Make sure it is coiled back into the canister first. Sometimes, there is minor piping, but it can be better to wind in individual rolls. Mainly when using hand-rolled film.

Packaging of 120mm film: Handling medium-size film is difficult as it is not packaged in a metal canister. You must firmly fasten your film to prevent unintentional exposure. In addition to the label or tab you typically use to seal 120 films, you can use tin foil, tape, or rubber bands for security. A light touch with the film might contaminate your images if the roll breaks free.

Disposable cameras: Securely wrap your disposable camera and deliver it to the lab for development. The professionals may securely remove the film. They will develop it to serve you using Analog Wonderland boxes. Film must be kept in a canister or protective sleeve to avoid damage during travel. For more protection, the film must be put into a padded box or envelope.

Labeling before sending

Put your name, lab card with the required instructions, and order number inside your mail in film developing package. You can give special instructions in the notes box when placing your purchase if you keep them for processing your film. Lastly, firmly seal the parcel, affix the postage label, and snap a picture.

Drop in

If using the post makes you nervous, you may drop the film straight into your lab. The same guidelines apply.

  • However, please ensure that your film is tightly wrapped.
  • Your package includes an order reference and any pertinent development instructions.
  • Provide the lab with explicit instructions when shipping your film during development, along with any unique requests or preferences you may have.
  • You may request the kind of film to be used, the desired saturation or contrast, or any special features you would want to have performed.
  • Giving precise directions can make it easier for the lab to comprehend your goals and produce the outcomes.

Monitor your film’s development and delivery time.

It’s critical to keep an eye on the status and delivery of your film when submitting it for development.

  • You can when to anticipate your images and take appropriate action if there are any problems or delays.
  • Keep this information close at hand.
  • Make frequent checks of the tracking code or notification system that most allow you to track the progress of your film.
  • Give the lab your contact details so they may contact you with any queries or problems with your purchase.

To summarize, submitting your film to be developed begins with trust and selecting a lab that shares your vision. Because light is the movie’s enemy, secure packing is crucial. Make sure the film is wrapped tightly during transit.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bot: My name is GEL-Bot! Nice to meet you. How can I help you today? Here are some types of questions you can ask me:

Do you return negatives to me? Can you develop single-use disposable cameras? How should I prepare my package?

FAQContact Us

CHAT

0
Your Order
Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop

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.

Print With Gelatin Labs

Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you via email with a link for you to upload your images.
Print Form

Please choose your print size(s):

Finish Preference

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

Body text for more information. Body text for more information.

4x6 inch

Body text for more information. Body text for more information.

Start Your Film Order

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

Contact Sheet