Understanding Film and Video Processing Through Mail Services

Now that you have some photos, it’s time to process them. You may have your film developed at several different locations. You may need help choosing the most cost-effective shipping option or guaranteeing the safe arrival of your movie when you decide to send it to an online lab for processing. Read below to know more about film processing by mail

Can You Mail Undeveloped Film Without Worry?

You may send the undeveloped (or unexposed) film to a lab to be processed without worrying about it being lost in the mail. Remember that film will degrade if mailed by putting it into a hot mailbox. Most individuals fear that their mail will be lost or that X-rays may ruin their movie while it’s being sent.

Postal Worker Misplaces Film:

People worry that their films may go missing in transit very often. The moments and memories captured on film are priceless. Thus, this is a severe issue. But there are some precautions you can take while doing mail in film developing:

Put an Explicit Label On That Box: – 

Be careful to include the recipient’s and sender’s addresses on the package label. Everything that water could damage should be sealed with wrapping tape (bar codes excluded). In the unlikely event of a malfunction, your film will be returned to you.

Find Your Way: 

When you select a professional provider, you may rest easy knowing your film was sent to the lab without any problems, thanks to the tracking system. You’ll have options available to you in case of an emergency. Priority mail packages are insured for up to fifty dollars; you may purchase more coverage if required.

How can You send a film roll in the mail?

Sending a film roll to a lab for processing is similar to sending any other package. Each online film lab ordering system will open a new window or tab. Will vary a bit, but generally speaking, these are the steps involved in sending a roll of film to be developed:

  • Navigate to the lab’s homepage now.
  • Select the film type you wish to build from the list provided. 
  • Scan choices may be selected from the menu. You may be given the option to scan the results at specific laboratories. You may save costs here by scanning your negatives at home. Prints and more customizations are also available. (When you wish to yank or push your movie, for instance, it opens in a new tab instead of having your negatives trimmed)
  • To begin, pick the number of rolls you need to process and click the “Add to Cart” or equivalent option.
  • Once you are set to finish placing your purchase, click “Checkout” or a similar option.
  • You’ll need to pay postage when you need to mail your film to a lab. 
  • Put the label on a package or padded envelope (not a paper one) and send it out. 
  • Put the completed form, your money, and your film (all safely encased in a Ziploc bag) inside. 
  • Before putting the parcel in the mail or taking it to the post office, ensure it is securely taped.
  • Please put it in a mailbox or drop it off at the post office. Remove your film from direct sunlight and the hot mailbox to avoid picture degradation.

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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.

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.

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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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

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