Why Is My Film Taking So Long?

We do our best to complete every order as quickly as possible, but film developing is not a one-size-fits-all process. Some delays are caused by film type, age, format, damage, order size, scanning requirements, PhotoFlux work, prints, or missing information from the customer.

Many delays can be avoided by preparing your order carefully before mailing it to us.

Missing order information causes delays

Please include your name, email address, order number, and order details inside your package. Printing your receipt is best, but if you do not have a printer, a clearly written note is perfectly fine.

Your note should include:

Name
Email address
Order number
Developing option selected
Scanning option selected
Whether you ordered prints, PhotoFlux, flash drive, CD, or any other add-ons

When this information is missing, we have to stop and look up the order manually. A single lookup may not seem like much, but when multiple packages arrive without clear information, it can take a lot of time away from developing, scanning, and shipping film.

Different film types require different workflows

If your order contains multiple types of film, it may take longer than an order containing only one type.

Fresh C-41, expired C-41, ECN-2, black-and-white, E-6, C-22, Seattle FilmWorks, Kodachrome, APS, 110, 126, 120, and odd-size film can all require different handling. Some film is machine processed, some is hand processed, some needs special chemistry, and some needs extra preparation before it can even be developed.

Because of this, mixed orders are usually completed based on the slowest film type in the order, not the fastest.

We complete film in categories

We usually complete film in categories rather than finishing every mixed order one roll at a time. This allows us to keep the lab moving efficiently and prevents constant switching between chemistry, scanners, reels, formats, and workflows.

For example, if one order contains C-41, black-and-white, ECN-2, and E-6 film, each part of that order may need to wait for the correct processing category. C-41 may be completed quickly, but the black-and-white, ECN-2, and E-6 portions may be completed during different production blocks.

Because of this, mixed-process orders can add 4–6 weeks to the expected turnaround time, especially during busy periods.

Orders containing many different film types, many different black-and-white stocks, unusual formats, or several specialty processes may receive a lower production priority than simple orders because they require more setup time and are harder to complete in one efficient batch. If you have a required deadline, please include that information when placing your order so we can plan accordingly.

Large orders take longer

Our turnaround estimates are based on orders of up to 5 rolls. Larger orders naturally take more time.

A 1-roll or 2-roll order of common film can usually move through the lab much faster than a large mixed order. Orders with 25 or more rolls can take significantly longer because they can affect the entire lab schedule.

Large orders are generally worked into the queue as time allows unless you provide a specific required completion date when placing the order. If you have a deadline, please tell us before the film arrives.

Some formats need extra preparation

Certain formats require more handling before developing or scanning. Common examples include:

110
126
127
APS
120 / 220
620
122 / 124 and other odd sizes
Hand-rolled or respooled film

Some of these formats cannot be numbered or tracked in the same way as standard 35mm until after development, so we have to be extra careful with them. Others require special reels, custom handling, modified scanning methods, or extra setup time.

Older film requires more caution

Film shot before 2015 should be ordered using our expired film developing option. Older film often needs a different approach than fresh film, especially if it was stored warm, is heavily fogged, or is from an older process.

Very old film may need to be developed by hand, processed at a lower temperature, scanned differently, or restored through PhotoFlux. These steps take longer, but they also give the film a better chance than standard machine processing.

Some very old processes, such as C-22, Kodachrome K-12/K-14, Kodak 5247, Triple Print, and unusual film sizes, may take months rather than weeks because they require special handling and are worked into the rescue-lab schedule.

Challenging film may be paused for later handling

Some film requires a much higher level of time, testing, custom handling, or problem-solving than a normal order. This can include severely damaged film, unusual formats, unidentified film, very old film, badly fogged film, specialty rescue processes, or film that cannot be handled with our normal equipment.

When an order becomes unusually time-consuming or requires a custom solution, it may be set aside until we have the correct block of time, equipment setup, chemistry conditions, or scanning method available. These orders are not forgotten, but they cannot always move through the lab at the same pace as standard film. In some cases, there may not be a predictable completion date until we are able to properly evaluate the film and determine the best path forward.

Pushed C-41 film takes extra time

Fresh C-41 color film normally runs through our automatic processor. However, if your C-41 film needs push processing, it cannot be handled the same way as standard C-41.

Pushed C-41 requires special scheduling and may add extra time to the order.

Damaged film can slow down or prevent scanning

Some film arrives damaged before it ever reaches the lab. One of the most common causes is rewinding 35mm film without pressing the rewind release button, or forcing the camera advance after the roll has reached the end.

This can rip the film, tear sprockets, buckle the film, or break it inside the cartridge. Damaged film may be difficult to load, difficult to develop, or impossible to scan normally.

If your camera is manual, please make sure the film is rewound correctly before opening the camera or removing the roll.

Unlabeled film creates risk and delays

Most recently purchased 35mm film is easy to identify. Other formats are not always obvious.

If you are sending 120, 220, 127, 620, hand-rolled film, respooled film, bulk-loaded film, movie film, or anything old/unusual, please label it clearly. We cannot look at undeveloped film without risking damage.

If we do not know what the film is, we may have to process it as unknown film using our best judgment. That adds risk, adds time, and may reduce the chance of getting usable results.

Customer contact issues can pause an order

If there is a problem with your order and we need to contact you, your film may be paused until the issue is resolved. This can happen if the wrong service was ordered, the film is unidentified, the film type does not match the order, payment is missing, or we need approval before doing additional work.

If you are unsure about what to order, please contact us before mailing the film. It is much faster to clarify the order before the film arrives than after it is already in the lab.

Frequent status requests slow the lab down

We understand wanting updates, especially when the film is important. However, repeated status requests can slow down production for everyone.

Finding one specific order before it is complete may require stopping lab work, checking tracking notes, searching physical order boxes, and confirming where the film is in the workflow. During busy periods, this can take a surprising amount of time.

Please wait until your estimated turnaround time has passed before requesting a status update, unless your package just arrived and you are confirming delivery. This helps us spend more time completing orders and less time searching for orders that are still in progress.