Film Developing FAQs

Contact Photo is a professional film lab in Brooklyn specializing in mail-in film developing and scanning for 35mm, 120 medium format, disposable cameras, black & white, C-41 color, and E-6 slide film. Whether you're local to NYC or mailing film from anywhere in the U.S., our experienced technicians hand-inspect every roll to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Have questions about film processing? Whether you're mailing film from across the country or dropping it off at our Brooklyn lab, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

📬 Can I Mail You My Film?

Absolutely! We offer professional mail-in film developing for photographers throughout the United States.

Every order includes a FREE USPS shipping label, and qualifying orders also receive free return shipping.

Mail your film to:
Contact Photo
117 Grattan St #108
Brooklyn, NY 11237

📍 Can I Drop Off My Film?

Yes! You're welcome to drop off your film during business hours.

Contact Photo
51 Porter Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11237

We're conveniently located near the Morgan Ave. and Jefferson St. L train stations.

⏱ What Is Your Turnaround Time?
  • C-41 Color Film: 2–3 business days
  • Black & White Film: 2–3 business days
  • E-6 Slide Film: 5–7 business days
  • Imacon & Drum Scans: 2–3 business days
  • Fine Art Printing: 2–3 business days

Rush processing is available for select services.

Please note that turnaround times may increase during holidays or periods of unusually high order volume.

🚀 Can You Rush My Order?

Yes! Rush processing is available for C-41 and Black & White film development and scanning.

Rush orders are typically completed within 1 business day.

Rush fee: $5-$10 per roll.

📸 What Size Are My Scans?
  • Standard JPEG
    Up to 3000 × 2000 pixels (great for sharing online and prints up to approximately 6×9")
  • High Resolution JPEG (+$5)
    Up to 6000 × 4000 pixels (ideal for prints up to approximately 12×18")
  • TIFF Files (+$1)
    8-bit TIFF at up to 6000 × 4000 pixels with greater editing flexibility.
🎨 Do You Color Correct My Scans?

Yes.

Every roll is individually reviewed by one of our technicians. While our scanners automatically interpret the film negative, every scan is manually adjusted for neutral color balance, accurate skin tones, exposure, and overall image quality.

🎞 What Types of Film Do You Develop?

We process:

  • 35mm Film
  • 120 Medium Format Film
  • Large Format Sheet Film
  • Disposable Cameras
  • 110 Film
  • APS (Advantix) Film
  • C-41 Color Negative Film
  • Black & White Film
  • E-6 Slide Film

We do not currently process ECN-2 motion picture film.

🎞 Can You Push or Pull Process Film?

Yes. We offer push and pull processing for both 35mm and 120 film.

When placing your order, simply select the appropriate push or pull option. If some rolls require different processing than others, please package and label them separately.

📅 Can You Develop Old or Expired Film?

Yes.

We regularly develop expired color, black & white, and slide film. Since storage conditions vary, results can be unpredictable and image quality cannot be guaranteed. Pushing is recommended.

📦 What's the Best Way to Mail My Film?
  • Use a padded 6×9 mailer.
  • Include your order number, name, and contact information.
  • Place your film inside a resealable plastic bag.
  • Please avoid requiring a signature upon delivery.
🗄 Do You Return My Negatives?

Absolutely. Your negatives are your originals, and we highly recommend keeping them.

You can either:

  • Pick them up at our Brooklyn lab.
  • Select Return Negatives during checkout for $8.95.

Negatives are stored for 30 days unless other arrangements have been made.

💾 How Long Will My Scans Be Available?

Your scans are hosted for a minimum of 60 days. We recommend downloading your files shortly after delivery.

🖼 How Do I Order Prints?

We offer:

  • Archival Fine Art Inkjet Prints
  • Digital C-Prints
  • Traditional Darkroom Prints
  • Mini-Lab Prints

Typical turnaround is 2–3 business days.

🔬 What Equipment Do You Use?

Our lab uses professional scanning equipment including:

  • Noritsu HS-1800
  • Noritsu LS-1100
  • Hasselblad Imacon 949
  • Creo EverSmart Supreme Drum Scanner
❓What Happens If My Roll Is Blank?

Occasionally a roll may come back blank due to a camera or exposure issue rather than the development process.

Common causes include:

  • The film never advanced through the camera.
  • The film was accidentally rewound before being exposed.
  • The camera experienced a mechanical malfunction.
  • The roll was never exposed.

If we notice anything unusual during processing, we'll let you know whenever possible.

🕒 What Are Your Hours?

Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Where Are You Located?

Contact Photo
51 Porter Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11237

📄 Return Policy & Limitation of Liability

All sales are final.

By submitting film, prints, slides, negatives, or digital media for processing, scanning, printing, storage, or related services, you agree that Contact Photo's liability for lost or damaged media is limited to replacement with equivalent unexposed media or a refund of the amount paid for the affected service.

We are not liable for incidental or consequential damages, including unauthorized access to or misuse of digital files by third parties.