What is the difference between 35mm, 120, 110, and APS film?

They are different formats/sizes. The camera type dictates the film size that is used in the specific camera.• 35mm: Most common. Works in point-and-shoot and SLR cameras.• 120 (Medium Format): Larger negatives = higher image quality. Used in professional cameras.• 110: "Pocket Instamatic" film. No longer manufactured.• APS: (Advanced Photo System; Fuji Nexia) cartridge film with developed negatives returned in the cartridge.

How do I know what kind of film I have?

Check the canister for markings. Still unsure? Bring it in — we’ll help you figure it out.

Will I get digital scans, prints, or both?

It's up to you! Our pricing is structured to make it easy to add a set of prints to your order. There's nothing quite like a print from film, so we always recommend both. We produce just about any size print up to 40x60" in size and on a variety of archival paper and media options.

Will you correct color and exposure? Or do you scan film “as-is”?

We do a general color and density enhancement on all scans to ensure your images look their best.

What is the process and payment method for mailing in film?

Mailing in film is the same as in store film drop off except at check out you select "mail in" instead of "in store". You are then presented a payment page to complete your transaction.

How is developed film shipped back to me and what shipping options are available?

Developed negatives and prints are shipped back via USPS Mail.

Can film be pushed or pulled during development, and for which types?

We do offer push/pull service as on option for B&W and C-41.

Is cross-processing offered for film?

You can request that we process your E-6 film in the C-41 (negative) chemical process, or that your C-41 film be processed in the E-6 (Reversal) chemical process. Please contact us via phone or email to inquire further about our cross process services.

What could cause faint images, poor color or grainy photos on my negatives?

Faint images can be caused by many factors including the camera's metering system being out of calibration, film exceeding the expiration date, film left in a hot car, and improper settings when photographing. Color film usually performs best when shot at half of the suggest ISO/ASA rating. Poor color can be caused by improper film choice (shooting "professional film" which is intended for studio work and made to lessen contrast) when an armature film will add contrast and color definition, old or expired film, and film exposed to excessive heat. Grainy film usually is underexposed by the photographer either by accident, or by a camera needing the exposure meter calibrated. High ISO/ASA film can also give a grainy effect. If hand developing film, excessive agitation during the process will also cause excessive grain.

What causes vertical or horizontal reddish or yellow bands on negatives?

Reddish bands on your images is usually caused by the foam seals on your cameras back door being degraded. Most 35mm cameras come from the 1980s, making them around 45 years old. Foam material used by most manufactures of cameras will turn sticky and fall off of the camera in time, allowing daylight to expose your film when in the camera causing the reddish streaks.

What happens to blank film after processing?

Whether or not to have the film (negatives) returned to you, is an option when placing the order. If the film is blank, you will be notified via email, but negs will only be returned if that option is selected at time of ordering.

What happens if my roll doesn’t turn out or has very few images?

The development/scanning process is identical whether the film has 1 image or 36 images, so the time spent by our lab team is the same. A partial refund is only given if the film is totally blank and the scanning process can be skipped.

Why might pictures on my negatives overlap or be too far apart?

Images too far apart or too close/overlapped are caused by a problem with the cameras advance system. Have your camera checked by a repair technician.

How will my digital scans be delivered?

If you purchase digital scans, they will be uploaded to a personal gallery in your account, where you can download the images or order prints.

Is film development refundable if my roll is blank?

The development/scanning process is identical whether the film has 1 image or 36 images, so the time spent by our lab team is the same. A partial refund is only given if the film is totally blank and the scanning process can be skipped.

Archiving Services

Our professional archiving and scanning services ensure your most cherished photos, slides, and documents are safely digitized for future generations. We handle every item with care, providing high-quality digital copies that are easy to share, store, and enjoy.

Photo Scanning

Treasured prints and documents are professionally scanned and converted to quality JPG files that are easily stored, shared and printed.

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Slide Scanning

Converting slides to digital media preserves them from fading or damage and makes them easy to view and share without a slide projector.

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Photo Restorations

Professional photo restoration revives faded or damaged images by digitally repairing scratches, tears, and discoloration, and removing unwanted elements.

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VHS & Tapes

Video tapes are carefully transferred in-house, ensuring originals stay safe during conversion. Each tape is fully captured and delivered as a USB, DVD, or digital download.

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Movie Film Reels

Movie reels in 8 mm, 16 mm, and Super 8 formats are cleaned and digitized using high-resolution organic LED scanning. You receive modern digital video files.

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Audio

Digitizing cassette tapes and LP records preserves aging audio and makes it easy to enjoy, share, and securely store for the future, ensuring memories and music are never lost.

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What is archiving?

Archiving is the process of preserving, organizing and protecting something precious. In our case, it applies to printed photos, video moments and home movies. In other words – your precious family legacy.

What’s your photo management strategy?

Make a plan for your story. How do you plan to preserve all the meaningful events in your life? If you don’t have one, don’t worry. We provide tools, training and assistance so you can tell your story for generations to come. We’ll pair your lifestyle needs with the right photo management solutions, making it easy to keep up with your collection as it grows. Archiving is an important but never-ending process, and it’s just as important to preserve the past as it is the present.

Getting Organized.

Start by gathering photos and media from your own home, along with items family members may have in their possession.

View Anywhere on Any Device.

Once digitized, access and view your digital files and videos on mobile devices, computers and smart TVs from anywhere in the world.

Five awesome reasons to archive:

No family battles. Once your memorabilia is digitized, each and every family member can have their very own digital copy of the files. This is especially helpful in the case of a divorce or death in the family.
No more clutter. Storing a USB drive, DVD or digital cloud version of your memories takes far less space in your home.
Pass it on. Many people choose to order multiple copies of their digitized images for each of their children, grandchildren or extended family. Have this in mind when you drop off your memorabilia.
Peace of mind. Aging photo albums, boxes of prints and home movies are at risk for deterioration, misplacement and destruction in their current state. Archiving is also insurance for loss due to water damage, fire and otherenvironmental hazard.
Convenience. Avoid digging through closets and flipping through albums looking for a single photo. Digitized images and videos are easily searchable.

How it works:

Drop off your printed memorabilia to be scanned and digitized at our facility.
A few days later – return to pick up your digital storage device (DVD, USB drive, external drive, etc.), which will contain the newly digitized files.
Your memorabilia is cared for by our trained archiving experts, who will treat your materials with the utmost care.
Your items never leave our property or get shipped away.
All original items are returned to you after the process is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my original photos, tapes, and memorabilia after begin transferred to digital media?

Your originals will always be returned to you. However, it may not be necessary to continue storing the originals in their physical state. If you have multiple safe and proven backups of the newly digitized files – you can likely get rid of original media taking up space in your home.
My files are digitized on a USB drive. Is that the best place to store the files permanently?

No. Any device we provide should not be considered permanent storage. Immediately copy your digital files to multiple secure locations. One example of this is on a shared cloud account, on a trusted computer, and with a family member. Label the thumb drive/DVD with the year or subject matter before storing it in a safe place. Keep one copy of the files off-site in case of fire or environmental catastrophe.
I have SO MANY photos that need digitizing! How can I reduce the number?

Save money by curating your collection ahead of time. Only keep the very best photos. Be quick and decisive when choosing what to eliminate. Eliminate duplicate or similar shots of the same event. Toss prints with poor lighting, blurry focus, or insignificant subject matter.

For more information, please contact us.