News & guides
Articles from the lab
Guides, lab notes, product knowledge, and announcements written for analog photographers.
Why do my scans look grainy or color-shifted?
Grain is film's nature - amplified by high ISO, pushing, and underexposure. Color shifts usually come from expiry, poor storage, or thin exposure.
What is the difference between negative and reversal (slide) film?
Negatives record inverted tones and are forgiving of exposure errors; reversal film develops straight into a vivid positive but demands precise exposure.
Will airport X-rays fog my film?
Traditional carry-on X-rays barely affect slower films, but the newer CT scanners can damage film in a single pass. Ask for a hand check.
How should I store film? Can I still shoot expired film?
Keep unused film in the fridge, or the freezer for long-term storage; develop exposed rolls promptly. Expired film works but loses speed and shifts color.
Can I get already-developed film scanned only?
Yes - just pick "Scan only" on the order page. Perfect for digitizing old negatives; your film is always returned.
What is the difference between C41, E6, B&W, and ECN-2 processing? Which does my film need?
C41 = color negative, E6 = reversal (slide), B&W = black-and-white negative, ECN-2 = cinema film. Check the film box or cassette markings.
What are push and pull development?
Compensating in development for film that was shot at a different ISO - e.g. ISO 400 film exposed at 800 or 1600 needs a push.
How do I choose a scan resolution (10MP / 24MP / 60MP)?
10MP for screens and social media, 24MP if you also print, 60MP for big enlargements, heavy cropping, or archiving.
What is the orange mask on color negative film, and why is it removed when digitizing?
The overall orange tint on color negatives is a built-in color-correction layer. Scanning must cancel it out before inverting to recover the true colors.
What is the difference between RAW and JPG scans? Which should I choose?
JPG is a finished, ready-to-view file; RAW is editing material for people who want to grade the colors themselves. When in doubt, JPG is plenty.
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