FAQ

Q: I have some film to send in but don't know exactly what I need. Can I call or email you first?

A: Yes, absolutely! Feel free to call or email us anytime with questions.
972-591-1758
contact@lonestardarkroom.com

Q: How long will it take to process and scan my film before it's mailed back?

A: Typical turn around time is 3-5 business days.

Q: Is it safe to mail film? What about X-Rays, scanners, and reliability?

A: Yes, it is perfectly safe to mail film. We encourage everyone to use a black marker and write on the package: Film, Do Not X-Ray

We have never had an issue with unprocessed film being mailed. So, send it to us in confidence!

Q: Do X-Ray machines at the airport effect film?

A: Yes, they do. While TSA says film up to 800 ASA is safe we HIGHLY recommend having any and all film hand checked. TSA is required to hand check film when asked to do so. We recommend putting all of your rolls/sheets of film in a clear plastic bag so it is organized and easy to see. Request a hand check from the agent BEFORE it goes through the scanner. They are only required to hand check the individual rolls. They are NOT required to hand check cameras, film inside a film-back, etc. If you bat your eyelashes and ask real nicely they may do it but they are not required to hand check those items.
Also, never ever place undeveloped film in your baggage! The baggage scanners will fry your film regardless of the ISO/ASA. Here is a contact sheet from a roll of film that went through the luggage scanner once:

It's extremely fogged. So, don't do it. Don't pack your film in your luggage. Bad photographer! Bad, Bad photographer!

Q: Does Film Size matter?

A: The most common film sizes these days are 35mm, 120, and 4x5. Other popular film sizes over the last half century have included 110, 126, 127, and ULF (Ultra Large Format), and many more.

A 35mm film camera that shoots full frame takes an image that measures 36mm x 24mm. This film has perforated edges so the camera can advance the film strip.

120 film is not 120mm. It is a format introduced by Kodak in 1901 with their Brownie camera line. Also referred to as Medium Format this film has common frame sizes of 6x4.5 (16 images per 120 roll), 6x6, (12 images per roll) 6x7 (10 images per roll), 6x9 (8 images per roll), and 6x12 (6 images per roll). Also popular was 220 film, which is simply double the length of 120.

4x5 film is 4" by 5" and considered the smallest of the Large Format types. This film stock comes in individual sheets and typically uses a bellows style camera.

8x10 and ULF film. Also referred to as Large Format and Ultra Large Format these sheet film sizes are popular for landscape photography and portrait work where extremely fine detail is required.

Q: What is the difference between B&W, C41, and E6 and how do I know based on my film?

A: Black and White film yields a greyscale image when scanned or printed. This type of film is perhaps the most forgiving in terms of exposure latitude and developing times.

C41 or CN-16 refer to the same chemical process for color negatives. Kodak's process is referred to as C-41 while Fuji developed CN-16; they are interchangeable in usage. Color negative film has a distinct orange tint when viewed under room or daylight but the tint is removed when printed.

E6 Slide Film is a color positive image. The E6 process yields a color image that can be properly viewed when held up to a light. There is little to no film grain with slide film and the detail is stunning!

Q: What is "Emulsion?"

A: Emulsion is the photo sensitive material of the film. It is, quite literally, the image on the film. The emulsion side appears slightly dull in comparison to the non-emulsion side, which is a bit more glossy.

Q: Is film good past the expiration date?

A: Yes, definitely! Well...usually. Sorta. It kind of depends. Assuming the film was stored in a cool, dark place it will last many years past the expiration date.

Q: What film scanners do you use?

A: We use Noritsu and Epson scanners.