frequently asked questions
FAQ
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FOR ONLINE MAIL IN ORDERS
Choose a service, then fill out whatever options are applicable to what type of film processing you want. Once you pay and the checkout process is complete, print out your receipt so you can include it with your film when you ship it out to us. We will send you a confirmation email with our address so we can receive your film and start processing. Once your order is ready, We will send you a WeTransfer link with your scans.
If you are receiving film back, We will ship you your order via USPS Ground Advantage shipping with a tracking number
It is recommended you ship your film to us using a bubble mailer or small box and to use USPS Ground Advantage as it’s the most cost effective shipping service for small packages.
Please note. the buyer pays the shipping to get film to and from our lab. All orders shipped out are provided with a tracking number.
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We accept 35mm and 120 medium format film in C41, E6 Slide, and Black & White. That includes disposables! (Although there is a small fee to process them).
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Once your order is ready for pickup, We will send you our pickup address and our available hours via the email you provided. Once you receive it, please confirm the day and general time you are coming to pick up your order.
This applies to online checkout users as well who opt for local pickup.
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For C41, You should expect your order to be ready in 1-3 days after we receive your film.
For E6 Slide and Black & White. You should expect your order to be ready 6-9 days after we receive your film.
Follow our socials for updates as our turnaround time is subject to change.
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If a certain service is more labor intensive and time consuming, you will see it reflected in our prices. We aim to do this honestly and with transparency.
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If you are in anyway unhappy with your film scans, we would be more than happy to rescan them for you at no cost! Just reach out to us. (buyer pays for any postage for film going to and from our lab)
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When film ages, it loses sensitivity. This means that in order to get usable images from the canister, we need to develop it for slightly longer than usual. To do this, we have to process it separately from our customers typical, non-expired film. This slows down our workflow and requires additional time. It may also take a bit more time to color correct in-scanner.
Please note: Shooting on expired film is different from having already-exposed expired film developed. If you accounted for the film’s expiration when shooting (e.g., overexposed by 1–2 stops) and would like it processed normally, do not select the push/pull option at checkout.
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30 days, then they are recycled.
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We do not accept ‘Souped films’ as it can ruin our chemistry and damage our equipment. If souped film is sent, then a bill will be sent for the total cost of damages.
We do not accept ECN-2 film (respooled cinema film) as it adds another step to the developing process (remjet removal)
How can I tell if my film is respooled ECN-2 cinema film?
Typically respooled cine film with the remjet still on is usually sold very cheaply at discount , dollar stores and online (like suspiciously cheap!). If you suspect your off brand 35mm film still has the remjet then don’t send it.
If your film is one of the more well known 'typical' films like Kodak Ektar, Kodak Ultramax, Kodak Portra, Fujifilm Superia, etc, then you have nothing to worry about! These films were designed and meant to take photos with!
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Yes, but please give us the courtesy of messaging us beforehand. Failure in doing so will result in a refund and your film returned.
What are the differences between your 35mm scan resolution options?
Medium Quality JPG:
Great for social media! takes less space.
High Quality JPG:
Great for large prints and making minor adjustments.
High Quality Tiff:
This option is recommended for the advanced hobbyist and professionals alike. With the most freedom in editing, each image ranges from 50mb-60mb for Fujifilm frontier scans and 120-140mb for Noritsu scans. (the resolution for this option is the same as the High Quality JPG for both our Noritsu and Frontier scans)
Please note. If you choose the 35mm full frame border scan option or the Panoramic / X-pan scan option on your order, you will get high resolution TIFF scans by default. (unless you ask for a lower res JPG)
What are the differences between your 35mm frontier and noritsu scans?
Our Noritsu scans are characterized by their warm tones and flexible files that are perfect for editing (especially if you choose our TIFF option!).
Our Fujifilm Frontier scans are more cooler and contrasty. It’s considered an iconic look in film photography scene. the only minor downside is you do get less information in the files, so if you are looking to do some serious editing to your files, we might recommend you choose our Noritsu TIFF scan option.
As you begin to send more film in, It wouldn’t hurt to try both of our scan options! See what works for you and what you like! Maybe you might end of wanting a cooler Noritsu scan or a warmer Frontier scan. Experiment!
What about your medium format scanning options?
Medium format film is hand scanned with our Fujifilm Frontier SP3000. Delivering you scans that max out at around 12-19.5MP. The resolutions vary by film format (6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9,)
Here at Ambient Film Lab, We’re happy to offer full frame edge to edge border/ sprocket scanning for 35mm. With this option, you get 100% of all your frames and that sweet complete film border! It’s a little bit more work on our end, But the results are truly worth it. This service is available for all 35mm film chemistry types (C41,E6,B&W).
All scans by default are sent as TIFF’s (unless you ask for a lower res JPG) in a 3600 x 3600 resolution
This option is only available on our frontier scanner*
your full frame border / Sprocket scan option… what’s up with that?
Can you scan the film i shot with my 35mm panoramic camera?
Yes we can! Our Frontier and Noritsu scanners can both scan film shot with a panoramic camera. These include but are not limited to film shot with X-T1, X-Pan, Horizon, Widelux cameras. We can scan all chemistry types as well.
All scans by default are sent to you via WeTransfer as TIFF’s (unless you ask for a lower res JPG) in a 3600x1300 resolution image for Frontier, or a 10900x3980 resolution image for Noritsu. The resolution and file size is subject to change if the vertical resolution of your negatives is less or more.