Little things that matter:
We do many important things you might not notice, like using archival,
pure acetate and polypropylene film sleeves for film. Vinyl is cheaper, but
not archival, and you want the
best, right?
We'll do what it takes to earn your trust in film processing.
Just ask.
Why do
pro-film process prices sometimes increase?
Fewer photographers
now use film and processing volume has dropped precipitously.
We've cut costs where possible but we must maintain our professional standards for
the remaining film customers. With less film to
support the effort, our cost of providing these services is climbing.
Price increases simply
cover
a portion of the increased costs. We value your patronage and will continue to provide you with the high
quality you expect.
Normal
Turnaround and Rush Services
B&W and C-41 negative films
require 4 to 8 hours; add
additional time for contact
sheets.
E6 film processing
and clips tests usually take about 3 hours. Pushed or pulled film usually
takes longer.
We're happy to provide
rush or overtime services when required but some steps, like time in the processing
chemistry, simply cannot be hurried. We'll always do our best to help with your
deadlines.
Can I get
custom developer times for my B&W film?
YES. We'll work with you to
determine custom developer times. Once these times are determined, we will
develop all your film, at no extra charge, at the custom developing times.
What is a clip
test?
A clip test is a short
piece of film cut off a roll and processed. It can be processed normal or push
or pull. The balance of the roll is held, unprocessed, until the
customer has checked the exposure on the clip test. The balance can then be
pushed or pulled or run normal, as required to correct the exposure.
One frame is
normally cut through in a clip test. No, it is impossible to know where to cut
to avoid cutting through a frame!
What do
camera static marks look like on B&W film?
Static discharge is a cold or very dry weather problem that
can cause very small "puffs" of exposure on the film. They occur most
often at or near the film edge, at the drive sprockets, but may also extend
toward the center.
Static marks can happen anytime a camera (or film) is abnormally
cold, whether indoors or out. The marks are most common on B&W higher speed
films and are more common with consumer and advanced amateur model cameras.
Professional model cameras have fewer problems with static but any camera
can suffer under very cold, dry conditions.
The best solution is to keep
camera as warm as possible and not to use rapid film advance when a camera
or film is still cold. In the sample,
the camera had been in a cold car and hadn't yet warmed up.
Static Mark Pictures
What is
Q-Lab? Kodak invented E6 film and chemistry and
knows them best. Q-Lab is a premium E6 process-auditing
system begun in 1986. We're given special technical support and meet the
highest
standards of process control.
Chromatics is a
charter Q-Lab member and often runs special tests as a part of the
ongoing refinement of E6 process and films. We've earned our Q-Lab status as a
favored processing facility.
Slide
mounts: Cardboard or Plastic?
We offer Loersch
plastic and Seary cardboard mounts for general use. Both are
best-of-their-kind.
Loersch plastic mounts are
the most durable but require Sharpie
markers for labeling and are heavier to ship. Corners are square. Seary cardboard mounts are easier
to write on and lighter when shipping. Corners are rounded. Both have their proponents and the choice
is yours. Want to know more about mounts?
Choosing Mounts
Who can process obsolete film (E3, E4, C22, etc.) ?
Here are three possibilities, in alphabetical order:
1) Dwayne's Photo Service (Kansas City)
1-800-522-3940
2) Film Rescue (North Dakota) 1-800-329-8988
3) Prep Film Services (Michigan) 1-800-793-3456
