
Is it possible to develop film in a darkroom?
Though it can be difficult to locate darkrooms to use, the process of developing film can be easily mastered in any dark space. Below, we explain how to develop film and how its technology can be used to capture fascinating images. Photograph by Ansel Adams. Sold for $5,000 via Sotheby’s (December 2014).
How long does it take for film to develop?
It’s vital to measure the temperature of your mixture to determine how long your film will need to develop. All film is different, and you can find developing times online or in the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, film needs 8–11 minutes to develop properly. You should see a lid on the uppermost part of your film tank.
How long will the darkroom store my photo album?
The Darkroom Film Ordering System (FOS) will store each photo album online 60 days for free and as part of your order. The 60 days is valid from the date the photos were uploaded.
Does the darkroom offer rush or expedited services?
The Darkroom does not offer rush or expedited services. Where Should I Buy Film? Although we don’t sell film, we can recommend a few places. For film reviews, check out our Film Index. Can I change my print order after I place it? Due to our automated print queuing and print nesting, print orders cannot be changed or canceled after being placed.

How long does it take to get a roll of film developed?
Disposable camera and 35mm film prints are available in as little as 7 to 10 days. All other types of film are usually ready in approximately three weeks.
How long should film take to develop?
But given all of the phases of production, an average Hollywood studio movie from beginning of development to the end of post-production typically takes around 4 to 5 years to produce.
Can you develop 20 year old film?
Yes. Old film doesn't go bad all at once – colors shift, contrast fades away, and fog builds up.
How long will undeveloped film last?
Most negative and movie films have an expiration date. This is typically about two years after the month of manufacture, which is actually a “best if used by” date. The older the film, the more unpredictable it will be in terms of quality. Another crucial factor that determines the outcome is how film is stored.
Which movie took the longest to make?
The Other Side of the Wind holds the record for a movie to be in production for the longest time. It was in production stage for 48 years (1970–2018).
How long does film take to develop at Walmart?
How long does it take to get film developed at Walmart? It takes up to 2 – 3 weeks to get your film developed at Walmart.
How do you know when rolled film is done?
If there is a white dot next to “1” , then the film has not yet been exposed. If there is a white half-circle next to “2”, then the film has been changed mid-roll and is ready to be reloaded into the camera. If there is a white “x” next to “3”, the film has been exposed and needs to be developed.
How long does it take to develop film at home?
The total process time it takes to develop your film should be around 5 minutes. You'll want to agitate your film gently. During the first 30 seconds of the development, you should agitate the film constantly to ensure that the film is soaked thoroughly into the chemicals.
Can I change my print order after I place it?
Due to our automated print queuing and print nesting, print orders cannot be changed or canceled after being placed.
Can old and expired film still be developed?
Yes. Old film doesn't go bad all at once - colors shift, contrast fades away, and fog builds up. Old film (~10+ years past the process date) will h...
Can you make prints and scans from my old film?
Yes, you can get prints or scans from your negatives! We support 35mm negatives or slides, 120/220, APS, 110 and 120 Format Film. We scan your film...
Can you Push or Pull Film?
Pushing ISO doubles every time you increase it 1 stop. So if the box speed is 400, then +1 stop would be 800, +2 stops would be 1600, +3 would be 3...
Can you return my roll film spools and backing paper?
If you would like a spool returned with your 120, 127, 620 film developing order, just let us know. You must request at time of processing. Note th...
Current Lab Status
Updated 6-28-2022 4:30PM PT This status will be updated as the situation dictates. The Darkroom is fully open and operational Temporary Service Adv...
DISCONTINUED Tape & Movie Transfer Services
Service Announcement March 15, 2021 We regret any inconvenience this announcement may cause, but The Darkroom has discontinued Video and Film Trans...
Do I get my negatives back? Quick answer... Yes, always!
Yes, of course, you always get your original film back with your order. Negatives are returned cut and sleeved. If you prefer your film uncut, plea...
Do you have a phone number I can call?
No—but please don’t misunderstand this as any lack of interest! We’d love to answer your questions. We know the decision to omit phone support is u...
Do you ship outside the U.S.?
Yes, we can ship to most countries via US Postal Service / Your local mail system or FedEx. If you are not in the US, it is best to order online. Y...
How long does it take for a film to dry in a darkroom?
If the darkroom you're in has a film dryer, hang the film up inside of it to speed up the drying time. With a dryer, it may only take the film 20 minutes to dry.
How to determine how long a film will develop?
Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the mixture. The temperature of the film developer and water mixture determines how long your film will need to develop for. Once you know the mixture's temperature, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your film to see how long it will need to develop.
What is a film reel?
The reel is what you’ll load the film onto once you take it out of the cassette. A film tank. A film tank is a sealable plastic container that you’ll develop the film negatives in. A cassette opener. You’ll use the cassette opener to open the film so you can load it on the reel.
How to make a film with water and developer?
Pour the mixture into the film tank and set a timer. Pull the uppermost plastic lid on the tank off to reveal the funnel-shaped hole underneath. Do not unscrew the larger lid that ’s sealing the tank shut. Pour the developer and water mixture directly into the hole in the lid. Once all of the mixture is in the tank, cover the hole with the plastic lid and immediately set a timer for however long the film needs to develop.
How to put reels in film tank?
Place the reel in the film tank. First, slide the tank’s detached core through the hole in the center of the reel. Then, place the reel flat in the bottom of the tank so the core is sticking up in the center. Cover the tank with the lid and tighten it into place by rotating it.
How to load a film reel?
To load the film, start by holding the reel in one hand and the end of the film in the other. Then, find the slit on the edge of the reel with your fingers and slide the film into it. Once the end of the film is secure on the reel, twist the side of the reel back and forth to wind the rest of the film onto it.
Why do you have to load film onto a reel in a dark room?
In order to develop the image on the film into a full photo, you have to carefully load the film onto a film reel in a dark room because light can easily damage and ruin the image on the sensitive film paper.
How to make a film for a movie?
Step 1: Materials and Set Up. The first step in preparing to develop film is to set up your workspace and gather all materials required. Do this before turning the lights off since you’ll need complete darkness once the development process begins. You’ll need the following materials:
When was photography invented?
Photography as we understand it today developed in the early 1800s. Inventor Nicéphore Niépce used a portable camera obscura to expose a pewter plate coated with bitumen—also known as asphalt—to light. He called the process heliography which translates to “sun drawing,” and this became the first recorded image that didn’t fade quickly. Niépce’s success led to a series of other experiments that aided in photography’s rapid progression.
How to load film on reel?
To load the film onto the reel, begin by finding the slit on the edge of the reel and slide the film into it. Once secure, twist the side of the reel back and forth to wind the rest of the film. You’ll know it’s finished when all the film is securely wrapped around the reel.
How to open a film cassette?
To open the film cassette, hook the edge of the lid under the cassette opener, then bend it to the side until the lid pops off.
What is a camera obscura?
A camera obscura was a dark chamber or room with a tiny hole in the wall to admit light, where images of objects outside the room were projected on the opposite wall from the passing rays. Later in the future, a lens was utilized in place of the hole to produce brighter, clearer images.
Why do artists use film photography?
Artists have used film photography to capture powerful images for decades, from documenting social injustices to exploring the human form. Below are just five of the most influential film photographers whose work is widely collected in the market today.
When was the first digital camera invented?
In 1975 , Steven Sasson invented the world’s first digital camera, opening up a world of potential and technological convenience for photographers. Though analog photography—photography that uses a progressively changing recording medium that is either chemical process based or electronic—took a backseat with the rise of the Digital Age, a renewed interest in the vintage process has since emerged. From documentary photography to fine art, the process of developing film in darkrooms is a seminal part of the photographic experience.
How to change the look of a film?
Pushing and pulling will change the look of the film. Pushing is good for lowlight situations – it will add contrast and often make the grain more noticeable. Pulling will take away contrast giving you better detail in your shadows and will make grain less noticeable.
How long does it take to ship a movie?
Most orders are shipped within 3-12 business days after it enters production. We are located in Southern California, so mail takes 2-5 days to reach us from almost anywhere in the country. More details on film developing turn-around time.
What happens if you submit a roll to us and it produces no images?
If you submit a roll to us and it produces no images, we will issue a voucher for future processing at no charge, less shipping. Please note that “Develop Only” rolls or sheet film orders are not eligible.
How to make sure film is advancing?
If you know you’re shooting the right speed film in the right lighting conditions and your shutter is working fine, your film may not be advancing within the camera. To make sure your film is advancing within the camera when the back door is closed, simply locate the rewind crank on your camera and watch it as you turn the advance wheel. The rewind crank should spin as you advance the film.
What happens if you submit a film to us that we are unable to develop?
If you submit a type of film to us that we are unable to develop, (Kodachrome, Triple Print, damaged rolls, etc.) we will return the film and you will not be charged for developing.
What shipping company does irreplaceable film use?
For irreplaceable film, some customers prefer to use FedEx or UPS to ship to us. See additional information here.
Can you return a spool with a 120 127 620 film?
If you would like a spool returned with your 120, 127, 620 film developing order, just let us know. You must request at time of processing. Note that the spool returned will be a similar type, but not your exact original.
