Film Tips
Numbering Your Rolls
The simple step of numbering your rolls saves you time, keeps you organized and helps you see your scans sooner. Here's how: Your Order Moves Through the Lab Faster. When film is scanned chronologically, we see entire scenes at once. This means we ...
Push Processing and Pull Processing
Confused about Push/Pull Processing? You're not alone! This topic is the source of much confusion. Don't worry, we're breaking down everything you need to know to make the right decision when it comes to processing your film. First off, pushing and ...
Traveling with Film - CT Scanners
CT Scanners Can Ruin Unprocessed Film Some U.S. airports have new X-ray scanners at security check points called CT scanners. They're different from previous X-ray security scanners and you really need to avoid sending your film through them. CT ...
Single Use Cameras
There's something so nostalgic about the images you get from a single use (disposable) camera. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of these easy-to-use camera bodies: Get Close! While we're suckers for a good environmental shot, single use ...
Reference Images
Reference Images The Basics Reference images are 3-5 frames that exemplify your style in terms of: Skin tones Contrast Density (e.g. brightness) Saturation Our color technicians reference your reference images as they scan and color-check your film, ...
Noritsu Or Frontier
Both the Noritsu and the Frontier scanners are excellent tools to help you reach your vision! How do you choose which scanner you should use? Let's explore the strengths of each, so you can find the right one for your aesthetic and goals: Noritsu ...
Learning From Your Negatives
When shooting film, your negatives are your road map to understanding the relationship between your exposures and your scan results. Your negatives can also clue you in to common camera problems, like film flatness, or film stock issues, like base ...
Identifying Camera Issues with Exposure Reference Sheets
Our Exposure Reference Sheets are the feedback you've been waiting for, right in your inbox. They clearly show your exposures for each and every frame. But did you know you can also use them to identify camera issues? Below are some of the common ...
How to Use Box.com
You've sent us film—but how do you get your scans back? Simple! We deliver all your film scans via Box.com, an online file-sharing system that keeps your scans safe and secure! Here are 5 things you need to know when using Box.com: You Do Not Need to ...
How to Store Film
What's the best way to store both exposed and unexposed film? How can you keep your unshot film as fresh as possible and preserve the physical backup of your art for generations? We got you. Let's dive in! Keeping Film Fresh We all know film is ...
How to Read Light
What if we told you there was a simple way to ensure your clients are always in the best available light? Use this simple trick. Learning to read light is critical to the success of your photography, but it doesn't have to be complicated! All you ...
How to Make an Exposure Ramp
If you are new to film, transitioning to a new film stock or just haven't been happy with your exposures, we have a solution that will save you time, money and energy in achieving your ideal scans—exposure ramps. Exposure ramps help you learn a film ...
How Side-by-Sides Can Help You Hone in Your Film Scans
Art is subjective. While this is one of the beautiful things about photography, it is also one of the reasons why written feedback regarding your film scans can be tricky for even our expert color techs to decipher. So what is the best way to ...
Getting Started with 35mm
New to shooting film? 35mm film photography is one of the best ways to get started. It is both accessible and affordable. Here's how to get started with 35mm film in 5 steps. Step 1: Purchase a 35mm Camera. Good beginner 35mm cameras (like the Pentax ...
Film Speed and Grain
This film tip comes from Fujifilm and explores the relationship between film speed (ISO) and the appearance of grain: "Film 'grain' is the visible appearance of the silver halide particles within the exposed emulsion of processed film. "The amount of ...
Film Sizes and Formats
This tip comes from Fujifilm. There are three main characteristics that define film: Type, Speed and Format. Type The two basic film types are Negative and Reversal. Negative film, when exposed and developed, creates a transparent negative. Reversal ...
Exposure Triangle
This tip comes from ishootfujifilm.com. Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO work together to determine the exposure (overall lightness or darkness) and overall aesthetic of a photograph. The "Exposure Triangle" is a way ...
Dealing With Sun Flare
How do you deal with sun flare? While sun flare can lend a beautiful, warm look to your images, sometimes you don't want the lifted shadows, lack of contrast or slightly orange tint. To help combat sun flare, you can either use a lens hood or cup ...
Camera Repair Shops
Trusted Repair Shops Who can you turn to when your film camera breaks? Reliable repair shops can be hard to find! Here are some shops we've heard good things about from our film community: The Nimslo Guy Camera Doctor NYC Pro Camera
Tips for Tack-Sharp Images
Shoot Above f/2. Yes, apertures above f/2 and f/2.8 do exist—and they photograph on film beautifully! The smaller your aperture number, the smaller your depth of field. When shooting at f/2 or f/2.8, your depth of field is quite shallow. As such, ...
Tips for Consistent Metering
With so many sources of varying information out there, how do you decipher what the best metering technique is? After hundreds of thousands of rolls, we have learned that keeping it simple is your best bet for consistent, accurate exposures: Use a ...
Camera Manuals
Knowing your craft means knowing your gear. And what better way to truly know your gear than by reading your camera's manual? We know this tip may seem a bit obvious, but here's the thing—you can learn a lot from your manual! Do you know how to ...
Bracketing Mode
Who out there has accidentally switched their camera into bracketing mode? This is a hiccup we've see happen more times than we'd like, and it can lead to some major headaches. A job can be going along smoothly, exposures are perfect, when out of ...
Base Fog
What is Base Fog? OK, don’t freak out—all film has base fog. What?! Yep, it is called “film base plus fog” or “FB+F.” “Base” is the density of an unexposed, processed area of film. It is a section of the film that has been developed, yet never ...