Film Developing & Passport Photo FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our film developing, scanning, and passport photo services.
Film Scanning
What resolution do you scan negatives?
Negatives can be scanned in several different resolution options and delivered as JPG or TIFF. Standard scans are 6.5MP (3130 x 2075 px), with high-resolution options at 30.4MP (6774 x 4492 px) available. Details are available on our Film Developing & Scanning page.
What film scanner do you use?
Most negatives are scanned on the Noritsu HS1800 scanner, known for its speed, sharpness, and color accuracy. Some standard resolution scans may use the Noritsu S2.
How will I receive my scans?
Email delivery provides a download link to access your scans. USB orders include a USB drive available at pickup.
Can I ask for specific edits or adjustments?
Light adjustments occur during scanning. Custom requests should be noted at drop-off. We do not offer Photoshop-level retouching. TIFF options (8-bit or 16-bit) are available for personal editing.
What is the turnaround time?
Standard turnaround time is typically 4-6 business days, though this may be longer during peak seasons. Rush processing is available for an additional 50% fee; depending on what time you drop off your order and the size of your order, we are able to complete it same day the majority of the time. An estimated completion date will be provided at the time of drop-off or when mail-in orders arrive and are checked into our system.
I was told my order would be completed by a certain date, but I haven't received it yet.
First, please use the search feature in your inbox for any emails from us. In many cases, orders are completed early—often 1–2 days ahead of schedule—and customers occasionally miss our notification if they don't check their email regularly. Be sure to also check your spam or junk folder, just in case. The date on your order ticket is an estimated completion date. Orders are typically delivered by the end of that day, often even sooner. Please note that end of day is 7:00 PM. If you haven't received your scans by 7:00 PM on the scheduled date, feel free to give us a call at 718-389-1339 and we'll be happy to assist. Occasionally we experience issues with our machines or scanners that may lead to an order delay; when this happens, we call you to provide that information. Please make sure your voicemail box has been set up and is not full.
What happens if my roll is empty or overexposed?
Partial refunds are issued for empty or unusable rolls. Developing charges are retained since negatives require time and resources to process regardless of whether they are usable.
Why did I receive fewer scans than exposures?
Blank or completely underexposed frames are skipped during scanning to avoid delivering empty images.
My roll was shot in half frame. Can you scan and print it?
Yes, with notification at drop-off. Additional fees apply.
Important: If you do not mention your rolls are half-frame at drop-off, we will place your order on hold and send an invoice for the additional fee. This may delay your order depending on how quickly the invoice is paid.
1:1 scanning (default/recommended): Each half-frame image is scanned individually as a separate file. A 36-exposure roll yields up to 72 scans. This allows us to make accurate adjustments to each frame.
2:1 scanning (upon request): Two half-frame images are scanned together as one file, side-by-side as they appear on the negative. A 36-exposure roll yields up to 36 scans. Note: Exposure, contrast, and other adjustments will apply equally to both images, which may result in less optimal results.
Choosing 1:1 or 2:1 does not change the half frame surcharge fee. Half frame orders are more time consuming to scan regardless of 1:1 or 2:1 preference.
Printing Photos
What sizes can you print?
Drop-off bundles include 4x6 images on glossy or matte. Reprints are available in 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, and 8x12. See our Photo Printing page for details.
Can I print photos from my phone or order prints online?
Yes! Use our online print portal from any device. Important: We do not ship prints. All print orders are for in-store pickup only. Orders placed before 4:30 PM are typically ready within 1-2 hours.
Is there a print order minimum?
Yes, there is an $8.00 minimum on all print orders.
Can I develop first and then choose to scan?
Short answer: Yes, however it is more economical to bundle things together at time of drop off.
Long answer: You do have the option to break up your order this way, however the prices listed on page 1 of our reflect a "bundle" price which is only available at time of drop off.
For example, if you choose to develop only and then wish to add scans after reviewing your negatives, your scan order price will be calculated based on the pricing menu section titled "Scan Developed Negatives".
If you order scans without prints and then wish to order prints, you will no longer be eligible for our discounted flat rate price and must order prints via our print portal at per-image reprint prices. On an order of 2 sets of prints you save ~67% by adding prints right away compared to ordering reprints later.
Developing
Do you develop E-6 (slide film)?
True E-6 processing is not available. We can cross-process E-6 film in C-41 chemistry, which produces unpredictable and often dramatic color shifts and experimental aesthetics - not traditional slide results.
Do you process disposable cameras?
Yes! Disposable cameras contain a 35mm roll inside and process just like regular rolls.
Passport Photos
Are appointments necessary?
Appointments are not necessary - we take walk-in passport photos from 9am to 6:30pm. Photos are ready within 3 minutes. See our Passport & ID Photos page for tips on how to prepare.
Can I use an AI-edited or filtered photo for my passport?
No. As of January 2026, the State Department explicitly bans AI-generated, AI-enhanced, or digitally filtered passport photos. This includes beauty filters, skin smoothing, face-altering apps, and any AI-powered touch-ups. Photos must be unedited and taken by a real camera. Our professional passport photos are always compliant with current requirements. Read more in our 2026 passport photo requirements guide.
What countries do you take passport photos for?
United States (2"x2") and European Union (3.5cm x 4.5cm) are our standard options. We also offer photos for Canada, UK, and many other countries. Call 718-389-1339 for other country specifications or visit our Passport & ID Photos page.
Please note: We are unable to offer French passport photos at this time, as French regulations require a light gray or light blue backdrop. Our studio uses a white backdrop exclusively. While some customers have reported successful submissions using a white backdrop, we cannot guarantee acceptance and are not responsible for any rejections. Customers who choose to proceed with a white backdrop do so at their own discretion.
I have a digital passport photo, can you print it?
Use our online print portal to upload and submit orders. We cannot print photos sent via email.
Do you photograph babies for passport photos?
We only photograph babies at least 6 months old. We cannot make exceptions due to logistical and liability policies.
General
Do you sell cameras?
We only sell disposable and multi-use style film cameras like the Kodak M35. We do not sell traditional SLR film cameras or any digital cameras. We do however have a very wide assortment of color and black and white film, batteries, memory cards, USB drives, card readers, frames, albums, and other accessories. Check out our Products page for what we have in stock.
Do you repair cameras?
No, we do not offer camera repairs. We recommend Photo Tech Repair Service.
I lost my order ticket, can I still pick up?
Yes, however locating your order will take us longer than usual. Orders in our lab are stored first by category (how many rolls, type of scan [email or USB], and whether prints were added or not). The top left corner of your ticket might say something like 2E+P which would tell us it was an order with 2 rolls that were emailed and had prints included. Having this information will greatly expedite finding your order without a physical ticket. Customers without a ticket will also need to provide photo ID at time of pickup so that our staff can match the order name to your ID.
How long do I have to pick up?
We hold on to all negatives and/or prints for 30 days. Unless there was an order note to hold an order for longer, it is 100% guaranteed that orders not picked up will have been shredded/discarded.
Extended holds are available at no extra charge, but we must be informed within the 30-day window by calling the lab at 718-389-1339 during business hours.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and other contactless payment options. A 3.5% discount is available for cash payments.
Are you open on holidays?
Check our holiday schedule page for closures and modified hours.
Do you accept film by mail?
Yes! Visit our Mail-In Film Developing page to get started.