Frequently Asked Questions
film Scanning
What resolution do you scan negatives?
Negatives can be scanned in several different resolution options and delivered in either JPG or TIFF. For a complete breakdown of all available options as well as explanations of different specifications, please visit our Services page.
What film scanner do you use?
Most negatives are scanned on our Noritsu HS1800 scanner. The HS1800 is a top-tier scanner known for speed, sharpness, and color accuracy. Some negatives requested in Standard 6.5MP JPG or TIFF resolution may be scanned on our Noritsu S2 scanner.
How will I receive my scans?
If you selected email delivery, you’ll receive a download link via email. For USB orders, scans will be provided on a USB drive at pickup.
Can I ask for specific edits or adjustments to my scans?
Light adjustments are made to exposure, contrast, and color corrections during scanning. If you have a specific look in mind or want no adjustments at all, just let us know when dropping off. We do not offer Photoshop-level retouching.
We do provide TIFF scan options in 8-bit or 16-bit if you would like to receive files with more depth and flexibility to edit yourself later.
What is the turnaround time for scans and prints?
Standard turnaround time is typically 3-4 business days and depends on our current workload. You will be provided with a specific estimated completion date at time of drop off. Rush processing (same day or next day depending on time dropped off) is available for an additional fee (+50% of your order subtotal).
I was told my order would be completed by XYZ 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?
Any rolls submitted for scanning and/or printing that are entirely empty or overexposed will receive a partial refund as there are no images to scan or print. If your order included scans to be delivered via email and was paid for by card, this refund will be processed automatically. In all other situations, you will receive a partial refund at time of order pickup.
For partial refunds we refund the scanning and/or printing portion of your bill while retaining the amount normally billed for developing only. Developing negatives requires our time and resources, therefore even if your roll is empty, we must charge for it.
My roll was shot in half frame. Can you scan and print it?
Yes of course. Please mention this to our staff at time of order drop off. Half frame rolls have twice as many images and are more time consuming to scan. We charge a small additional fee for scanning as well as additional fees when adding a flat rate priced set of prints at drop off.
If you do not mention your rolls are half frame at time of drop off, we will place your order on hold and send you an invoice for the fee. This may result in an order delay depending on how long before the invoice is paid.
By default, we scan half frame rolls 1:1, meaning each frame is scanned individually. If you would like your scanned 2:1 (two adjacent images will be scanned as one frame), please specify this at time of drop off.
Scanning 2:1 will prevent us from more accurately making adjustments to each frame. Changes to exposure, contrast, etc that are made to images during scanning will apply equally to both images on the 2:1 scan which is why this option is not recommended.
Choosing 1:1 or 2:1 does not change the half frame surcharge fee.
Please review our pricing menu listed at the bottom of our Services page for exact and current pricing.
Printing Photos
What sizes can you print?
Adding a set of prints at drop off for our bundled/discounted price includes 4x6 images delivered on your choice of glossy or matte paper, available with or without white borders.
We offer reprints in sizes including 4x6, 5x7, 6x8, 8x10, and 8x12. Prints 5x7 and larger are available on matte paper with or without white borders.
Prices for specific sizes are listed within our print portal.
Can I print photos from my phone or other source? Can I order prints online?
You can place print orders online from any smart phone, tablet, or computer by using our print portal. We do not ship out prints - you will receive an email or SMS notification (if you opted in for this option at time of placing your order) when your prints are ready for pick up. Most print orders placed before 4:30pm will be ready for pick up within 1-2 hours.
We are not able to print anything emailed directly to us. You must use our online print portal.
Is there a print order minimum?
There is a $5.00 minimum on all print orders.
Can I develop first and then choose to scan? Can I just scan and then add prints?
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 price menu reflect a “bundle” price which is only available at time of drop off.
For example if you choose to develop only and then you 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 ~33% by adding prints right away compared to ordering reprints later.
Developing
Do you develop E-6 (slide film)?
We do not offer true E-6 processing at this time. However, we can develop your E-6 (slide) film using C-41 chemistry—a method known as cross-processing.
Cross-processing E-6 film in C-41 chemistry will result in color negative film instead of traditional color-positive transparencies (slides). This process produces unpredictable and often dramatic color shifts, increased contrast, and a more experimental, stylized look. While some photographers enjoy the unique aesthetic, it’s important to note that the results will differ significantly from standard slide film development.
If you're looking for accurate E-6 processing with natural colors and tones, we recommend sending your film to a dedicated E-6 lab.
Do you process disposable cameras?
Yes! Disposable cameras have a 35mm roll inside, therefore we can develop and scan disposable cameras just like any 35mm roll. Just drop it off like you would a regular roll.
passport Photos
Are appointments necessary for passport photos?
Appointments are not necessary - we take walk-ins from 9am - 6:30pm. Your passport photo is printed and ready within 3 minutes of your photo being taken.
What countries do you take passport photos for?
We can take your photo and provided printed and/or digital images of your passport image for United States (2”x2”) and European Union (3.5cmx4.5cm) countries. Canadian passports are not available at this moment, however we will be offering this option soon.
For any other countries, please give us a call to confirm: 718-389-1339
I have a digital passport photo, can you print it?
Please use our online interface to upload your passport photo and submit your print order. We are not able to print anything emailed directly to us. You must use the linked online interface.
Do you photograph babies for passport photos?
We are only able to photograph babies who are at least 3 months old. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions, as this policy is in place for both logistical and liability reasons. Your baby must have enough neck strength to support their head while seated upright for the photo. We appreciate your understanding.
Miscellaneous
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.
Do you repair cameras or camera equipment?
We do not provide any repair services. We recommend Photo Tech Repair Service
I lost my order ticket, can I still pick up my negatives and/or prints?
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 my negatives/prints/USB drive?
We hold on to all negatives and/or prints for 30 days from the day your order was completed. Due to limited space in our lab, we are very strict on securely disposing your orders exactly on the 30 day mark. 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. We are happy to hold on to negatives for longer at no extra charge if you inform us at time of order drop off or call us before the 30 day window closes.
Do you accept credit cards / Apple Pay / contactless payments?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and other contactless payment options. There is a 3.5% discount on all cash payments.
Are you open on holidays?
Please visit our holiday schedule to view what days are impacted by closure or different hours.
Do you accept film by mail?
Yes! Please use this page to start your mail-in order.