Old Movie Film Developing Information
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Old Movie Film Developing Information |
| Processing |
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Motion picture film is processed in regularly scheduled runs and all processing is done in-house. Deadline for each run can be found in our Turn Around Time section. We are able to process all types of old small format (16 mm and smaller) motion picture film. There are three primary types of these films. Each requires different handling and each is unique as far as the result you can expect. The brand and age of film, correct exposure and proper storage conditions will all affect the outcome as well. A brief explanation of the three types of film follows. |
| Home Movie Transfers |
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For information on transferring previously developed film to dvd or transferring video to dvd see our Scans, Reprints and Movie Transfers section |
| Types of Motion Picture Film & Average Results | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kodak Ektachrome, Agfa Moviechrome or Similar Dye Incorporated Color Films. With these films the dye is part of the film emulsion and it is still possible to process these films into color images. Though our success with this type of film is generally 90% - 95%, they are likely to turn out faded and color shifted from age. For this reason, we recommend that you not only have us process the film but also allow us to transfer it to dvd. During transfer the color and density will be corrected as well as possible. In some instances, based on our experience with certain dye incorporated films (e.g. Ansco and Focal brand) we advise processing them as B&W negative to improve the chances of salvaging something (see item 2 below). Kodak Kodachrome, Agfachrome, Anscochrome, Fujichrome or Similar Non-dye Incorporated Color Films. With this type of film, the color dye is not part of the film emulsion and it is no longer possible to have it processed into color images because the required chemistry is no longer available. This film must be processed into a B&W negative and then transferred to video so that you can view the image in positive. Our success with this type of film is lower than with the Ektachrome type. For Super 8 format, the overall success rate is around 80%; for regular 8 (which is most often older film) the success rate is around 50% - 60%. The image quality ranges from fairly good to extremely poor; most often the quality is fair to very poor. If there is absolutely no image on your film, it will not be transferred and a partial refund will be made. If we are able to make out any kind of image at all on your film, regardless of quality or quantity, it will be transferred and the usual price will be charged. Most small format B&W motion picture film that we receive in for processing was intended to be processed into a positive image. If your film is less than twenty years old or so, we can refer you to a motion picture lab that is able to process your film into a positive. If it is older than this, we recommend that it be processed into a B&W negative (see item 2 above). This is a higher contrast process, which is beneficial when dealing with very old film. Like non-dye incorporated color films, the film is then transferred onto video so that you are able to view it properly. If there is absolutely no image on your film it will not be transferred and a partial refund will be made. If we are able to make out anything at all on your film, regardless of quality or quantity, it will be transferred and the usual price will be charged.
If we are unable to salvage any kind of image at all from your 8mm film (any format) or 16mm magazine format film, there is a charge of $25 or per roll, less the volume discount if applicable. If we are unable to salvage any kind of image at all from your 16mm roll format film you will be charged the usual "process only" price, less volume discount if applicable. If your motion film yields no salvageable image and you want to save the return Shipping and Handling charge, please indicate on our order form that you do not require the film back if processing is unsuccessful. Due to the likelihood of breakage in the processor we will no longer process shrunken or extremely damaged film. If your film smells rancid, appears puckered or the film can is rusted shut, we will not risk developing it. Film will be returned at customer's expense. Most Moviechrome films (Agfa, Ansco, Boots) will have residual carbon backing which, due to age, has become difficult to remove during processing and these films require rewashing. There is a $10.00 surcharge on each Moviechrome cassette because they require this additional handling.
If you are having your film transferred to dvd, a backup is kept here at Film Rescue International. If you are not transferring your film or if your film is being transferred to tape, no backup is kept.
Work is done in regular 30 day cycles. Orders for the next batch must be in our hands by this date: July 10, 2009 Motion film for processing received by this date should be shipped in approximately 6 weeks. Good things are worth waiting for!
Rushes are not encouraged but are available. Unlike a conventional photo lab that deals with larger volumes of a single film format of only one process type, Film Rescue is processing smaller volumes of film, multiple formats and has 10 unique processes. This creates the need to process in batches -- first completing the processing of all film in house before moving onto scanning and transferring. To break from this cycle is not always possible – please call if you wish to arrange for rush processing.
IF YOU'D LIKE YOUR METAL CANS OR CARTRIDGES TO BE RETURNED, PLEASE REQUEST WITH YOUR ORDER.
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CANADIAN ORDERS SUBJECT TO TAX. |
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