Our goal is to have movie film orders completed approximately 14-15 weeks after the cycle start date and photographic film galleries ready approximately 8 weeks after the cycle start date. That date can be seen on the bottom banner of all of our pages including this one. This is not a guarantee but a target.
Why?
Due to the nature of our business, we develop many film brands, types, formats and processes; we can’t operate in the same fashion as a conventional photo finisher that runs only one or two processes and deals with a much higher volume of film. We run 12 separate processes and it’s necessary for us to work over a several-week time cycle. Here’s some information about what is involved.
At the beginning of a cycle we sort through customer packages, enter information in our database and sort all the film types. If necessary, customers are contacted for payment information or clarification of instructions. If we do not get the information required by the time we start processing that film type, those orders are delayed until the following work cycle.
It takes some time before we are ready to start the first processing. We mix enough fresh chemical for the number of films for each specific process. Once one type of process is complete, that chemical is discarded and we move on to the next type of film. We do not repeat any process within a cycle. We run 12 different processes and handle hundreds of films, so this part of the cycle may take 6-8 weeks. Once everything is developed, films are inspected. Films to be accelerated into color are reprocessed and then reinspected for image. At this point, films are scanned, digital fix up gets done and image galleries are created. Meanwhile, motion film is prepped, processed and then inspected for image. As motion films are digitally transferred, some may be deemed to have no discernible image (visual inspection is not always conclusive).
As orders are completed, we bill and prepare them for shipping. It is typically at least 10 weeks from the beginning of the cycle before we reach this stage.
We continue to strive to shorten the turnaround time but we want to ensure that things are done properly and without errors. We’ve been doing this work since 1999 and this system is consistent and reliable. Please trust that we are treating your order with care.
Rush orders can be done upon request, but are not encouraged because it forces us to work outside of our system.
Photographic film processing rush is 200.00 on top of all other charges.
Movie film processing rush is 600.00 on top of all other charges.