Black & white film processing
We are now offering black-and-white film processing for 35mm, 120 & 220 roll film and 4"x5" sheet film.
Sorry, but we are NOT doing colour film processing.
All film is processed by hand, scanned to high resolution and saved as JPG files.
If you prefer TIFF files, just ask. There is no extra charge.
Files can be sent via WeTransfer or put onto a USB. If you supply the USB, there is no charge. If we supply the USB, there is a charge of $10 for the USB.
After scanning (or after processing if no scans are required) we cut the film into strips and sleeve them into archival storage pages, which can easily be stored in a ring binder or similar folder.
If you prefer to have your films supplied rolled up and not cut, you need to specify this when dropping off the film. However, we do not recommend this, as your films are much more likely to get damaged if not protected properly.
Why keep your negatives?
At Focal Point, collection of film negatives is our default setting. If you don't want your negatives, you need to stipulate this when dropping the films off for processing. Frankly, if you are not keeping your negatives, why are you shooting film?
Your negatives are proof that your photos are as-shot and have not been digitally enhanced or created with AI. Your negatives are also proof that the photos are yours, and can be used to protect your Copyright in your images. B&W negatives are archival, meaning they will still be around long after you are gone. (Something to consider for your future generations.) Digital storage is NOT archival and has a very limited life. Retaining your negatives means if your storage device becomes corrupt, or you otherwise lose your scans, you can have your important negatives rescanned at any time. Used film is NOT recyclable. If you do not keep your negatives, they will go into landfill, which is not environmentally sustainable.
We will hold negatives for collection for up to a month. If you elect not to collect your films by this time, they will be disposed of into landfill.
If you want your negatives posted out, there is an additional charge of $15 per order, regardless of how many films are included.