FAQ
Where do I drop my film off?
Can I mail in film for processing?
Absolutely - check out our step-by-step guide.
Please mail your film to SAFELIGHT LABS, 2701 ADAMS AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92116.
Do you develop disposable cameras?
Yes! Each disposable camera contains 1 roll of film. Development and scanning begins at $12 per camera with complimentary digital file transfer.
Note: Some disposable cameras do not fit in our after hours drop box. It is best to bring them in to Camera Exposure for processing.
How long does film development take?
Our estimated turnaround time is 1 week on average.
Need it faster? Ask about our RUSH option which will be ready within 48 hours (up to 5 rolls).
Is your Darkroom / DIY lab open?
Not yet! Our studio opened in November 2023. We’re currently constructing the Darkroom and DIY lab.
Join our mailing list or follow us on instagram to stay current.
My roll was blank! How do I get a refund?
Our charge for a blank roll is $5 (plus tax). We are happy to issue you a refund for the difference in development and/or scanning costs initially paid. To do so, please come by Camera Exposure during our business hours. Note that the original form of payment must be physically present in order to receive a refund. Refunds cannot be given remotely or by phone.
We can also put this balance toward store credit and your next film processing order. Email us at orders@safelightlabs.com if you’d like be issued store credit.
If you paid by invoice, this refund will automatically be issued through Paypal.
How will I know my when my order is ready?
We will transfer your scan files to you immediately when your order is completed.
For orders without scans and print orders, you will receive an email notifying you that your order is ready.
How do I order prints?
Send us an email at orders@safelightlabs.com with your order. Click here for pricing and available sizes and ordering information.
How long do rush orders take?
Rush Orders will be fulfilled within 48 hours of drop off.
Rush orders are limited to 5 rolls and are not available for prints or E6/slide film.
What does “develop only” mean on your Order Form?
This means that we will develop your film and return only the developed negatives. If you select this option, we will NOT scan your film and no digital images will be provided to you.
If you want to see your pictures, be sure to select an option that includes scanning or arrange for scanning elsewhere.
How do I save my files from your Google Drive so they aren’t deleted in 30 days?
Right click on the folder containing your files
Click “Download”
Your files are now downloaded onto your computer and you are able to save them anywhere you like
I have an idea for a class I’d like to see and/or teach!
That’s awesome! We’d love to hear it and see if it’s something that would be a good match for our space and community.
Send us an email with the topic of the class you’d like us to host. If you are interested in teaching, let us know about yourself, your experience, and the workshop you’d like to teach. Reach out to Rob at info@safelightlabs.com.
How do I get my artwork in The Studio for a gallery show?
To inquire about a gallery show, send an email to Rob at info@safelightlabs.com
Please provide us with the following information:
1) Artist statement - who you are and what drives you as an artist
2) A sample body of work - give us an idea of the work you’d want to show
3) What the theme of your show would be
What scanners are used to process my negatives?
Most of our medium format and 35mm film scans are done using a Noritsu HS-1800, unless a request is made for sprocket hole scanning.
For large-scale scans, we use an Epson flatbed scanner. In instances of higher volume, we use a Noritsu LS-600.