FAQ
Film Processing Lab
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, color only).
Can you develop expired film?
Yes! As long as your film is Color/C41, B&W, ECN-2, or E6, we can develop it. It is hard to predict how well images will turn out on a expired roll of film. Film degrades with time, even if kept in perfect conditions. This means that your images might come out with a magenta or turquoise hue or appear very faded. Our lab does color-correct images as best as possible when this occurs.
The film stocks that we cannot develop are Kodacolor and Seattle Filmworks. The development for these is either proprietary or is no longer available.
Check prices and scanning options here.
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 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.
Why should I keep my negatives?
We encourage everyone to keep their negatives because you never know when you will need them! Film negatives are the raw images from your camera. If you lose your digital files, your negatives can always be rescanned. They can help you diagnose any issues with your camera or lens. They are also necessary for darkroom enlargement printing.
Is your Darkroom / DIY lab open?
Yes! Head to the DIY Lab page to read all about it.
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.
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.
What does “develop only” mean?
Color/C-41 film is developed with a Noritsu V30 Minilab. Black & white and push process film is hand-developed with the help of a JOBO system.
Most of our medium format and 35mm film scans are completed using a Noritsu HS-1800 or LS-600.
For large-format, custom, sprocket hole, and print scans, we use an Epson flatbed scanner.
What equipment is used to develop/scan my film?
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.
Retail and Studio
What equipment do you buy?
We are always buying SLRs, point and shoot cameras, and medium format film cameras. We also purchase lenses for most camera systems. We have a higher demand for AI/AI-S lenses for Nikon and FD lenses for Canon.
We do purchase some digital, large format, and video equipment but are more selective. Please call us for more information on these items.
We do not purchase
Filters, bags, binoculars, plastic tripods, studio/lighting equipment (lights, backdrop stands, umbrellas, reflectors), slide carousels, projectors, darkroom equipment (enlargers, tanks, reels, trays, tongs, etc.), box cameras, cameras with discontinued film (APS, Instamatic, etc.)
What film do you have in stock?
We keep a wide range of film stocks from Kodak, Ilford, Cinestill, Lomography, and other brands. The film formats we carry in stock are 35mm, 120, 4x5, and 110.
Can I get a quote to sell my equipment over the phone?
All equipment has to be tested in store before we can make any kind of price quote. The condition of the item is one of the main factors in determining the quote amount and must be confirmed by our trained staff.
How long do equipment repairs take?
Most routine equipment services like a CLA (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment) or light seals will take around 1-3 weeks to complete. More complicated issues or services on less common cameras will take longer due to finding replacement parts and time needed for diagnosis.
Do you have a waiting list for out of stock items, or are you able to inform me of restock date?
We cannot guarantee a restock date and do not have waitlists for items. We mostly buy from the community, so our stock can vary.
We make all efforts possible to keep in-demand items in stock, including budget-friendly SLRs, a wide variety of lenses, medium format equipment, and point and shoot cameras.
The best thing that you can do is call or come by regularly to see what we have available.
Do you sell cameras, film, or equipment online?
We do not currently sell any goods online aside from workshops, DIY rental space, and studio time.
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