alright, so, i am relatively new to this whole film photography business, and i have some anxieties about selecting/sending film by mail to get developed. i apologize if these might be basic questions, but i would rather get them off the table and stimulate a new forum (literally a new forum) of discussion instead of ruminating about them—or instead of doing something about the stuff in my fridge!
do i need a special package for it? do i need to protect it in some special way inside the package? i’m obviously going to be taking good precaution of packing, but i know the stuff is sensitive to heat and radiation, so it’d just be good to know i’m not missing a critical step in sending it in an airplane across the US or something lol.
what film lab have you had good experience with? or is there any place you would recommend? my current selection is reformed film lab, but i’m still open to any input.
thank you for your time.
Late reply better than never!
No special consideration needed really. I usually toss my 35mm film back in the containers it came in, and those go in a bubble mailer. Your lab will have additional instructions as to what what to include.
Any less than ideal conditions your film will encounter are generally pretty short and won’t mess up your film. Don’t store film in a hot place, but taking your camera on a beach day doesn’t ruin it in one go.
I use Canadian Film Lab for my colour stuff. They do good work, but at a premium though. They’re local ish to be so I suggest finding somewhere local that works for you to support.
Try not to be intimidated by the process. It’s supposed to be fun, and even though mistakes happen and disappointments are inevitable, learn from them and get that next roll going!
Usually just in a bubble mailer and I also write “Film: Do not X-ray” on the package.