*Turnaround times may vary during our peak season (June-November) Contact orders@indiefilmlab.com for current turnaround time.
Ordering
placing an order using the online ordering system
Start on Indie’s homepage and select “Send Film”
Enter the information about the rolls you will be submitting, including:
Film size (35mm, 120, large format, etc)
If you need to push your film check the corresponding box and also be sure to write on the roll of film the number of pushes (+1, +2, etc)
Scanner preference (Noritsu/Frontier)
Scan Size
Pro corrections or uncorrected scans
Use the notes section at the bottom for any essential details we’ll need to know. For example, you can note the film stock, the client’s name, or leave this section blank.
If you have multiple rolls with these same options, you can use the +/- buttons to set the quantity.
Select “Add to Cart”
Enter rolls with different formats/chemistry and processing/scanning instructions separately
Continue entering rolls until your order is complete
Proceed to check out
Log In / Create an Account - This step is required.
New users will select “create an account” and enter your full name, email address and create a password. Your account will allow you to view your past orders and save your address and payment information for future orders.
Existing users will log in using the same email address and password used for previous orders
Select what you’d like us to do with your film when your order is complete: Return Negatives, Discard, or Archive by The Film Hound (The Film Hound is a third party vendor and requires a separate registration and fee)
If your order requires a RUSH turnaround you will need to select that option before you check out. Also be sure to mark the outside of your package “RUSH.”
Once your payment and billing information are completely entered and you have reviewed your cart, select “place order” and you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your order
PRINT YOUR ORDER FORM. You must include your order form in the sealed bag with your film.
Package your sealed bag and ship everything to: INDIE FILM LAB 1717 Norman Bridge Road Montgomery, AL 36104
When your package arrives at Indie we’ll send you an email to let you know it has been checked in and your film will enter the processing queue!
Here is a handy PDF of these instructions!
What if…
I only want to RUSH part of my order?
You will need to submit the rolls being RUSHED as a separate order. You can mail both orders in the same package, but will need to clearly mark the exterior of the package “RUSH” as well as the sealed bag holding RUSH roll(s) and order form.
I forgot to include my order form with my shipment?
Film that is received without an order form will be held out of the processing queue until the order form and payment have been received.
I don’t have a printer?
Email orders@indiefilmlab.com as soon as your order has been placed. You MUST clearly label the sealed bag holding your film with your name, order number, email address and phone number. Film that arrives at Indie without this information (or if the information is illegible) will be held out of the processing queue until all information is received
I’m sending disposable cameras?
Disposable/waterproof/one-time-use cameras are priced like 35mm film. You’ll select 35mm as your film size and continue filling out the order form normally. When you ship your camera(s) to Indie we will remove the 35mm film from the camera housing then process and scan the film just like any other roll of 35mm.
I have film that is already processed that I only need scanned?
Select “scan only” at the top of the online ordering page and select whether it is a full roll or single framed being scanned. Single frames are $5 each when scanned on the Noritsu or Frontier. Pricing for pre-processed film scans can vary depending if the film has been cut or not. Please reference the “services” page of our website for more detailed pricing information. When selecting single frames please mark clearly (using a sticky note or marking the protective sleeving) which frames on a roll you’d like scanned.
I have large format film?
We can process and scan sheet film up to 8x10 inches. Please mark whether the film has been processed on the exterior of the sheet film packaging very clearly. If you send film in carriers or film boxes they will be returned to you with your film. Make sure to select “Return Negatives” on the check out page of the online ordering system.
What if i have a large, multi-job order?
Option 1: multiple orders You can place multiple consecutive orders using the basic ordering method outlined above; placing and paying for each job individually. If you’d like to have your film returned to you you’ll select “return negatives” in the first order and “return with previous order” with all consecutive orders. The “return with previous order” option will only be available for 24 hours after your first order is placed. You’ll need to be sure to package each set of rolls and the corresponding order form into separate ziploc bags. When your film arrives at the lab you will receive an email for each order received and each order will enter the processing queue separately.
Option 2: Single orders If you’d prefer to send orders simultaneously but would like to only enter your account and payment information once you’ll want to group your film by format and processing method and use the notes section at the bottom of the page to identify the rolls by job name. Using the single payment method you’ll also need to be bag and label each job into separate ziploc bags before shipping everything to Indie. (for example: bag 1 - Smith Family Photos, bag 2 - Jones family Photos, and so on) When your film arrives at indie we’ll send you a single email letting you know that your film has been received and will be entering the processing queue.
Regardless of which method you choose the key to sending large, multi-job orders is clearly labeling your ziplock bags and including a printed copy of your order form(s) inside your shipment.
How do i share detailed order notes when ordering online?
The “notes” section of the online order form is not intended for in-depth, detailed notes about your scan preferences or shooting conditions. If you have notes or reference images specific to the order you’ve just placed reply to your confirmation email and we will make note of your preferences.
Scanning
Will you make custom adjustments to my images?
Yes! When you order corrected scans there are a couple of different ways we make adjustments to your images. First, we will make frame-by-frame corrections in the scanner and after that your images are tweaked for consistency and preference in Lightroom.
How do i share my preferences?
a) Email some images to orders@indiefilmlab.com and tell us what you like about them!
b) Include your website on your order form so your corrector will check out your work while adjusting your images.
c) Put notes in the note section on your order form!
d) All of the above!
Does Indie accept orders from clients outside of the United states?
Absolutely! However, international shipping usually has additional duties/shipping costs you will need to cover. You should also expect longer shipping times from most carriers.
Do you process disposable or waterproof cameras?
You bet! You’ll send the whole camera to us and we will remove, process and scan the film for you. Disposable/Waterproof cameras are priced as a roll of 35mm film - check the services page for more detail pricing information.
what are "uncorrected" scans?
Uncorrected scans are scanned on the Noritsu scanner without custom adjustments. Basically, the scanner is set to “auto” and no frame-by-frame tweaks are made.
The file dimensions are the same as a “Large” corrected scan.
Black and white scans must be dusted in Photoshop and are therefore not eligible for the “Uncorrected” option.
Noritsu or frontier? what's the Difference?
We scan on the SP-3000 Fuji Frontier and the Noritsu HS-1800. Check out this blog post for more info!
No preference? No problem! Just leave the scanner portion of the order form blank and your film will be scanned by the first available scanner :)
Please note that all Ektar and Portra 160 film must be scanned on the Noritsu scanner. There is a highlight aberration that occurs when Porta 160 or Ektar are scanned on the Frontier that cannot be removed. No other stocks are affected in this way an are fine to be scanned on either scanner. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
What scan sizes do you offer?
Check out a complete list of scan dimensions here.
The scans that you receive will be JPG files that are 240 dpi (resolution for printing).
If you choose to receive .TIFF files please note that they will be Noritsu XL scans or Frontier XXL scans. .TIFF files are not a higher resolution, they are less compressed than a .JPG files. Because .TIFF files are much larger than .JPG files we will send your scans via WeTransfer.
do you offer any film matching or digital corrections?
Yessiree! Connect with us over at IFL Post!
processing
what processors and chemistry do you use?
For both BW and C41 films we use Refrema Dip and Dunk Processors
We process with Kodak Chemistry
We DO NOT process any ECN-2 ( Kodak Vision3 500T, 50D, 250D, Fuji Eterna 500T, ) We do process Cinetsill film.
What is the cost for pushing film?
Because of the additional time in the chemistry there is a small fee of $1 per stop.
Do you offer e6 Processing?
Sure do! We use a partner lab for E6 processing and all the scanning is done here at Indie. There is an up-charge for E6 processing so be sure to check out the pricing page for details.
E6 does have a longer turnaround time and will be sent in a separate gallery if combined with C41 or BW in an order.
We cross-process E6 film in C41 chemistry free of charge.
We do not offer slide mounting. Slide film is covered in protective sleeves, just like C41 and BW films processed in house.
Do you Process 4x5, 5x7 & 8x10 sheet film?
Yes, we process and scan large format film! Turnaround time for large format processing can be up to 10 business days. Check out the Services page for pricing info.
Can you process Kodachrome or seattle film works films?
Sorry, no. And we don't know of anyone who does ;(
can i send in film that is pre-soaked?
Naw dawg. That might mess up the chemicals for other clients’ film. Not cool.
logistics
i'm in a hurry! can i get my film rushed?
Of course! There is a 100% upcharge added to the entire order and you can expect your scans in 2 – 3 business days. Make sure you select the “RUSH” option when placing your order and write RUSH in BOLD print on the outside of your package!
If the order is more than 20 rolls the turnaround time may take 3-4 business days.
E6 film is not eligible for RUSH services unless it is cross-processed in C-41 Chemistry.
what is the best way to ship my film?
Check out this PDF
You MUST include a printed copy of your order form inside the sealed bag with your film. Film that is received without an order form will be held out of the processing queue until the order form and payment have been received.
Make sure all packages are well sealed and all necessary postage is paid ;)
Film that is received after 3pm may be checked in the following business day.
what is the current turnaround?
During our slow season (approx. Jan-May) For orders of 1-25 rolls you can expect your scans in 5-7 business days.
For orders over 25 rolls you can expect your scans in 7-10 business days.
During our Peak Busy Season (June-December) turnaround times may be extended. Please email orders@indiefilmlab.com for a current turnaround.
How do I calculate business days? Business days exclude weekends and holidays. “Day 1” is the day after you receive the “your film has arrived” email.
Black and White scans need to be dusted before they are complete which may increase turnaround by a day (or more depending on the # of BW rolls).
how will i receive my scans?
When your scans are complete we will upload them and email you a link to a lovely gallery built by Pic-Time that will allow you to preview and download your scans. Having issues? No worries, just give us a shout!
We are not able to offer long term file storage. After galleries expire they are replaced by incoming orders.
If you choose to receive TIFF scans you will receive your scans via WeTransfer.
will you return my processed negatives?
Absolutely! We will cover your un-cut negatives in protective plastic sleeving and ship them to you in a shipping box and first class USPS postage.
When your order is placed you will be charged a fee for estimated shipping costs - which includes postage and packaging materials.
Your film will be returned as soon as 1 week after you have received your scans (unless you request it be sent sooner).
If the package is being returned internationally there may be an additional fee that will be invoiced when the package is being shipped.
We do not offer long term storage of film.
We do not offer cut negatives.
If you're interested in having your film cut, organized and archived into nice, tidy binders check out our friends over at The Film Hound! The Film Hound is a third party vendor which charges an additional service fee, check out their app to learn more about their fees and services.
If you would prefer to have your film discarded mark “Discard Negatives” on your order form and we will dispose of your film 3 weeks after you’ve received your scans.
Old film
Expired film
Yes, we can process expired film! The age of the film and the way that it has been stored can impact the final images. Shooting, processing and scanning expired film just means that you have to embrace the unpredictable ;)
Mounted Slides
Yes, we can scan mounted slides! When you place your order you will need to select single frames scans. Single frame scans are $5 each.
APs, Advantix & 110 film
Yes, we can scan APS, Advantix and 110 film. You will need to select 35mm and Frontier for scanning. All Frontier orders are scanned with corrections.
What Can’t you do?
We can process any C41 or true BW film, however, we are unable to process the following film types:
Kodachome
Seattle Film Works
Kodak Photo Disks
Movie/Reel film - Super 8 & 16mm
Any film with Remjet - films that require ECN-2 processing ( Kodak Vision3 500T, 50D, 250D, Fuji Eterna 500T, )
Note: Cinestill film has had the Remjet removed and we are able to process all Cinestill films.
Don't see the answer to your question?
No problem! Make some Contact!
