
Film Developing by Mail Guide
Getting your film developed by mail with us is easy! Just follow these simple steps to ensure your film arrives safely and is processed quickly.
Step 1: Start Your Order
Begin by either filling out our physical order form or placing your order online through Film Developing Co.

Step 2: Prepare Your Film for Shipping
Carefully place your film and completed order form in a ziplock bag to keep everything safe and dry during transport.

Step 3: Package Your Film
Put the ziplock bag inside a padded envelope or box to protect your film and order form during shipping.

Step 4: Seal Your Package Securely
Make sure the envelope or box is sealed securely on all sides, using strong packing tape to reinforce any openings. This will help prevent any items from shifting or falling out during transit, keeping your film and order form safely contained throughout the mailing process.

Step 5: Attach the Mailing Label
Affix the mailing label to the outside of your package, ensuring it’s visible and securely attached.

Step 6: Send Your Package
Drop your package in your mailbox, or bring it to the nearest USPS office or mailing box.
More Product Details
Pricing List
35mm, Single-Use Camera, 120 and APS film:
C-41 Color Negative Develop Only - $12 per roll
C-41 Color Negative Develop, Scan & Upload - $16 per roll
C-41 Color Negative Develop, Scan, Upload & 4" Prints - $22 per roll
Black & White Develop Only - $18 per roll
Black & White Development, Scan, & Upload - $22 per roll
Black & White Development, Scan, Upload & Prints - $28 per roll
*We do not offer E6 processing at this time.
Additional Options
Upgrade to High Resolution Scans - $6 per roll
Save scans to CD - $4 flat fee
Additional set of prints - $6 per set
Un-cut Negatives - $3 per roll
Pull/push - $3 per roll
Film Developing FAQs
Is shipping free when I send my film rolls for developing? How does it work?
That's right, we'll foot the bill for getting your film to our lab. Our order form has a USPS Business Reply Label on it that can be cut out and put on your film package. Keep in mind that this type of shipping does not include insurance or tracking and generally takes a week to get to us.
If you need faster service or want extra piece of mind with tracking, we recommend mailing your film USPS Priority, UPS, or FedEx. Our label will not work for these services.
Try our Film Developing Co platform which offers tracking and insurance for your rolls of film!
How will I receive my film scans?
Our standard process and scan option includes uploaded file delivery via Dropbox. Make sure your email address is correct and legible on the order form. We will send a Dropbox email link shortly after your order has been finalized and payment has been processed. You should download and save your completed scan files ASAP, and remember to back them up!
We also offer physical storage media options including discs for $4 and USBs for $10. These are flat fee add-ons to process and scan orders, and must include return shipping.
Can you develop expired film?
We can develop expired film, but results may vary based on how the film was stored and when it was shot. Expired film may show color shifts, increased grain, or reduced image quality, but many photographers enjoy the unique effects these factors create. If you're unsure about the age or condition of your film, feel free to contact us for advice.
Will I get my original negatives back after developing?
We always recommend keeping and properly archiving your negatives - they are the true original photograph and where all the magic of this analog process happens. If you would like your negatives returned simply select any of the return shipping options on the form. If you are having prints or physical storage media made, return shipping will be required and your negatives will be included.
Alternatively, you can choose the No Shipping option for scan and upload or develop only orders. In this case we will hold your negatives for 30 days before they are incinerated. Make sure you are backing up your scan files.
We will always cut and sleeve film unless otherwise directed or if we are unable to navigate frame seperation.
35mm are cut in strips of 4 frames
6x4.5 and 6x6 are cut in strips of 3-4 frames
6x7 and 6x8 are cut in strips of 2-3 frames
APS film is rolled back into its canister
Why are some of my photos missing?
The accepted formats are JPG and PNG. Photos on some phones are HEIC / HEIF, our system converts them.
Can you push/pull my film?
We can push or pull your Black & White film at your request. Just let us know how many stops, or what speed you exposed for - there is currently no additional charge for push/pull.
Unfortunately we are unable to push or pull Color C-41 film - our Noritsu processor runs at one speed.
Do you offer high-resolution TIFF scans?
We do not offer TIFF scans at this time. Our JPG scans are very low compression and translate wonderfully to print and screen - and with proper handling offer a high level of archivability.
What film formats does Sharp Prints accept for mail-in developing?
We develop 35mm, single-use cameras, 120, 220 and APS.
What is the turnaround time for film developing by mail?
Typical processing time for Color C-41 film is 1 to 2 Business Days; Black & White Film is 2 to 5 Business Days.. The return time will depend on the courrier you've selected in the order form.
How should I securely package my film when sending it for mail-in developing?
We recommend using a padded envelope for your film. The size will depend on the number of rolls shipped.
What additional services are available after my film is developed?
Once you get the digital files, you can take advantage of our volume pricing through our online photo printing software.