FAQs

How long does an order take to be completed?

We try to get everything done within 10 working days. It always fluctuates depending on how much is coming in, so some weeks may be busier than others.

Can I drop my film off and pick-up instead of ship it to you?

Of course! We are a storefront open Tuesday - Sunday 11am-7pm, so feel free to come in whenever we’re open to place an order with one of us!!

We also have a Local Drop box available 24/7, if you are unable to come into the shop when we’re open. It’s a large grey mailbox near the entrance where you can drop your film, disposable cameras, etc. Please place your order online first, and put everything in an envelope or zip lock bag and label it with your name and order number. We check this multiple times a week.

Do you return the negative to the customer?

We do! We always return the negative back with your order (unless you don't want them). If you would like your negatives left uncut please make a note on your order to leave negatives uncut.

How long do I have to pick up my negatives and/or prints?

We are a small lab and we do everything in-house, so we are a little tight for space! For as much as we want to hold onto your precious negatives and prints, we are only able to hold them for 30 days after you get the digital scans from us. Please come anytime we’re open to grab them!

I have a lot of rolls of film, is there a limit on how much I can send?

There is no limit! We can process as many or as few rolls of film as you send to us.

What type of film do you develop? Do you develop disposable cameras?

We are able to process Disposables, C-41, Black & White, ECN 2, E6, 35mm, 120, 110, and 4x5 film! We also do push/pull processing.

We cannot process APS rolls, 8mm, or 16mm film :(

Can I get a downloadable link to my images?

Yes! We ALWAYS deliver your images via Google Drive, so no need to worry or take any other actions when checking out. Just note the Drive links we share are only live for two weeks, so make sure you download the images before you lose access to the files!!!

Does it matter how old my film is? Will the images come out differently on older film?

We are able to develop film of any age whether if it was shot 60 years ago or 60 seconds ago! That said, it is always possible that older film can develop with abnormalities such as discoloration or blurriness. It depends on the type and condition your film has been in. We process the film the same no matter the age, but the results can vary depending on the conditions your film has been in.

What method do you use to print?

We are one of the only film labs still using wet processing techniques to print! Lasers expose the paper and the paper is taken through a series of chemical baths.

It's been 10 working days, but I haven't received anything...

Oh no! Let’s get to the bottom of that.

Sometimes our emails are sent to people’s spam folders if this is your first time here. If it is, yay! welcome! thanks for choosing us :) Try searching for “Lumentation” in your spam folder, and 99% of the time we’re there!

If you still aren’t seeing anything, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call.

I have never had film developed before! What do I do?

Welcome! We get customers of all experiences at Lumentation, from knowledgeable photographers, to brand new film users. The next few questions explain the process.

  • Select what type of service you desire

  • Select what type of film you are developing (Disposables are color rolls! Unless otherwise specified on the camera)

  • Select how many rolls of film you would like developed

  • Checkout and pay

  • Follow our shipping instructions to ship your film to us

How do I ship my film to you? Is there a specific way I should package my film?

After placing your order online, you’ll get an emailed receipt with an order number.

  • Please INCLUDE your order NUMBER INSIDE THE PACKAGE YOU MAIL TO US!

  • Pack rolls in their original plastic packs whenever possible, or wrap the rolls in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

  • Independently mail us your film to: Lumentation, c/o Jeffrey Phelps, 219 Highland Ave, Somerville MA 02143

If my roll turns out blank will I be refunded?

If your film roll turns out blank we can send you a partial refund if you selected prints for your order. The price of the developing and scanning of the film will still be charged as we have to use chemicals and time to develop every roll of film, and not every roll that appears blank to the eye is actually blank.

How long do I have to download my files? Do your Drive links stay live forever?

Our Google Drive links are only live for 2 weeks, so we advise that you download the files as soon as you get them from us just so you won’t forget.

If your drive link isn’t working anymore and you didn’t download everything, the beauty of getting your negatives back is that you can always get them rescanned.