FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What formats of film do you accept?
We accept 35mm, 110, 120, IX240, and disposables in both color (C-41) and black & white! Large format coming in the near future!
Turnaround Time
Drop Box Drop Off: We pick up orders from drop boxes every Thursday and Sunday by 5 pm. We will have your order processed within 3-7 business days
from these pickup days.
***NOTE: Develop and return (without scans) will take longer (shipping time included).
Mail-In: We will process mail-in orders within 3-7 business days
from the day we pick it up from our PO box. We get notifications for incoming deliveries, so time may vary by a day or two.
Rush turnaround is considered 1 - 2 days from pickup days.
Why did my film come out blank?
There are actually numerous but not out of the ordinary reasons why a roll of film may develop completely blank (clear or completely black). These issues most often happen during shooting rather than during processing or scanning, but we’re happy to help troubleshoot!
1. The film was never advanced properly
If the film didn’t catch on the take-up spool or slipped during shooting, the camera may have sounded like it was taking photos even though the film wasn’t moving.
2. The camera shutter didn’t fire
A stuck or malfunctioning shutter can stay closed (or open) the entire roll, resulting in blank film.
3. The lens cap was left on
This can happen to ANYONE (yes, even professionals), especially with rangefinders or older SLRs where the viewfinder doesn’t show the lens directly.
4. The film was already exposed to light
Opening the camera before rewinding the film, or pulling the film out of the canister, can fog the entire roll and result in fully blank images.
5. Expired film or stored improperly
Extremely expired film or film exposed to heat, humidity, or radiation can sometimes lose sensitivity and develop completely blank.
6. Metering or exposure settings made the frames too dark
If the camera settings were drastically underexposed (very fast shutter speed, closed aperture, low ISO setting), the negatives may appear clear.
7. Mechanical failure in older cameras
Vintage cameras can have mirror issues, shutter timing problems, or internal blockages that prevent light from reaching the film.
8. Using the wrong type of film
For example:
Infrared film accidentally used in a non-IR-compatible camera.
Specialty films that require specific handling or filters
In some cases, this can result in blank negatives.
10. Film was never actually in the camera
Sometimes a roll gets mislabeled or the camera back gets closed without a roll installed (it happens!).
Returns & Refunds
We have a 30-day refund policy on defective or damaged cameras and accessories. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to request a return/refund. Please email us at
support@drewsfilmlab.com
to request.
Any perishable items such as film or photo paper is
non-refundable.
Refunds on services: We strive for the most accurate and consistent film lab results possible. We cannot offer refunds on services already completed at our discretion. If you need to cancel a film lab service order, send us an email at
support.drewsfilmlab.com or text
3175657349 for quicker response. Depending on where your film is at in the process, we may be able to cancel and return your film with a shipping charge incurred.
Bulk Orders
Got 15+ rolls that need processed? Email or text us to get a bulk order discount!
NSFW Content
We accept NSFW/artistic content as long as it’s legal and respectful in nature. We process all work professionally and confidentially, with discretion. Please let us know beforehand if you are sending us a roll containing NSFW,
full/frontal, or artistic nudity.
If you choose to not to have your NSFW negatives returned, we will archive them for 2 weeks before disposing. Converted scans of NSFW rolls are deleted after 2 weeks as well. We never share content containing nudity.
Do you process souped film?
We would be psyched to process your experimental or souped film! However, we cannot process these in our normal film processor. These rolls will need to be processed by hand in a traditional reel tank, yielding a slightly higher cost due to increased processing time. Shoot over a text or email to us if you have some souped rolls you'd like processed and we will work with you on cost! We cannot guarantee the outcome of your souped rolls.
Do you process E6 (slide) film?
We do not currently process slide film. However, we can outsource it to another film lab for you, if desired. We CAN scan your previously processed slide film for you.
Do you offer printing services?
We currently do not provide any printing services, but be on the lookout for it in the future!