How Does Film Get Processed?

If you've ever thought:
"Hmmm... How does film get processed?"
Look no more, The Slanted Lens tours Richard Photo Lab in Valencia, CA to see how color + black & white film is processed.
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.
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[@robertcollis7951]

The lab I used employed blind folks to do all the E6 processing.

[@ministryofgirl]

Robert Collis that’s amazing to hear

[@rty1955]

Kodak was the largest employer of blind people. They packed sheet film in rhe manufacturing plant

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

Well, duh

[@inevitablecraftslab]

wow thats interesting and makes sense of course. never thought about that

[@jackmatthews8062]

Soooo....Bring back film as a civil service to the blind & unemployed?

[@allensagalla6340]

It's nostalgic and refreshing to find out that film photography is still alive in this so-called digital age. Thanks for uploading :-)

[@TheSlantedLens]

It truly is Allen!!

[@jameslane3846]

Not just alive but growing rapidly! 5-15% a year!

[@absolutely1337]

why is it $45/roll of film on amazon in 2022 then!

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

Great video showing what a real pro lab is like. I used to own and operate a commercial lab like Richard but on a much smaller scale. We used dip and dunk processors for C-41, E-6 and B&W. It was a real serious job to keep the machines operating smoothly, reliably and within process specs. As Bill noted, a consistent volume of film is critical to maintaining the process quality. The stress of a large commercial shoot coming in was very real as the turnaround was usually very fast with snip tests followed by balances. And printing, mounting and shipping was another whole pack of fun. Closed the lab years ago and was a bit sad but I was reminded about the stress I worked with when watching the video. Don't miss it.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hi Mark, wow that's so cool though that you ran a film lab for some time. Love me a good story like that. Have a great day!

[@CertainExposures]

Interesting insight. Thank you for sharing. Do you think you would be equally as successful if you happened to start the operation again in this current market? Based on your experience, what's the number one thing besides high volume and efficient machine operation that would have made it less of a headache for you to stay in business?

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

The real issue is the need for consistent volume. If one day you get 8 rolls and then the next you get 150 process control is far more difficult. Today I think the amount of E-6 is so small you could possibly not run it profitably. C-41 has more volume and is a more forgiving process. B&W can be the MOST difficult because of the huge variety film emulsions and developers coupled with low volume. What would be paramount is at least 2-3 very capable people with experience in process and machine maintenance. Hand processing is possible but you would have to charge serious money and the consistency from batch to batch would not be good. You will notice in the video they used Refrema Dip and Dunk machines. They were the gold standard of processors. Hostert was also a well regarded maker but all are out of business I believe thus no R&D has been made in the intervening years to improve reliability or efficiency or automation. In addition, the automation of these machines was really refined in the 80's with parts that may still be available as they are really cottage industry products. Dip and Dunks use large amounts of solution thus the volume needs are great. Starting up with a high volume machine is perilous as no one knows you exist adn would be leery of a startup with no history.

[@CertainExposures]

Mark Davidson hey thank you again. Interesting read. Really does sound challenging given the constraints. Also explains the rise of a few mega-processors as opposed to smaller outfits. When I saw their machine, my first worry was how to service or repair it!

[@RealSergiob466]

Also the Darkroom Lab has dip and dunk

[@Gazumbo]

This was really interesting to see. Albany did a great job co-presenting.

[@RICHARDROLLINSONDESIGNPHOTOGRA]

I first saw a tour of Richard Photo Lab from 2012 with the Framed Network, it's great to see it is still busy which is fantastic sign for us film shooters. Here in the UK there are only a few labs now, so I am learning to develop myself, well for black & white. I did my first printing, which I have a video on my channel, but that is something I need to do more of. Its great that you show film as well as digital, I am a hybrid shooter and love them both. Thanks for sharing :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hi Richard! Thank you for watching from the UK. It's cool that you're a hybrid shooter, it's photographers like you that keep film alive. Have a great day!!

[@girmonsproductions]

What are the best film labs in the UK? I will need to find a decent lab and I will be based in Dorset, but I am happy to send it anywhere.. On ebay I found photo factory lab, I wonder did you ever try them?

[@RICHARDROLLINSONDESIGNPHOTOGRA]

Hi I am not too sure in that part of the country, but the labs I have used are AG Photo Lab in Birmingham, The Photo Parlour in Nottingham and then there is Nik & Trick NTPhotoworks, which are more southern. I will have a look and let you know, but AG Photo Lab is excellent and they do a High Rez Tiff file if you don't want Jpeg :)

[@marcossantana1164]

This is the lab preferred by many professional wedding and newborn film photographers. Thanks for the tour Jay P

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is one of the very best in the world. Bill refurbished the machines that do all the processing. He knows his stuff.

[@TheSlantedLens]

you know it- thanks for watching, Marcos!!

[@SilntObsvr]

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood did this trip around 1970. Dip & Dunk hasn't changed (although the chemistry has), but you explained it at a much more adult level of detail. Good job!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Appreciate the nice comment. That's cool about Mr. Rogers!

[@jmalmsten]

"The dip and dunk process ensures that the film only is in contact with the development chemicals." Minutes later "Here we makes sure to run our hands over all of the film before it's put into the machines"... That just felt so wrong... :P

[@NicholasAndre1]

@TheRelihunter yeah cotton cloves are a good move. Also 120 film and larger has a protective coating on the film that comes off in the developer, specifically so it can be handled a bit while loading. The main issue with the pull through machines is a dirty roller, which gives you a big old scratch down the length. This isn’t a problem with steel reels or dip and dunk. The main issue with pull through is poor maintenance. I worked with a lab in Florida that uses them but I’ve never had a scratch - other labs not so much.

[@docmusic2011]

Not sure why anyone would give a thumbs down to a good video!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Not sure???? It was a lot of fun to shoot and see my old fried Bill that use to work at AIM.

[@miksstudio]

When I worked at a large commercial photo studio (Calvert Studios), I did this on a smaller scale, processed 35mm p to 10 x 8 inch film sheets. Brings back memories.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hey Mik- that is so cool :-) have you watched any of our other film videos?

[@beerborn]

I have the Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner. I love the result when scanning photo prints, negatives and slide films because its a professional scanner far different from cheap scanners. It also comes with Digital Ice Technology software that is pretty much the preferred software for scanning.

[@griffingloss6271]

Just opened up a small lab in Brooklyn, processing film C41 dip and dunk on a Refrema, handprocessing black and white. Agree wholeheartedly about keeping it running with film to keep the chemistry at its best. Bought the Refrema from a lab that went out of business. Needed a crew to to take it apart and again to put it back together in its new Brooklyn home. If in the Gowanus area give us a peek, Griffin+Gloss at Griffin Editions, mention this comment for free processing and scans on 2 rolls!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great, follow us on @theslantedlens and we will stay connected over social media!

[@eduardoumeoka]

Really great to see how a pro lab operates. Again, terrific content to watch. Thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hey Eduardo, thanks for watching! Have you seen any of our other film videos??

[@eduardoumeoka]

Yes, I've seen quite some content from you regarding film photography. You guys are doing so much for the film community producing these videos. It's very useful to see how films compare against one another, especially in this day and age where more and more young people are shooting film. Because of your videos (and many other creators on YT) we can make an informed decision on what film stock to use in different situations.

[@TheSlantedLens]

So glad its helping. We will keep doing more.

[@artemorbid]

This is amazing, I had no idea this was still happening. Thanks for giving us a tour.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@munarong]

This is one thing that I want to know for a long time how they do in the mass film developing. I have seen only the mini labs, those small dev machines in photo shops when film still booming. Thank you.

[@spytromics]

This was a great video. Behind-the-scenes is always fun!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Aw shucks, thanks. Agreed, always love a good tour.

[@thetravisgreene]

Love your energy, Jay P. Love it so much, I looked you up and started watching samples of your directorial work. After a couple of videos, I have decided to purchase a snap power outlet and pocket hose. Keep up the great work - on all platforms and mediums!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks Travis! Glad that you found The Slanted Lens, we have a great community here of photographers, so stick around!

[@PaulSafford]

Enjoyed this - makes me wish I could get a job at a local lab like when I was in school - no local labs around here...

[@TheSlantedLens]

You can always set up you own B&W home lab.

[@PaulSafford]

@@TheSlantedLens I've been thinking about it. Lot of work for just a couple rolls a year though. Maybe if I build it I'll use it more. I bet the smells are going to bring back some memories!

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

Hi Jay, I have been a fan of yours for a long time but today it dawned on me that you look like a wonderful gentleman by the name of Pat Cooper he is a comedian and handsome too.

[@TheSlantedLens]

haha i've never gotten that comment before. thanks i think!

[@flippinohio]

That looks like a fun place to work! Thanks for the tour!

[@TheSlantedLens]

It does, doesn't it?? Thanks for tuning in

[@mikewinburn]

How cool is this video! I use Richard all the time. Thanks for the tour!

[@TheSlantedLens]

How cool are you!! Thanks for watching.

[@Mozingotube]

Used to do this but on a much smaller level when I worked photo lab for Walmart and cvs

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's still awesome Justin! Thank you for watching. :-)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Lots of film went through those labs back in the day.

[@stevek8829]

Nowadays they don't even return the negatives, only a 2 mp jpg. Who could do that. Now it's mail off or develop your own.

[@tedsmith_photography]

What a great insight into the process. Thanks for making this one. As a UK photographer, I've often considered RPL but not yet gone down that route...I always worry that its such a long way to go...x-rays at airports etc, though I'm assured it will be OK (I've asked them before). Maybe one day. Fascinating to hear about the aged developer! I didn't know that could be done. I use DD-X at home, which is generally always thrown away after use. Different chemisty I guess.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@marksummers5504]

Fantastic video. I miss those old photolabs.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you! I know, stay tuned for more of our film videos, we have a series in the making

[@joanmichel]

JP Morgan and I thought of Chase. LOL!

[@TheSlantedLens]

haha, a common thing :-)

[@darkspeed62]

Same! haha

[@ridealongwithrandy]

This is an amazing video, always wondered how this works. The quality and care is apparent! I might change from my usual developer :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it helpful. Richard lab is great to work with!

[@kushpatel9911]

With the dip method? doesn't the bottom of the film, near the weight, get more time in the developer? Since it is the first in and the last out?

[@leotownsend]

this channel rules. this video came out at the exact time i need to learn this stuff! thanks

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are so welcome. I am glad you are enjoying it. More to come.

[@VariTimo]

I don’t know what settings they’re using for their Frontiers but you can get a lot bigger prints out of them as she said.

[@Jon_Oates]

Great video. Really love the behind-the-scenes stuff. How about doing the other end - film manufacture & packaging?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you, Jon. That's definitely something we can look into doing!

[@merlinmarquardt]

Great video. Very informative. Most surprising is the “aged constant” developer. Thanks.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hi Merlin, thank you for watching our content!

[@richhaytonNZ]

Very enlightening 🤓 a very slick production line 👏

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching! We really enjoy making film videos, got any suggestions for the future?

[@acidsnow5915]

another great video! thanks for sharing this with us nice to see the process behind the film development

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you for watching- this was something we've always wanted to see ourselves :-) cool stuff

[@3c3c3c]

So happy to live in a city where I can bring film in person and get it developed and scanned in two hours for a reasonable price

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a really nice thing! Enjoy shooting with film!

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

amazing process!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@palemone901]

Great video! Thinking of shooting film again for fun!

[@TheSlantedLens]

it's such a great tool! please do!! you'll learn a ton and have great memories.

[@trishazemp6591]

This is such a fascinating video! Thanks so much for sharing Jay P!!

[@dphotos007]

Trisha Zemp the buttons are so close together or the viewer hits the down button by accident. That is how it happens sometimes. I am betting the buttons were pushed by accident especially when viewing on a smart phone or an IPad.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hi Trisha how is my favorite Stop Motion artist? Love your work!!

[@haymobachmaier]

Reaaaaally great!! Thanx alot for this video!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're very welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@chrislim6851]

Awesome video! Loving the film content!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

I am enjoying making content about film as well. I did not think I would enjoy shooting film again as much as I have. Its been a reawakening for me.

[@TheSlantedLens]

hey chris- thank you so much for watching! what other TSL film vids have you seen?

[@chrislim6851]

Too many to list, haha. But I have definitely make sure I don't miss any of the film ones. Keep it up!!

[@paulhills1967]

That was fascinating. Thank you.

[@Thato]

This is giving me goosebumps

[@TheSlantedLens]

Enjoy your film shoots and thanks for watching!

[@yugioht42]

Did something very similar with my photo 1 class which was exclusively black and white film. We do our own processing in a dark room with the normal chems. It took a while but kinda worth it. I hated the projector thing we used but whatever. I still kinda need to rework some of my old photos to better focus them and I think the camera lens needs adjusting but meh.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Processing film is very complex so mastering it takes some time- you got this my guy!

[@jakebrown3822]

Fantastic video.

[@HartleyShawcrossart]

I'm curious about something. If i'm using a not branded blank cannister, that has 800 film in it, does the machine know that it's 800 speed? or does the operator tell the machine its 800 speed?

[@analogclubamsterdam]

I like the doors........any link to diy?!

[@TheSlantedLens]

We haven't done any of our own processing for years and years. It would be fun.

[@MelSurdin]

Have always had great results using Richard for both C41 and B&W developing. A question about dust and scanning. Noticed one scanner operator used what I assume is an air spray and another operator wiped the film with some sort of material prior to scanning. What is the cloth he was using as I would like to use the same product at home if that would help reduce/eliminate dust. Also, how do you avoid water/chemical spotting when drying film? Another problem I have when developing film at home. Thanks!

[@TheSlantedLens]

hey mel, i think the best thing for you would be to call them. those are a bit more technical than my knowledge goes.

[@MelSurdin]

Thanks ... will do ... Enjoyed your video!

[@starfalcon2]

The cloth is anti-static cloth.

[@landesnorm]

Thanks for this walk thru. On the color lines (E6 & C41) who made the machines? Kreonite, Quadrachrome?

[@TheSlantedLens]

The head technician at Richard Photo Lab adapted the machines. You can contact them at their KZbin Channel: kzbin.info/door/E55_gs729mdjDzSd0RT86A

[@alanac9057]

I've been processing BW film on my own. I'm curious as to how they manage to do it large scale like this if they are receiving different types of film - doesn't the developer dilution/strength and type sometimes vary between different brands and types of film?

[@patrickdowney2778]

Great video. Thanks.

[@Rhezoloution]

Wouldnt the first shot be in chemistry longer than the last shot since its dipped?and when taken out?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's an interesting thought but I haven't seen that affect things.

[@Rhezoloution]

@@TheSlantedLens seems like at least 10 seconds longer ...5 in the dip 5 in the removal. But maybe 10 seconds is not enough to affect it?

[@TheKonicaGuy]

awesome video

[@thomasmalone215]

hey man just had a quick question, if you wanted to take pictures with a film camera and you wanted a 70s/80s look from it what film should i use?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I love Tri-X and I love Pro-Via. Any of the film stocks are from that era. The scanning makes a difference so talk with your lab about it. You might like this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ_cnq2Ga8d_Y6s

[@thomasmalone215]

@@TheSlantedLens thank you so much

[@gregoryhamilton6161]

awesome do you guys do velvia?

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

They process E-6 so yes.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes, we do :-) thx for watching y'all

[@dxkaiyuan4177]

I'm considering to learn how to develop my own film. Should i start with colour or black and white?

[@vladislavstanimirovic9650]

Black an white, easier to grasp the concept, and you needn't worry about the temperature, it's easier to maintain 20C than 37C at home

[@dxkaiyuan4177]

nusproizvodjac yeah good point, thanks. I've also heard that with b&w you can try various different chemicals to achieve different results, while C41 is a fairly standardized process

[@vladislavstanimirovic9650]

Yes, various developers give various results, and also the developing times depend on film, film speed, developer... C41 is standardized, you can put three films with differing ISO and the development times will be the same, about 3 and a half minutes, not exactly sure. I've been doing my own b&w for a year now, and the feeling you get each time when you pull the film out is just amazing!

[@dxkaiyuan4177]

thanks for the tips mate. I think I'll start with HC110

[@vladislavstanimirovic9650]

You're welcome! hc110 is always a good option, probably the best if you plan on using expired film!

[@ondrejjanovec6700]

Good video.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Much thanks :-)

[@swansong007]

I must say I have concerns about negative care. They don't seem to look after the very well. In fact I'd say they were fairly rough with them handling wise.

[@1911geek]

Dip and dunk is 1/3 stop accuracy the best processing known since wonder 🍞 bread. E-6 rely on this for total accuracy

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes, that is correct. That is why it has been standard for years.

[@bentleyboy72]

"Nothing touches the film at any time..." except our hands when we're feeling around in the dark...

[@mfbfreak]

What's the resolution of a Fuji Frontier scan, when scanning 135 format film?

[@starfalcon2]

At low, 1200x1800. High resolution, 2400x3600.

[@kylewood8327]

Do they develop b/w positive film?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I don't see it on their website. You would have to call them.

[@bluestique7514]

what the series of scaner fuji sp 3000?

[@SuperKherlen]

Very cool!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks! What kind of film do you want to shoot with?

[@Nivenization]

Thank you.

[@squidman-fw2zf]

How do they keep track of who's is whos

[@TheSlantedLens]

Everything is labeled when you send it in.

[@teslatesla9100]

Amazing!

[@TheSlantedLens]

i know right!

[@survivaldude29]

This is cool can’t wait to send my film off to get processed even though it’s expired

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's cool. Let us know how it goes!

[@survivaldude29]

@@TheSlantedLens I will For sure

[@tigersnigel]

wait - did he just say dev - bleach - wash - fix - wash - final rinse with pfotoflo? no stab? You often hear home developers discuss how they find the stab (especially in the tetenal kit) to be prone to leaving drying marks and whenever someone suggests that stab is kind of obsolete on modern films and that you can just skip the stab there is always someone else very adamantly arguing that the film will be mouldy and or completely desaturated after a period of being stored. Unless there is something different in the chemistry used in this lab that isn't mentioned, this video seems to support the former argument?

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are relating a professional processing to home processing and the two are different.

[@Marttyy]

got little heart attack when i saw their prices.

[@TheSlantedLens]

yeah... you can shop around. but we went over there just to see what their process is like.

[@donaldcrawford5577]

as they call it a niche market, then becomes a money earner. folk need to use film photography more, then prices will come down. law of supply and demand.

[@tiansili]

@@donaldcrawford5577 its actually the opposite, kodak just raised prices on all films. more demand with limited supply = higher price

[@unknownalien5424]

@@tiansili more demand needs increase in supply. That's how you make your mark in the market.

[@sameerchakma]

@@tiansili I think it's more about economics of scale.

[@jameslane3846]

I develop my own film. Cut black and white processing costs per roll from £10 to £0.80 and C41 from £8 to £2.10

[@TheSlantedLens]

Sweet, thanks for sharing with us! Tag us @theslantedlens so we can see some of your photos!

[@ChrisZahller]

The developer is not so much like "a good wine," but like a great solera.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's a good way of putting it, Chris. Thank you for watching & have a great day!

[@ChrisZahller]

Thank you for the tour. It was fascinating. I develop black and white at home in trays & daylight tanks, but this is a whole different beast. I want one of those Richard Labs t-shirts!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah the t-shirts are pretty sweet- you should make a field trip to Richard Photo Lab Chris!! :-)

[@ChrisZahller]

Much as I love getting behind the wheel of my MINI, that's a 20-hour drive assuming everyone in L.A. takes the day off so I don't hit rush-hour traffic. :-( Maybe someday. On a different subject, I understand Noritsu scanners stop at medium format. How does the lab scan sheet film? Or does it?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good question. I will reach out to them and see if they can give us an answer. Thanks

[@teleaddict23]

I don't understand anyone wanting their own colour profile on their scans. Surely you would shoot a film like Portra or Ektar because you like the look of the film as it really is?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I guess everyone likes what they like... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@bebox7]

Noritsu and Fuji both give different looks to each film. The inherent colour is still there eg Ektar reds and the Portra colours or the Fuji 400H greens but you still have to guide the scanning operator to what you want. With negative film it is always an interpretation of the reversal of the orange mask and as such you will get a different look from an Epson V700 right through to an Imacon, Frontier or a Noritsu. My Portra scans look nothing like what comes from Richard Photo Lab even though we both use the same machine with the same software. It's no different to printing in a colour darkroom at home as you choose a starting place for the CMY values and tweak it to what you want.

[@marcossantana1164]

No better explanation!

[@teleaddict23]

bebox7 I see, thank you for explaining.

[@bebox7]

No problem at all - it's a deeply misunderstood area of modern film photography and unfortunately alot of people have their ideas but have no experience scanning on these types of machines.

[@EDHBlvd]

Is there a Richard?

[@TheSlantedLens]

we didn't see a richard.

[@darkspeed62]

The girl is cute, but that arm tattoo the tree looks horrendous.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hope you learned some good stuff!

[@websitesthatneedanem]

3:05 - "We touch all the film" ?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!! - You touch unprocessed negatives????!!!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

!?!?!?!

[@bebox7]

Gloves.....

[@KieranShort]

Martin I totally agree. Unless I'm totally missing something, what they do pre-dunking makes the whole premise of this process farcical (2:46). "the only thing that touches the film is chemistry" (2:05) statement is BS. Not only touching and introducing dust though, but gathering the whole rack of film in their arms (3:23) potentially scratching it. What I don't understand is why can't they use IR to view the alignment of the film?? If it's a dark room, then they could visually inspect the film without exposing it to visible light. Touching it in any way seems like asking for trouble; and makes a mockery of their supposed proud dip and dunk processing method. 1:46.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes with gloves I am sure. I will get clarification. Thanks

[@richardphotolab1652]

We do, while wearing protective gloves to make sure no dirt or oils get on the film! It's super important for us to make sure that all the film is hanging straight and there's no paper backing obstructing the film before it gets dunked into the chemicals--we only get one shot to process the film, so it's gotta be perfect!

[@TheWorstGamerr]

In my day you only had to go to the local corner to carry out this process. :(

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, things really have changed when it comes to processing film!

[@GolfW4ng]

i cant help but see bubbles from trailer park boys!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Heard that a lot! Thanks for watching!

[@GolfW4ng]

@@TheSlantedLens keep killing it my man. All fun and games! Love what you've been doing!

[@samuraipiggy8]

Doesn't this guy work at Mt sac

[@rty1955]

Dip and dunk tanks are not good as the first end of the film stays in the chemistry longer. Roller transport is a better way to go, or even better is single shot chemistry such as the Kreonite processor. There is also way to much manual handeling of the film (time is money). After drying, it should go to a fast, automatic scanner for "proofing" the images, then automatically cut and package for shipping. That guy wiping the negs scares me! VERY prone to scratches! If the photog wants a hi-res scan, he can either do it himself or send the negative(s) back to scan, or the photog can send the neg to a custom printer to produce a regular print for display or sale

[@starfalcon2]

He used anti-static cloth which is perfect for negatives.

[@chadkrzmarzick]

I don't understand why she is named "Albany". It's inappropriate for the internet.

[@TheSlantedLens]

She is named Albany because that's her name, Chad.

[@joeyporto2461]

A film about filming film

[@TheSlantedLens]

Meta all the way.

[@Crewchief227]

It gets processed in my bathroom. Lol

[@TheSlantedLens]

Awesome! Do you do your own color processing? I did at one time. Putting chemistry into a print processing drum we called the pig. It looked like a pig. It was fun.

[@Crewchief227]

The Slanted Lens No when I shoot film it's usually MF b&w. C41 kits are expensive just to do a couple batches, so I just stay b&w. I have a 3 roll Paterson tank that takes 3 rolls of 35mm or two rolls of 120. And then scan on my V600. I wish I could have enough dedicated space to have an enlarger, as the manual printing process is so beautiful to me, and I love doing the process with my hands that Ps just has a button for.

[@jmalmsten]

Is it just me or wouldn't the lower parts of the film strips be in the liquids for longer times than the upper parts? I kind of would prefer the system of rollers running the film through the liquids at a constant rate. I mean, motion picture film would do that dip and dunk thing in the early days but if I remember correctly they really opted out of it because of the needed volume of film throughput and unreliable brightness levels as the exposure would fluctuate constantly. And I'm not getting to much confidence out of the raw untreated wood walls around the unshielded film strips. I mean, it gives a rustic DIY feel but in terms of quality assurance it kind of gives me a rinkydink vibe. I'm just imagining fibers and stuff loosening from the walls interfering with the processing. I understand that the company is very well renowned for its work. But... I am actually a bit hesitant after watching this...

[@mfbfreak]

The wood looks like OSB. This means it is completely saturated with resin during production. Apart from where it has been sawed, fibers are unable to come loose.

[@rty1955]

Yes you are very correct! I ran a lab for an military defence company. We saw a difference in dip/dunk v. Roller transport. We got rid if the dip/dunk and purchased a roller transport. Only the edges if the film are in contact with the mechanism and worked flawlessly. We also used a single shot chemistry system which was MUCH easier. We processed c-41, e6, b&w. Keeping the chemistry right in dip/dunk and roller transport is an art. We had to test chemistry every day. We cleaned the machines thoroughly each week. The single shot machine was sooooo simple. Go into a darkroom, wind the film on a spool, drop it in a tray, select the right process and any modifiers and press start. The film would prewash to get the film to correct temp, then nitrogen would push the chemistry from the sealed containers into the tank. After each stage, the chemistry was dumped into a dump tank and neutralized if needed, then expellwd from the machine while the next chemical was introduced I to the processing tray. Since each chemical was in a sealed container. No oxygen got into them to turn it bad, like dip/dunk or R/T machines where oxygen is a big problem. We could process up to 11x14 sheet film like duretrans in the machine as well, unlike other machines. Since there were no rollers or other transport mechanisms, the machine was always very clean. You could also add a silver recovery unit as well.

[@blasterman789]

Nitrogen burst is horrendous for conventional B&W film. It's the equivelant of just shaking the developer constantly. Roll B&W film needs to be processed by hand to allow for sufficient "calm" time to produce d-min shadow detail. Dip n Dunk is designed solely for C41 and E6 - Kodak Engineers will confirm this. Also, the Noritsu and Frontier are the absolute bottom end film scanners. More proof you film pundits have no clue what you are doing and just keeping labs busy producing results that would have been laughable in 1997.

[@arricammarques1955]

Dip n Dunk : )

[@TheSlantedLens]

True, true, dip and dunk!

[@tylerjames1716]

I went to high school with albany. She was fun 😅😉

[@chmalownikpl]

Very nice girl:)

[@moreforme74]

This is an ad for a service. I can care less about their logistics, I wanted to see how film got developed.

[@TheSlantedLens]

If you watch the whole thing you will see how a pro lab processes film. It is actually really interesting.

[@moreforme74]

@@TheSlantedLens No thanks. I found a step-by-step that explained it just fine without advertising an entire company.

[@Brandon-vy6uw]

:26 pause 😂

[@natevirtual]

Wow, are you Boris McGiver's clone?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That's so funny. The first I've heard of that one.

[@BluntSmokeTrauma]

This place has been around for 50 years yet has plywood walls? yeah. Right

[@TheSlantedLens]

There is such a thing as changing locations but still being the same business.

[@kd1s]

Who still uses film? I left film a very long time ago.

[@briansegarra9312]

kd1s many many people you would be suprise how much film has grown in the digital era , not as before but its a big chunk of people

[@jankocelebic5124]

Heeeey Albany what's up?Call me

[@Aidbesic]

vocal fry..

[@punman5392]

JP Morgan is still alive????

[@TheSlantedLens]

LOL. Is the THE JP Morgan???

[@FireDragonAndromeda]

Biggest thing that stopped me really enjoying this video was the young woman's voice that, for me, was rather too high pitched and nasal.

[@Toglander]

This video proves just how antiquated film photography is. They go through 15 steps just to import it into a computer and turn it into a digital file. The photographer has to cross their fingers and wait several days hoping they got the shot, and that it is in focus and properly exposed. All of this because naive people have been convinced that their out of date camera can provide them with a unique look that can’t otherwise be achieved. Unfortunately for them, there are NUMEROUS companies who can provide presets or profiles that identically mimic the “look” their specific film achieves. Photographers need to stop believing the hype and join the 21st century. The digital age of photography is superior in every way.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good points, yet it is still fun to do and film does have it's place for fine art especially.

[@danem2215]

"The photographer has to cross their fingers and wait several days hoping they got the shot, and that it is in focus and properly exposed" If you're a good photographer, you don't have to concern yourself with any of that. You'll also be developing yourself, so 20 minute wait.

[@Toglander]

@@danem2215 - So 100% of your shots are perfect? If you want to mimic the images from a film camera, slap a poor quality old lens on your digital camera and crank up the ISO. Only pretentious people argue that inferior quality is somehow desirable.

[@danem2215]

@@Toglander Perfect as in I know how they're going to come out? Yes. It's easy if you actually know how to meter and have eyes. You're clearly someone that's never shot large format or else you wouldn't be this confidently ignorant.