film developing & scanning
***update! we’ve recently brought the developing and scanning process locally in partnership with the fotoshoppe!
while we’ve had great success the past two years with Bellows, your film will now be traveling only 16 miles versus 800 :)
*** we will be offering free shipping for bellows orders til the end of september.
🎞 Film Drop-Off Process
Purchase your film developing/scanning services here! (now handled directly on our site from start to finish).
Place your rolls in a bag (provided next to our drop box) with your name, email, and order number.
Drop your film into our secure drop box at the studio or during our retail hours in person.
Once we’ve packaged your film and drop it off with the team in raleigh, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us.
you’ll get another email once your scans are ready and a final one when your negatives are back in durham.
frequently asked questions
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film delivery
We hand-deliver your film to The Fotoshoppe in Raleigh at no extra charge. Film is taken twice a week — Mondays & Fridays. We also pick up negatives on these days, and you’ll be notified when they’re ready for pickup at our studio. Please keep these days in mind when considering turnaround times below.
film turn around time
Color film: Scans are typically delivered to your email inbox within 6–7 business days after drop-off.
Black & white film: These take a bit longer at 10–12 business days.
4x6” prints (if purchased) are available once your negatives are confirmed as ready for pick up.
film status
if you have questions about the status of your order, please contact to us directly at hello@yoursdurham.com
what’s up with my photos?!
Film is a light-sensitive medium, and there are a few common reasons why images may not appear on your negatives:
Camera wasn’t advancing properly – If the film didn’t wind correctly inside the camera, it may not have been exposed.
Lens cap on / no exposure – It happens! If the lens was covered or a setting prevented light from hitting the film, you’ll see blank frames.
Exposure issues – Extremely underexposed film (too little light) or overexposed film (too much light) can look blank or washed out.
Processing errors on the roll itself – Very rare, but sometimes a film cartridge is defective before you even load it.
Completely blank roll – If nothing shows at all, the film may never have been advanced inside the camera.
The film is always developed, but blank frames are usually a shooting issue, not a lab issue. If you’re unsure, feel free to bring your camera by the studio — we’re happy to take a quick look and help troubleshoot.