Film Developing - Mail Order

How to Post Your Film to Chemistry Film Lab

Follow these simple steps to make sure your film arrives safely and ready to be processed.

1. Prep Your Film

35mm film:
Ensure the film is fully wound into the canister and placed back in its plastic film pot (or any other light-proof container).

120 film:
Seal the roll tightly using the adhesive tab or moistening strip. For extra protection, wrap it in foil or secure it with tape or a rubber band.

Disposable cameras:

Do not attempt to remove the film yourself. Simply send the entire camera—our technicians will safely handle the rest.

2. Include Your Order Info

Place a note inside your package that includes your full name, email address, return address, and details of your order (such as film type, requested services, and any add-ons).

3. Package It Securely

Use a small padded envelope or sturdy box. Make sure the film is cushioned to prevent any damage during transit.

4. Post It To:

Chemistry Film Lab
19 Preston Street
Brighton
BN1 2HN
United Kingdom

5. Choose Your Postal Service

We recommend using Royal Mail Tracked or Signed For services for added peace of mind. Be sure to keep your receipt and tracking number until we confirm your film has been received.

6. Sit Back & Relax

We’ll notify you by email once your film arrives. After processing, you’ll receive your scans digitally or your prints by post—depending on the service you've selected.

📦 How to Package Your Film for Safe Delivery

Sending your film through the post? Proper packaging is crucial to ensure your shots make it to us safely and unexposed.

Film is light-sensitive, meaning any accidental exposure to light can ruin your images—causing light leaks, fogging, or a completely blank roll. Below are some simple guidelines to help protect your work in transit.

🎞️ 35mm Film

Before posting your 35mm roll:

Make sure the film is fully wound back into the canister.
Place it back into its original plastic film pot, or use any light-proof container.

Don’t worry if the film leader is fully wound in—we use professional tools to retrieve it. In fact, with hand-rolled film, this can help prevent light piping (when light enters through the leader and damages the roll).

📷 120 (Medium Format) Film

120 film doesn't come in a protective canister, so extra care is needed:

Ensure the roll is tightly sealed using the self-adhesive tab or the moisten-to-seal sticker.
For added protection, you can wrap the roll in tin foil, secure it with a rubber band, or add a strip of tape.

If the roll becomes loose during transit, light can seep in and damage your images—so be sure it’s snug and secure.

📸 Disposable Cameras

Sending in a disposable camera? Simple:

Do not try to remove the film yourself. These cameras contain internal electronics and attempting to open them can damage the film or cause injury.
Just package the entire camera securely and send it in—we’ll handle the rest

Our lab technicians are trained to safely extract and develop film from disposable cameras. Learn more about disposable camera processing here.

Need help or have questions about mailing your film?