Film Processing Troubleshooting

Print Film - C41 or Black and white negatives

Blank, clear film, no exposure or frames at all.
This is usually caused by improper loading. If the film is not loaded correctly, the camera will not transport the film through the camera, and is never exposed. Make sure the leader is securely placed in the take-up spool. Follow the camera's directions for proper loading technique.

Faint images, poor color, grainy pictures.
This is underexposure, caused by inadequate light available to expose the film correctly. Make sure the correct film speed setting is selected on the camera, use flash in poorly lit scenes, and keep your subject within the range of your flash.

Blurry pictures.
This is caused by the subject or camera moving during the exposure, or by incorrect focus. Try a faster shutter speed, have your subject remain still and use something to steady the camera when needed. Also check your camera for proper focus.

Streaks or unexpected light or dark areas on film.
The most common cause for this is a light leak or 'fogging', caused by either opening the camera with film loaded or problems with the camera's light seals.  The best way to avoid this is to keep the camera closed and check the seals regularly for deterioration.

Pictures appear to overlap.
This is double exposure or overlapping pictures on the same film frame, caused by improper film transport. Multiple pictures are taken on the same frame which gives the double exposure look.

Poor overall color quality.
This is usually caused by using film that is old or has not been stored correctly. To avoid this always use fresh film that is within its expiration date. Also, try to store film in a cool place, ideally in a refrigerator.

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E6 Slide transparency film

Black, unexposed film
This is usually caused by improper loading. If the film is not loaded correctly, the camera will not transport the film through the camera, and is never exposed. Make sure the leader is securely placed in the take-up spool. Follow the camera's directions for proper loading technique.

Dark, faint images.
This is underexposure, caused by inadequate light needed to expose the film properly. Make sure the correct film speed is selected on the camera, use flash in poorly lit scenes, and keep your subject within the range of your flash. With slide film, exposure is critical as there is less margin for error than with print film.

Very light, washed-out images.
This is overexposure, caused by too much light to expose the film properly. Make sure the correct film speed setting is selected on the camera, and shoot according to the camera's light meter readings. With slide film, exposure is critical as there is less margin for error than with print film, and the light areas of the scene (the highlights) will overexpose or 'blow-out' quickly when the exposure is too much.

Blurry pictures.
This is caused by the subject or camera moving during the exposure, or by incorrect focus. Try a faster shutter speed, have your subject remain still and use something to steady the camera when needed. Also check your camera for proper focus.

Streaks or unexpected light areas on film.
The most common cause for this is a light leak or 'fogging', caused by either opening the camera with film loaded or problems with the camera's light seals. The best way to avoid this is to keep the camera closed and check the seals regularly for deterioration.

Pictures appear to overlap.
This is double exposure or overlapping pictures on the same film frame, caused by improper film transport. Multiple pictures are taken on the same frame which gives the double exposure look.

Poor overall color quality.
This is usually caused by using film that is old or has not been stored correctly. To avoid this always use fresh film that is within its expiration date. Also, try to store film in a cool place, ideally in a refrigerator.

If you have any questions about how your film processing job turned out, or if you need some helpful hints, please call or email and we will be happy to help!