Film Development and Scanning

An Introduction to a Small Business

2011-03-18T23:24:00.023+08:00

As of 2011, we have stopped all development. Thanks for your support through the years.

Hello!

As you might be wondering, what happened to filmdevelopment all this while, well, nothing! It has always been here and always will be here. Except for one difference, it is right now in its third incarnation. That's right, filmdevelopment.blogspot.com is in its third incarnation - 3.0. And most interestingly, it has been our third year that we've been into this niche business, working from our little darkrooms or kitchen sinks, mixing the dwindling and ever-rising prices of film developers!

A little history about ourselves, since I really don't know what to write here:

Filmdevelopment.blogspot.com (all that time, I haven't found a good name to make a brand) started in 23 November 2007, on a little Clubsnap thread (here), which advertised the cheapest, fastest, and reliable, film development service in Singapore. It's very simple, really, I knew how to develop film and decided to make a business out of it. Of course, every business required its own site, so just like all the Gen Y capitalists, I got a blogshop!

Last but not least, the numerous people who have msn-ed/email-ed/sms-ed me to enquire about the services. We look forward to your support, and we hope that I can offer you more for less. ^_^

Thank you,
Yuen & Jaime

120mm Sample Developments

2009-06-17T13:51:00.007+08:00

Some developments that I've done...

photograph by Yuwono Rahman
Ilford Delta 100

Half-Frame Sample Scans + Developments

2009-01-27T15:58:00.007+08:00

I would like to first start off this page by thanking Mr. Desmond Wan, for trusting me enough with his precious film even after I told him that I have no prior experience with half-frames whatsoever, and also for volunteering his images for "promotion purposes".... thank you!

Onto the samples...

photograph by Desmond Wan
Lucky SHD 100

An Introduction to a Small Business

2008-12-25T07:54:00.003+08:00

December 25: A new beginning...

Hello!

We're finally in business...!

I hope to bring to you a service that is not just affordable, but more importantly, a service with integrity, and always committed to doing things right.

Some people that I'll like to say a big big thank you to...

- Friend and colleague, Mr. Yuwono Rahman, my first unofficial customer, for his trust, feedback, advise, advertisement and allowing me to use his images on this blog... Makasih!

- The previous owner of this business, Yuen, the previous owner of this business, for being so committed to ensuring that the take over of the business is as smooth as possible. Yuen is now offering B&W film development lessons at a really good price. Please check out here for more details.

- Last but not least, the numerous people who have msn-ed/email-ed/sms-ed me to enquire about the services. I look forward to your support, and similarly to Yuen, hope that I can offer you more for less. ^_^

Thank you,
Jaime

35mm Sample Developments

2008-12-24T18:24:00.006+08:00

Some developments that I've done...

"landmark" by Yuwono Rahman
Ilford Delta 3200

"waiting game" by Yuwono Rahman
Shantou ERA100

"it's a new day" by Yuwono Rahman
Shantou ERA100

A big big thank you to my friend Yuwono, for allowing me to post his images here! To see more of his works, please visit his blog @ http://streetglimpse.blogspot.com/

photograph by Jaime Liang
Kodak TX400 (pushed to 800)

B&W Film Development Lessons

2008-12-24T13:30:00.006+08:00

Yuen, the previous owner, is now offering B&W Film Development lessons at a very affordable and attractive price of $40 per session. Each session will last about 2 hours, chemicals and necessary tools/equipment will be provided as well, students only need to bring along a roll of B&W film, either 35mm or 120.

Interested parties please contact Yuen at 91526892.

More details here!
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=453455

Extreme Film Pushing - You are invited to have a go!

2008-06-09T19:17:00.007+08:00

At Filmdevelopment, I constantly find ways to improve your film photography experience. My research has churned out some really exciting discoveries about film - that four stop pushes are possible.

I recently shot two rolls of film at very high speeds, in excess of ISO5000. The results that came back are astounding, as much as they are interesting. The contrast is extremely high, and that in order to make a good picture out of film shot at such speed, exposure must be spot-on, or else, with the increase in contrast, your dynamic range tends to shorten, and this will accentuate the underexposure or overexposure.

I've shot Delta 3200 at ISO12500, and Ilford Pan 400 at ISO5000. They were not developed by the standard developer, I used something more powerful (and more expensive). Grain went up the roof with Delta 3200 at 12500, but with the Pan 400 shot at 5000, it wasn't that bad, surprisingly. Pretty good if you are a fan of grain.

Samples:

Pan 400 at 5000:

Ilford Pan 400 at 5000, EOS5. This shot was lit by concert lights, and as a result looked quite good. The lights put the guitarist into the highlights area, which accounts for him looking quite acceptable.

Ilford Pan 400 at 5000, EOS5. This picture really shows how contrast has been pushed through the roof. You can see that the person's face is completely dark in relation to the brightly lit floor.

Ilford Pan 400 at 5000, EOS5

Orchard Road Avant Garde. Ilford Pan 400 at 5000, EOS5. I like this shot a lot! Even though there's a light leak at the corner. If you didn't notice it, beware, that's one of the major problems with such high speed pushing.

Ilford Pan 400 at 5000, EOS5

Delta 3200 at 12500:

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. Another shot that shows how dark you can shoot in with these speeds. I was in fact using a 90mm, so handholding would not be an easy feat, if I had used slower speed film.

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. Somehow the dresses' tones came out wonderfully.

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. This shot can show you how much shadow detail is compromised as a result of going so fast. The shirt of this guitarist is completely void of detail.

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. I'm impressed!

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. Check out the grain!

Ilford Delta 3200 at 12500, EOS5. Grain!!!

If you're interested in getting your film pushed at such speeds, contact me. Currently, I'll set the price for such push development at $7, due to the risk of developing such film, and the need for a higher priced developer.

The Philosophy of My Business

2008-05-25T22:35:00.009+08:00

It's been a while since I started my little home business, and support has been great from people from all walks of life. Everytime a roll of film gets developed, it's really amazing. From plastic that is opaque and meaningless, you get something that meaningful, just through development.

Ilford Pan 400 shot at 400, VC 35mm f/2.5

I started my film development business because I needed the money to fund my own film photography, ironically. Certainly for someone who is still schooling, it would be extremely limiting if I didn't have that extra income to fund something relatively expensive such as film photography. I could have gone digital, but digital just looks different, and can never mimic Ilford or Kodak. It may come close, but never close enough. Digital is problematic if that's what you are looking for, but I digress. Anyway, it's the cost of film, developer and other materials that make film photography expensive. The scanners that I have ,and had, cost me over a thousand dollars. It's certainly not a cheap affair, but very rewarding.

Ilford Pan 400 shot at 400, VC 35mm f/2.5

So perhaps it would be great if I could share the joys of film photography while enjoying it myself too?

Of course, that's what this business is for. I cannot put up a good fight with any professional labs, certainly not. They have better equipment, and it's their full time job to handle film. It isn't mine, and my equipment is one that I would rate as for the "advanced hobbyist". As such, my business is focused at is the casual user. We're like apples and oranges, labs have their advantages, and I have mine too. My price is lower, and my turnaround speed is faster; I am highly flexible because of the nature of my business.

Ilford Pan 400 shot at 400, VC 35mm f/2.5

Of course, at times, time is the biggest problem for me. I have my priorities and if my time is limited, I would have to delay my business for other more pressing work. It's not my full time job, and therefore, if the price hikes have had a negative impact on you, or the increased turnaround time, I ask for your understanding. This trend is likely to continue towards November 2008. One guarantee is that I will keep my price competitive, and service too.

Thank you!
Yuen

Prices and Information

2008-03-18T23:07:00.024+08:00

B&W development

$4 for single roll. Send two identical rolls, $3 each.

Prices are for any film (except Fomapan), any film speed, pushing is free; please indicate. No sleeves included, as it will increase the cost (and the price of this service).

I can do both 120 and 35mm film. Timing depends on your exposure of film and the film itself. I have other chemicals too which can be used at your request (i.e. Perceptol, T-Max Developer, Rodinal), additional charges may apply depending on developer used.

For expedited service (turnaround time 1-2 days), there will be an additional charge of 50%.

Scanning (B&W, colour, slide, 5x4, etc.)

2400dpi scanning
$3.00 - 3350×2250 for 35mm, 5800×5000 for 6×7 medium format (approx.)
Price for the whole roll.

4800dpi scanning
$5.00 - 6800×4500 pixels for 35mm, 12 600×10 400 for 6×7 medium format (approx.)
Price for the whole roll.

Photo CD, if necessary
$1; free if deemed necessary for large scale jobs (2 rolls or more at 4800dpi).

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How does the film get to me and back to you?

There are a few ways where you can send the film to me, and back to you.

Sending the film

The most preferred way would be that you send me the film through mail, or come directly to our place at Jurong West (Jaime), Serangoon/Kovan (Yuen) area.

Otherwise, it would be possible that we meet at a mutually accepted location. Most likely, on weekdays, at Boon Lay, AMK, Kovan, Serangoon stations and only Boon Lay (Jaime) or Kovan/Serangoon (Yuen) MRT station on weekends . I sometimes go to City Hall on weekends, but this is quite irregular.

Collection
I most likely will mail it back to you, unless you have special requests. You can also collect it at my place.

If you have sent me a single roll or two, I most likely can send the pictures to you through the net before I send out the physical stuff. Preferably through MSN Messenger, as email can be a bit limiting at 10mb per mail.

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How long does this process take?

Generally, for small scale jobs (1-2 rolls), it will take five days maximum. Please don't send it to me on Mondays though, as I might need the weekend. Also, if you need it in a hurry, 1-2 days, please do indicate. Expedited service might not be available at all times, and will cost 50% more than normal charges.

If I am facing a 'peak season' or having other work related concerns, I will inform you, and it might take a bit longer.

What happens to your pictures after I send them?
Usually, if the sending was successful, I usually delete them. I only keep them for this interim period to ensure that if anything goes wrong, I can resend them again to you.

Disclaimer: While all efforts to ensure mishaps do not happen, in any event that a mishap does happen, I shall claim no responsibility. This is due to the nature of film photography, whereby there are too many variables that need to be accounted for before any accountability can occur. I ask for your understanding.

120 Scans

2008-03-15T23:47:00.000+08:00

What you see is what you get, I only offer you what I use myself. All these were shot on my Seagull TLR.

Contemplating the future, 2008

Shiver, 2008

Matilda's House, 2008

Bags with sand; sandbags, 2008

Grills, 2008

35mm Scans

2008-03-15T00:11:00.007+08:00

Some scans from my V700.

Street Performer, Orchard Road, 2008

Railroad, Choa Chu Kang, 2008

Haiou, Home, 2008

Cosplaying on the Street, City Hall, 2008

Uomo Universale, outside Suntec City, 2009

Some scans from my 8800F. Will add more as I go along...

Abandoned Carpark, Hsinchu, Taiwan

Switches, Singapore

Street View, Hsinchu, Taiwan

5x4 Sample Scans

2008-01-24T17:01:00.000+08:00

Gotta thank Patrick for allowing me to use his shots as samples! Thanks Patrick!

The shots were scanned at 3200dpi which produced a scan of 14500x11500 pixels. Better have a good computer if you plan to view it at 100%!

Contact Information

2008-01-18T23:12:00.009+08:00

Hello,

You may contact me via the following ways:
Mobile : 91526892 (Yuen) / 98719584 (Jaime)
Email : csisfun@hotmail.com
MSN : csisfun@hotmail.com (Yuen) / jaimeliang@hotmail.com (Jaime)

Pushing?

2007-03-30T22:51:00.001+08:00

Ilford Pan 400 shot at 1600, Bessa R.

I like pushing film, but usually I don't need to. ISO400 with a lens around f/2.8 should work fine for most situations. Pushing film does somewhat give you flexibility, but it's not really the film equivalent of just increasing ISO as digital cameras do. Nonetheless, it still gives great images, especially since sometimes it's a question of make and break when there just isn't enough light.

I've pushed film from ISO100 to 400, which inadvertent, since what happened was that I usually shoot ISO400 film, but then I loaded ISO100 film inside, but forgot to change the ISO setting, thus, I shot it completely at 400. I was quite perturbed, but the results weren't that bad, and in fact quite good.

Ilford Delta 3200 pushed to 12500, shot on my Seagull TLR

So, what does pushing entail?

Certainly, the first thing you'll notice is greater contrast in your pictures, poorer shadow quality as you step up the ISOs, more blown highlights, and greater grain, which may or may not be a bad thing. The implications of all these mean that your exposure must be more exacting, a bit like slides or digital.

Kodak Tri-X at 3200, Minolta X700.

Technically, this might imply that your pictures might be of lesser quality, but that doesn't suggest anything on the artistic aspect. Ultimately, I don't find that an image should be judged upon how much shadow or highlights it retains, but rather, it's aesthetic qualities are of primary concern. Technical quality simply complements aesthetics. An image can have two shades - black and white, but can still be amazing.