Frequently asked questions

Create or log in to your Panchrome Connect account, open the Film & Scanning section and select an available processing batch. Add your rolls, choose the required development and scanning options, complete payment and download your processing order and shipping label. Pack your film securely and send it to us - we’ll take care of the rest.

Film submitted through this service is processed in collaboration with Darkroom8 in Malaysia. The Panchrome Project coordinates the batches, documentation and movement of your film through the processing workflow.

We currently offer C-41 colour-negative processing, ECN-2 motion-picture film processing, traditional black-and-white processing, black-and-white reversal processing and E-6 colour-slide processing.

We accept 35mm and 120 film. For 35mm, we can also scan standard frames, half-frame photographs and panoramic frames. Common medium-format frame sizes shot on 120 film are supported.

Yes. The displayed per-roll processing prices include film development and standard JPEG scans at approximately 2000 × 3000 pixels. GST at 18% is applicable.

Yes. You can upgrade to high-resolution JPEG scans of up to approximately 6000 × 4000 pixels or select TIFF files when you need more flexibility for editing. These upgrades are charged separately per roll.

Depending on the film type and selected service, scans are produced using Noritsu 900, Noritsu 1800 and Fuji Frontier scanners. Black-and-white reversal film is scanned using an Epson V850.

Your scans will be delivered through a permanent Dropbox link. You can use the link to view and download your files once processing and scanning have been completed.

Yes. Push and pull processing can be selected for supported film types when adding your roll. The additional charge is calculated per stop, per roll. Please make sure the required adjustment is clearly selected for the correct roll.

Yes. ECN-2 processing is available for Kodak Vision3 and other compatible motion-picture stocks. The ECN-2 process includes the required remjet removal.

Yes. Each roll can be configured individually when you create your processing order. For example, you may select different development processes, scan resolutions or push/pull instructions for different rolls within the same batch.

Place your rolls in protective containers or a secure, moisture-resistant pouch and pack them in a sturdy outer package. Include the generated processing order inside the parcel and attach the provided shipping label clearly to the outside. Avoid placing loose rolls directly inside a courier envelope.

Turnaround time may vary according to the selected batch, film process, shipping schedule and the number of rolls being handled. Any estimated timeline should be treated as an estimate and begins once the films have been received and checked in. Specialised processes such as E-6 or reversal processing may require additional time.

Yes. Select the negative-return option while placing your processing order. A return-handling charge applies, and any applicable return-shipping cost will be communicated or calculated according to the destination and delivery method.

Film development cannot guarantee usable images because results depend on the film’s age, storage, exposure, camera condition and previous handling. Blank, fogged, damaged or incorrectly exposed film will still have undergone the requested chemical process, so processing charges remain applicable. If the lab notices an unusual issue during handling, we will contact you where reasonably possible.

We process film in collaboration with Darkroom8, an experienced specialist film laboratory in Malaysia. This partnership gives Panchrome customers access to dedicated analogue-processing expertise, professional equipment and a wider range of processes while allowing us to manage submissions through convenient scheduled batches.

Working with a specialist laboratory provides access to established processing workflows, experienced technicians and professional scanning equipment. Darkroom8 can handle C-41, ECN-2, black-and-white, E-6 and black-and-white reversal film, allowing several specialised services to be managed through one processing partner.

The location itself does not determine the quality of the results. Quality depends on factors such as chemical control, processing consistency, technician experience, scanner calibration and handling practices. Our collaboration with Darkroom8 was chosen to provide reliable processing and professional scans while preserving the individual characteristics of each film stock.

The final result will also depend on the film’s exposure, age, storage conditions and any previous handling.

Undeveloped film can be affected by sufficiently powerful X-ray or CT-scanning equipment, particularly high-speed film or film exposed to repeated scans. However, film does not automatically pass through the same scanners used for passenger carry-on luggage simply because it is transported internationally.

We consolidate and package film carefully for transit and work with our logistics partners to minimise unnecessary exposure wherever reasonably possible. Nevertheless, airport and customs screening procedures are controlled by the relevant authorities, so complete protection from inspection or scanning cannot be guaranteed.

If you are submitting unusually high-speed, infrared or otherwise sensitive film, please contact us before placing your order.

Pricing is calculated according to the development process required for each roll. The listed base price includes film processing and standard JPEG scans. Additional charges apply only when you select optional services such as high-resolution JPEGs, TIFF files, push or pull processing, half-frame scanning, panoramic scanning or negative return.

Your estimated total is calculated automatically when you add and configure your rolls in Panchrome Connect. You can review the complete amount before making payment. All applicable prices are subject to 18% GST.

The Panchrome Project is a community-driven project to grow the Indian analog community. The idea is to bridge the accessibility issue many people face when procuring film, chemistry, and other analog gear, and to make those raw materials or products available at an affordable rate.

Some costs, such as customs and GST, cannot be avoided. Unlike countries such as the UAE or Hong Kong where there are no import duties, India has exceptionally high customs duty rates for individuals, apart from the tax implications associated with it.

India's analog film community is still growing, and it is not yet matched with international film communities in terms of the number of people associated with it. Many community members feel the pinch or restrain themselves from experimenting because of cost. With our shipping service and various vendors, we can bring the cost down considerably. So let's worry less about high costs and concentrate on growing this community.

Being a community-driven project, we are not looking at high markups or profits. Our core idea is to grow the analog community and let more people be part of it.

We do need to cover operating costs such as the payment gateway, electricity for our fridge, and related expenses. Therefore, we keep a small markup to cover these costs and want to keep it as transparent as possible.

We are currently focusing on fresh and expired film stocks and analog chemistry. If there is a specific requirement for special accessories such as darkroom accessories or film holders, we would be glad to help you out.

Yes, we are all ears. Please send us suggestions, feedback, or ideas.

Yes. As mentioned, we are not taking profits and are using markups for operational costs. If you would like to be part of the team, it would be pro bono. We can designate or assign areas such as research and development, marketing, and other functions.

Fresh film stocks are films where the expiry date is beyond the current date by a few months or years. For example, if the film expiry date says 09/2022, the film's best usage time is until September 2022. After that, the film is considered expired.

Expired film stocks are films where the expiry date is before the current date by a few months or years. For example, if the expiry date says 05/2004, the film's best usage time ended in May 2004. Keeping the year 2022 in mind, that film would have expired 18 years ago.

Fresh and expired films are available across 35mm, 120, 4X5, and Polaroid formats.

Our films range from 1973 to 2021 in 35mm, 120, 4X5, and Polaroid formats. We currently have a comprehensive list and will keep adding to it.

Yes. You can send us suggestions for films, whether expired or fresh. We will try to source them and add them to our list. If available, we will add them to the following month's curated list.

Our website will always be up. We update the expired films list once a week, every Saturday, and the curated fresh stock on the first of every month. You can also check our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram pages for constant updates.

Our source vendors or associates cold-store all films unless specified. At our end, once we receive the shipment and until it is sent out, all films are stored in temperature-controlled refrigerators.

We recommend keeping film in the refrigerator once you receive the shipment, especially during hot days in coastal areas where humidity is high.

Most films available work under standard developing processes. But film is also about experimentation and trying new ideas. If you are developing at home, you can try various processes as you desire. We highly recommend researching any discontinued process before trying it.

We do not guarantee any films, fresh or expired. There is no refund if the desired result is not achieved.

Expired films can behave erratically depending on the chemistry, calculations, and development procedures. With our experience so far, we have had some stunning results with expired film. It is important to do the right calculations and procedures. We recommend reading about the films you have ordered and the development process involved. You can always experiment and see what results you get. We are all learning.

We usually follow the thumb rule of overexposing by one stop for every decade. For example, if a film expired in 2002 and is 20 years expired, it is two decades old, so we overexpose by two stops from the acquired light reading.

There are many theories that contradict this procedure, and you can use your own technique or method. We suggest researching what can be achieved. This is simply the method we have been following, and fortunately it has worked almost every time.

We recommend storing film in a refrigerator once you receive the shipment, with the temperature set optimally. Considering Indian temperatures and humidity during summer, film should be stored in a cool, dark place until use. Film can react differently with humidity as well.

The ideal standing time after removing film from the fridge is around six to eight hours. We recommend removing the film the night before and storing it in a cool, dark place in the room, such as a cupboard or drawer.

With 120 film, there are chances of mottling, where the paper might stick to the emulsion.

Under the 4X5 or large format expired film category, we have a few Quickloads and Readyloads, marked by QL and RL in the codes. Both formats are discontinued, but they were among the most convenient formats for travel.

They are also called packet films. The need to carry a changing bag, holders, film cases, and similar items was reduced with QLs and RLs. One could shoot with a special QL or RL holder, put the film packet in the bag, and take it for development once back home.

QLs and RLs were sealed packs of stock films or Polaroids used in designated holders. Primary Quickloads were manufactured by Kodak and Fujifilm, each with their own QL holders. Readyloads were manufactured by Kodak, Fujifilm, and also by Polaroid. Some RLs came with chemistry in the packet, while some were just negatives or transparencies. RLs with chemistry need to go through a holder that presses the chemical onto the film base, and after the correct development time, you get the result.

Numerous commercial film stocks were available in QL and RL formats, such as Kodak TMax, Kodak Ektachrome, and Fujifilm Neopan Acros. QL and RL holders are easily available. The best RL holder is the 545i, which can accommodate most films unless specified. If you need one, connect with us and we can help procure it.

Yes, Razorpay is one of the safest payment gateways in the country. If there is an issue with your payment, let us know and we will look into it.

Our store has a payment gateway via Razorpay.

Once our estimate is approved from your end, we will send you a payment link by SMS and email. You can use that link to make the payment. Available payment modes include credit card, debit card, netbanking, and UPI.

It usually takes around seven to fifteen days to receive the order, provided there are no delays at source, in shipment, or at customs. Since we work on a consolidated shipment model, if there are sufficient shipments coming through, you may receive your order within seven days. This is subject to conditions.

We are currently tied up with Razorpay, so debit card, credit card, netbanking, and UPI payments are available.

Yes. Let us know your GST number while ordering and we will incorporate it in the invoice.

No, we do not stock film chemistry regularly. All film chemistry is on an order basis or as per requirement.

Use our order form to let us know which chemistry you need and the quantity.

If it is available, we will help procure it.

India has import guidelines for dangerous and hazardous chemicals. Some chemicals, such as E6 or wet plate collodion, fall under those categories. Considering these norms, some vendors do not ship them to India.

We will try our best to use alternate shippers and find the most viable method to get the chemistry to you. If there are additional cost implications, we will let you know in advance.

We have tied up with Delhivery for domestic logistics and Blue Dart for express shipments. Based on the location and goods, we use air or surface transfers.

Shipping usually takes seven to thirteen days after completion of our in-house formalities. This timeline is tied to delivery from source.

For urgent or next-day delivery to major cities, we have Blue Dart service, which is chargeable and subject to the weight of the package. For Mumbai, urgent same-day delivery can be arranged through Dunzo or WeFast, with charges additional and on actuals. Please check with our team about urgent shipping rates before dispatch.

A shipping time of seven to ten days from the time we receive our shipment is typical, depending on the customer's location. If there are source delays, the timeline may change and we will update you.

Most products sold are inclusive of shipping to your doorstep. This is subject to terms and conditions regarding package size and weight. For bigger or larger packages, shipping rates may change and can be paid via UPI or Razorpay.

The estimated cost includes shipping from source, import duties, and applicable 18% GST.

Our estimated cost is inclusive of import duties unless specified.

No, we currently do not offer cash on delivery.

Our shipment usually takes around four to seven days to arrive at our office. Once we complete our in-house formalities, we ship your order. Your order should arrive within seven to fifteen days from your confirmation, unless there is a delay from the source, shipper, or customs. We will keep you posted. Our intent is to get it delivered to your doorstep as early as possible.

Yes, we will deliver to the address submitted to us.

We request you to speak to the delivery agent. If no one is available at home, kindly coordinate with the agent to hand over the parcel to your neighbour or watchman.

Once the order is shipped, we cannot change the address. We will deliver to the address submitted during the order. If you need delivery to an alternate address, please inform us by email before shipping.

The package will be returned to our office. Once it is returned, re-shipping charges will be applicable on actuals.

We do not guarantee any film stocks or chemicals, and neither do our associates and vendors. No refund is applicable once products are purchased and delivered.

A refund is only possible if the product is not available at source or is out of stock. In that case, we will inform you and process the refund.

If you ordered a specific quantity of films or chemistry and the desired quantity is not available but a smaller quantity is, we will inform you for further processing. If you choose the smaller quantity, we will send a revised estimate. The balance amount will be refunded or converted to credits for the next purchase.

We will inform you by email along with the refund receipt or a Razorpay notification. If credits are used, the amount will be deducted from the next invoice and reflected in the new invoice.