Frequently asked Questions
Check most frequently asked questions here, if you still need help then please contact us at williams@rapideye.uk.com.
We are open for general sales and enquiries 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 12 to 6pm.
During holiday periods we will advertise on this website and on google if we have changed these times.
Our rental darkrooms are open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 12 to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.
We will email you once your negatives are ready to collect. You collect your negatives from the front desk Rapid Eye Darkrooms, 79 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QS.
We keep your negatives for 1 month. Any uncollected negatives that are still in storage after this time will be disposed of.
We have a limited amount of space for archiving negatives.
If you need us to hold your negatives for longer, please get in touch.
You can drop off film at our Rapid Eye Store, 79 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QS. Opening Times: Monday - Friday from 9am - 6pm and Saturdays from 12pm - 6pm.
Yes, you can post your film through Royal Mail or alternative courier. If it needs to be signed for, please arrange for times to be during our normal opening times.
If sending your films through the post, send them to: Rapid Eye Darkrooms, 79 Leonard St, London EC2A 4QS, please do not forget to add your order number and your name in the parcel.
We are afraid that due to the sensitive nature of film stock, all film sales are final and excluded from refunds and/or exchanges once they leave our store. This is to gurantee that all film sold by us is fresh and has been stored properly.
Unfortunately, we DO NOT provide passport picture services. We recommend seeking assistance from alternative photography establishments.
All of our film stock is live and visible on their products. Although we follow daily stock accuracy check ups, in some instances this may differ.
FAST Turnaround: 2/3 working days.
7 DAY: weekly turnaround including weekends.
Unfortunately we do not process/accept remjet films.
No. Unfortunatly, These formats are not compatible with our Dip and Dunk processors.
Standard E6 processing for longer turnarounds only. (7 - 10 Days)
We can also cross process E6 through C41 processes. Please be informed cross processing E6 will show unpredictable outcomes on a negative film strip.
Yes, we can process standard single use / disposable cameras - as long has they are standard C41 colour processing or standard B&W.
No. We find that 220 can be problematic with dip and dunk processing.
No unfortunetly we cant process this film.
Pushing is when we over develop the film. This is achieved by leaving the film in the developer for longer.
Pulling is when we under develop the film. This is achieved by shortening the dev time.
Pushing increases contrast and pulling decreases contrast.
We recommend when pushing colour films you only go a max of 2 stops and advisable to only go 1 stop when pulling. However B&W films you can go to 3 stops either way.
When loading film onto the dip and dunk processor the film in held on the hanger with a clip and another weighted clip is placed on the bottom of the film to hang it tought. These clips have sharp teeth and they pierce through the film. Generally, in proper practise these marks will be cut off and would be sacrificial to the process.
During times when the film has not been loaded into the camera properly, and/or the camera is not correctly calibrated, the sacrificial film at either end can be exposed in the camera. When a clip goes through an image we then have clip marks which results in damage and loss to the image.
As you can see here the film on the left is fine however the film on the right is damaged.
How to avoid getting clip marks.
Load your film correctly.
35mm
Always wind at least 2 frames with the back open to make sure the film leader is loaded correctly and the film transports smoothly out of the cassette. Close the camera and wind on exposing a further 2 frames.
120
Attatch the backing paper to the blank loading reel. Wind on the film untill the arrows on the backing paper align with the arrows on the camera.
Check your camera wind on mechanism is collaborated.
The wind on mechanism on your camera should leave even spaces between frames as it shows on the images above. If the spaces are to close or to far apart then this will cause the problem. Check your film and if you have uneven spacing then you should take your camera to get this repaired.
We asked our community where they went to get their cameras repaired. See this Camera repair post and read the replies. Hope this helps.
Drying marks on film is a processing problem. Film needs washing after it has been through the chemical process. If the lab is in a location where the water is hard it will contain alot of dissolved minerals which when dried out will leave a residue. These are drying marks. In London the water is very hard so we soften water for all of our processing. With regards to film processing which is the most sensitive of processes and the most important one to get right we mix our chemicals and run our final washes with extra filtered water. Due to the high volumes of water needed for this we make our Extra filtered water using a process called Riverse Osmosis.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants from water by forcing water through the membrane under pressure, leaving behind dissolved solids and other unwanted substances. This process is used to create pure water, and it can be used in both industrial and domestic settings.
Even though we do make as much effort as possible we still sometimes get occassional drying marks which need to be polished off by hand.
watch this Chems room video
No. Not here anyway. We follow the standard professional guidelines so everything is done properly. If you require fast processing the quickest we offer is 2 to 3 working days. We do offer a RUSH service which can be organised at the time of contact if you need to get work out pronto. If you are working to a deadline you can book in your job with our production team prior to the shooting date. email production@rapideye.uk.com
If your film is completly blank after processing we will imform you by email. If you had ordered dev with scans or prints etc we will refund you that part of the bill via your online account. This may take a few days.
If your film is mostly blank (25% or less) we will also let you know about this and ask you if you still want the scans, prints etc or a refund.
We process your film and then run the film through our Noritsu scanner. We make adjustments to each individual frame. The scanned images get emailed to you via We transfer. We then sleeve your film ready for collection.
The resolution depends on your output needs. If you will be showing your images on screen or making prints up to 10x12 inch, then medium jpeg is your best option. For output choices larger than this, go for the large option.
If you want to heavily edit your images in software like photoshop, then Tiffs are best for this.
See the chart below for Noritsu roll scanning resolutions
Please note that 6x4.5 film scans will generate a smaller file size than a 6x7 film scan due to the reduced frame size. Similarly, a 6x9 film scan will produce a larger file than a 6x7 scan due to the larger frame size. E.g for a Large Tiff scan, a 6x4.5 negative produces a 56MB file, a 6x7 prouduces an 89MB file and a 6x9 produces 108MB.
You can upload a reference image when placing your order online. We will try our best to get the feel that you like. Sometimes we cannot achieve an identical match to your references due to technical barriers.
If you are booking in your job with our production team, then you can do this via email.
Booking ONLINE. You will see this space on the booking page to upload your ref files.
The main difference between a JPEG and a TIFF is the resolution. A TIFF gives a larger file making editing easier. Jpegs are compessed files making them quicker to email, upload and download.
Noritsu HS 1800
For single image, cut and uncut rolls of 35mm and 120 film.The most popular high volume film scanner within the industry. We use this scanner for roll scanning and also individual images. Image files can be made in 2 sizes medium and large and as jpegs or tiffs. See the chart for film format scan resolution.
Hasselblad Flextight
Industry standard scanner designed for mastering single images. This scanner offers full control over sharpness colour contrast with an option on file sizes and FFF
raw scanning.
Yes. If you shoot half frame we can either scan your images individually or as pairs. However, we can't decide how to pair your images. Even though there are double the amount of images when shooting half frame, there is no additional cost. If you order prints however, there will be an additional charge for materials used.
We have a dedicated Noritsu scanner for mounted slide scanning. With large archive orders we recommend running a few tests first to make sure our technical adjustments suit your taste. Please email production@rapideye.uk.com for more information, and organise a free test for jobs over 20 scans.
We can scan in single or paired frames. We can also pair the images as requested.
If it has been one day over your chosen turnaround time, and you have not received your WeTransfer files, please check your junk/spam folder before contacting us.
We find that if we rotate the images within the scanning software the file size reduces, so its best to do this later using more suitable editing software like Photoshop.
When we operate the Noritsu scanner when doing Dev and Scan, cut roll scan 120 medium format we can scan wide to show the full frame with some black border, this will be quite minemal and not even and usally on only 3 sides. With 35mm roll scanning we dont have any option at all, in fact the scanner crops a littleinto the image, so its never full frame. By default we always scan as wide as possible so that you can see as much of the image as possible.
When operating the Imacon scanner whilst doing single frame scanning, we have far more control. The manual operation of this scanner allows for wider neg holders that we have custom made and this allows us to offer a neater black border, however this is still limited. With either scanner though, we are unable to offer full black borders showing the film sprocket holes and frame nombers etc.
This would be because your film is partially blank. This could be due to camera fault or user error. We will always scan every frame on your film, even if there are technical errors on it. When we see an error, we will always try to advise you on what we believe went wrong by email.
The best workshop for anybody who wants to start printing at Rapid Eye is the 4 hr Colour or Black and white workshop in our Dry Darkrooms. Intro Video to dry darkrooms. goto page to book here See booking page here.
We also offer this workshop as a 3hr session at weekends at a cheaper rate. See here
What is meant by DRY Darkrooms?
Dry darkrooms means you dont get your hands wet. All papers are resin backed and processed through a machine. This way of printing is quick and clean making your darkroom experience more productive. Using a machine to process the paper gives consistant and quick resuts. You can achive most results using the dry darkrooms.
What is meant by WET darkrooms?
We also have a WET Darkroom. This is for Black and White workshops only. In this darkroom we offer workshops that teach how to print and process your photographs using chemicals in trays. This means you are more in contact with the chemicals and have to manually move the paper from tray to tray and wash and dry the prints by hand. This way of processing is slower and more tactile allowing more control over the strengh and temperature of the chemicals to influence the process. In this darkroom we can teach both fibre based printing and resin based printing. Wet darkroom workshops are best to choose if you are thinking about setting up your own darkroom at home for BW printing.
We also use this WET darkroom for alternative processes such as cyanotype printing. Cyanotype
and our beginners workshop which teaches you how to process BW film by hand right through to making you first print. see workshop here
You can see all workshops here. Workshops
Yes, all newcomers need to do a workshop before you are able to book the darkrroms. This is to ensure you are able to use the equipment properly and safely. The workshops are very informative and even if you have printed before you will find them useful! The workshops are one to one so you will be learning at your own pace, so if you are experienced, you will have the chance to ask an experienced teacher all the things that aren't clear. You will be able to get a bit of work out in the workshop too, so bring plenty of negs with you. Check out the hand printing workshop Mon to Fri here and if you want to book for the Weekends here.
Yes of course you can take pictures and make reels about printing for social media etc. Be sure to copy us into any posts also, so we can show off you in the darkrooms too. Please also add the link to our instagram Darkroom page and our hashtag madeatrapideye! BEWARE though! PLEASE DO NOT take pictures of anybody elses work on display without them knowing! This can lead to big problems, so please be careful as most work made at Rapid Eye is COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE!
Print scanning is relativly easy as long as you follow a few simple rules!
Keep your prints as clead as possible. Ideally scan as soon as possible after printing. Handle the prints at the edges to ensure the image is free of finger prints. Ensure the scanner glass is clean. We will clean the scanner glass prior to your printing session and let you know that the scanner has been checked over. However please check your first scans thouroughly for and scanner marks. If there are marks let us know asap and we will clean again. Use the air guns in the scanning rooms to dust the prints, especially in the blacks.
User Video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JcCJObQYQCE5M3arJhVpMPP9ucm-oCbj/view?usp=drive_link
People love bringing their dogs in to print in our rental darkrooms and we love dogs here too. However, it can be distracting for others, especially if there is more than 1 dog in at a time! Please let us know, prior to your booking if you want to bring your dog in and we will try and accomadate if possible!
Darkroom bookings are for 1 person only. If you want to bring somebody else into the darkroom please ask first. This is so we can control numbers in the space.
We have an Epson print scanner station. This is for scanning upto A3 photographic prints, polaroids and other flat art work. We do not allow artwork with materials that can transfere onto the glass such as, chalk, flaky paint, pastels etc. The station comes complete with Eizo screen and silverfast software. We run on Apple mini mac and you will have access to very fast wifi. File delivery to home computer using our we transfere account or to your personal drive.
We also have a Imacon Flextight film scaner station. This station is used for scanning photographic films from 35mm to 5x4inch. Complete with Eizo screen, mini mac and very fast wifi. File delivery to home computer using our we transfere account or to your personal drive.
Both scanners are relativly easy to use with a short introduction from our scanning team. If you need help pls let us know by making a note in your booking order.
Tutorial videos
Contact prints are made by laying the film on top of the photographic paper and exposing light through the negative film to make a positive representation of the image. This is the traditional way of proofing, used for editing images and archiving.
Yes. We make colour and black and white contact prints on 10x12 inch paper. Gloss or Matt. Its very important to us to get a clear brief about how you want your contact prints to look like. If you drop in your order in person we will ask you to fill out a Printers Brief. This will give the printer a good idea about how you would like your colour and density to be. Please bare in mind that we cannot control contrast in colour but we can in BW. Its important to fill this out as clearly as possible including your phone number so that the printer can quickly contact you to discuss the job whilst in production. Following these guidelines will give us the chance to get your work looking as you like it. The printers brief will be handed back to you including any comments from the printer. If you order online then please use the comments section to add your brief. B&W contact printing video
If you want to work more closely with a printer then please get in touch with Production@rapideye.uk.com
Example of the printers brief..
Yes we can make hand prints from film. We are experts at this.
The biggest print we make is 12x16 by hand in the darkroom. This is because we mostly scan our prints once made and this is the biggest size we can scan. If you need bigger prints, our preferred way of doing this is from a scan of the print, onto digital c type. We can make these prints upto 20x30 inch. This is a popular way of getting great results.
Thats great. This is what we do best. Get in touch here and we will set up a meeting online or in person and get this started for you.
production@rapideye.uk.com
It's just the technical name for a print made from digital files onto photographic papers which are light sensitive.
We offer a choice of matt or gloss papers. We use Fuji Crystal Archive DP2 paper, the same paper used for printing from film in the darkrooms.
RGB Tiff, HEIC, JPEG or PNG images in Adobe RGB or sRGB are supported via the online portal.
your files will get resized ready for printing during the ordering process. Though for your imformation the files need to 300dpi for optimal quality.
Go to our print upload page and if you get stuck each stage is explained below.
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Drag and drop or click to choose files you want to upload in the “Upload Image” section. If you are uploading a large number of images it may take some time.
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Scroll down and choose the finish, size, border and crop type. You can now click “+ Add Prints” at the bottom to add to your order.
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If you want to change the size, crop or rotation of any individual images you can now do so in the “Manage Your Print(s)” section by clicking the square icon in the bottom right of each image to bring up the editor.
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If you want to rotate individual frames you can do so directly in the “Manage Your Print(s)” view by clicking the round rotate icon next to the editor icon.
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If you want to upload more images of different sizes you can drag and drop or click to upload a new set in the top left and go through the process again.
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When you are done confirm images sizes and adjust quantities on the right and click “View Cart &Checkout”
our online ordering system will flag up any issues when ordering prints regarding your files.
This print is made from a digital file. The digital image is exposed onto traditional photographic paper by way of laser or LED. The paper is then processed and dried as we would do with a hand print in the darkroom.
Yes. If your prints need to be extra fine tuned you should maybe run a print to check.
In a large majority of cases colors are straightforward and they are always comparable to what you see on your screen. C-Type papers exhibit a wide gamut and the process doesn’t suffer the difficulties of converting into CMYK spaces that inkjet has.
If you have specific requirements or need critical color you can join us here at the lab where we offer printing by direction at £50 an hour, £5 a test.
Email Digitalprinting@rapideye.uk.com. for any enquiries.
We prefer to send out multiple prints in flat packaging. We stock great affordable presentation boxes upto 20x24inch and we can also make up A1 and A2 foam bard portfolio cases for transporting larger prints. For posting we recomend boxes or tubes. The tubes can hold upto 3 prints only. Either packaging is not archival.
Digital C-Type prints are made when the digital image is exposed onto light sensitive paper. The photographic paper used is the same type that we use in the darkrooms when we make prints from film. However this process turns digital data back into red green and blue laser lights that write the image onto the light sensitive paper, the paper is then processed using traditional methods and thus retains the feel and benefits of a traditional photographic print.
We print on Fuji DP-II Crystal Archive Matt and Gloss.
Giclee is made by spaying ink onto paper otherwise known as an inkjet print.
Yes of course. We have an iMac workstation with a good WiFi connection available at front of house for this.
Best to give us a call to book. It's Free to use and we can help you with your uploads too.
We aim to get your standard size prints upto 12x18inch ready for collection on the following working day and, for large print sizes upto 20x30inch in 3 working days.
Please email digitalprinting@rapideye.uk.com
Yes we do. When you order more prints of the same size then we are able to offer discounts based on the more you order. this is for sizes up to 12x18 0nly. Prices inc VAT.
Discounts will be applied automatically at the checkout. You can find more details here. Digital Printing
We cut Fuji crystal Archive DP2. We find this paper is best for achieving good solid blacks compared with others. We cut from a 12 inh roll and box papers in packs of 50 sheets. Sizes are 10x12 inch and 12x16 inch. Inhouse cut sheet is done in complete darkness and our cutting machines are very accurate. Paper can vary in size +/_ about 3mm. We cut both Matt and Gloss and both surfaces are fine for scanning.
When you buy colour paper from us (we do not cut BW), we cut it ourselves, in house. We have to buy in all the packaging for this. If you have a box you previously bought your paper in before then you can know reuse this box and we will sell you the paper in its light proof black bag. Its cheaper and its recycling! Shop colour paper
Our production team helps jobs to run smoothly by communicating closely between our clients (Photographers, Agents, etc) and our technica / creative teams inhouse.
We can offer personlised support from initial quotes to final invoicing. including.
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Advance booking for same day turnarounds
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Film stock purchase and film sourcing.
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Direct shipping to shoot location.
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Direct communication to our in-house printers.
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High res scanning
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Credit accounts
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Bank transfer invoicing
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End of job billing
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Email us at production@rapideye.uk.com
Yes we do offer credit. Credit accounts can be set up with our production team only. We do not offer this at front of house.
You can arrange a credit account by emailing.
production@rapideye.uk.com or call Sebi or Molly between 10 and 5 Mon to Fri
Film is the only product that we do not offer credit on. This is because it is expensive to buy in and store. We also try to keep our prices low so the profit margins are quite small.
Yes we do! please give us plenty of notice so we can organise staff. To plan and get a quote please contact us Production@rapideye.uk.com or call us between 10 and 5 Monday to Friday.
We asked our community where they went to get their cameras repaired. See this Camera repair post and read the replies. Hope this helps.
We asked our community on Instagram. Check in the comments, there's a lot of interaction on this one. It was a popular topic?
You can see the post here. See Instagram post here