Process
How to send your film.
Mail-in from anywhere in the US. Local drop-off in Fairmont, WV. Both are straightforward.
Mail-in
Sending film by mail.
Package your film
Rolls in a padded envelope or small box. Include a slip of paper inside with your name, email address, and service preference. Example: "35mm C-41 develop + premium scan x 2 rolls, 120 B&W develop only x 1 roll." No special form needed.
Ship via USPS
USPS works great for film. A few rolls fit in a padded flat-rate envelope. Priority Mail or First Class both work — tracking is included with Priority. Address to Almost Heaven Film Lab, 700 Morgantown Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554. You'll get a confirmation email when the package arrives.
Order confirmed
I'll email you when your film arrives, confirm your service request, and give you an estimated completion date. If anything is unclear or you've requested something unusual, I'll ask before processing.
Processing & scanning
Standard mail-in orders are processed within 3-5 business days of arrival. Priority queue members (Regular and Annual Pass) are processed in 2-3 business days. Turnaround starts from receipt, not ship date.
Receive your scans
Download link sent by email when your order is complete. Link is valid for 30 days — download and back up your files. Negatives are returned by mail with the same shipment notification.
Packaging
How to pack your film.
For most orders
- Rolls in their canisters or cartridges when possible
- Padded envelope or small bubble mailer — firm enough to protect from crushing
- Include your name, email, and service preference on a slip of paper
- USPS First Class or Priority Mail
For 5+ rolls
- Small bubble-padded box is more reliable than an envelope
- Wrap individual rolls in bubble wrap or tissue to prevent rattling
- Priority Mail flat-rate box works well for larger orders
- Consider adding delivery confirmation or tracking
Opened canisters: If you've already cracked the cartridge, wrap the roll tightly in aluminum foil or put it in a light-tight container before packing.
Local
Fairmont, WV drop-off.
Contact first
Email dropoff@almostheavenfilmlab.com to arrange a local drop-off. Same or next business day turnaround for most local orders.
Drop off in Fairmont
Email dropoff@almostheavenfilmlab.com to arrange a local drop-off. Tell me your service preference when you reach out, or include a note with the same information as a mail-in order.
Pick up or receive
You'll get a notification when your order is complete. Pick up in person or arrange local delivery. Download link for scans sent by email.
Turnaround
How long it takes.
Local drop-off
1–2 business days
Same day (+$12/roll)
Mail-in — after receipt
3–5 business days
1–2 business days (+$8/roll)
Members — mail-in
2–3 business days
—
Turnaround begins when film is received at the lab, not when it is shipped.
What to expect
After you submit.
Arrival confirmation
Email when your package arrives. I'll confirm the order details and let you know if there are any questions.
Completion notification
Email with your download link when processing and scanning are done. Link is valid for 30 days.
Negatives returned
Your negatives ship with the completion email. Tracking number included. Sleeved and organized.