Film services / Packaging guide
Packaging your film.
How to pack your film so it arrives safely. Follow the section for your format, then see the postal guidance at the bottom before you seal up your parcel.
Preparing your rolls.
Make sure your roll is fully rewound back into the canister before packing. If you're shooting a hand-rolled film (bulk-loaded), ensure the leader is tucked in and the canister is sealed. Don't remove the film from its canister — it ships as-is.
120 film has no canister, so the paper backing is all that's protecting your emulsion. Make sure the backing paper is wound tightly and the tab is folded over and secured — a small piece of tape across the tab is good practice. If you haven't done this yet, do it in subdued light (not bright sunlight).
Labelling
Please write your name, film stock, and any push/pull instructions on a small label or piece of tape on each roll. If you're sending multiple rolls with different processing requirements, make this clear on each one individually — don't rely on a single note in the box to cover everything.
Packing the parcel
Place your rolls in a small rigid box or padded satchel. Both work well — what matters is that the package won't be easily crushed or tampered with in transit.
Avoid flimsy envelopes or postage stamps-only mailers; they offer no protection and can come undone in the post.
Avoid boxes labelled with lithium batteries or electronics — carriers may flag these as hazardous even if they only contain film.
Include a note inside with your name, return address, and order number, in case the outer label is damaged in transit.
Write your order number on the outside of the package.
Packaging your sheets.
4×5 sheet film needs a bit more care than roll film in transit. Please follow these steps:
Keep sheets in their original film box if possible
The manufacturer's box is ideal — it's lightproof and provides structural protection. Tape all edges securely with gaffer tape or packing tape, and write your name and order number on the lid.
If you don't have the original box
Place your sheets in a lightproof black bag (the kind film comes packaged in), fold the top over at least twice, and tape it shut. Then place this inside a rigid cardboard box — never rely on an envelope alone for sheet film, as they offer no protection against bending or crushing.
Do not use film holders as shipping containers
Please remove sheets from your holders before posting. Holders sent to us will be returned, but we can't guarantee they won't be delayed or separated from your order.
Label your sheets or box (in a safe light)
Please write your name, film type, and any push/pull instructions on a piece of paper inside the box. If you're sending multiple film types or different processing requirements, bag and label each group separately.
Packing the outer parcel
Place your lightproof film box inside a padded satchel or a sturdy outer box with some padding — bubble wrap or crumpled paper — to stop it moving around.
Write your order number on the outside of the package.
Include a note inside with your name, return address, and order number, in case the outer label is damaged in transit.
Getting it here safely.
We recommend Australia Post with tracking — Parcel Post or Express Post. For irreplaceable work — weddings, travel, personal milestones — Express Post is worth it for the faster transit and more robust tracking trail.
Please do not send film via services that route packages on passenger aircraft as unaccompanied freight. Ground-based postal scanning at low intensity is generally fine, but high-powered CT scanners used on air freight can fog film — particularly sheet film. If you're unsure, ask your carrier whether your package will travel as air freight.
For added peace of mind
PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM — LIGHT SENSITIVE — DO NOT X-RAY
Label the outside of your package with this text. Ground-based postal scanning is unlikely to cause problems, but it's a sensible precaution if your package may travel as air freight.