Processing Ultra 16mm in Europe vs. Travel and Processing in the US

Patrick ODonnell · January 30, 2017

I'm planning on shooting a short film on Ultra 16mm in the Czech Republic in late February, probably about 1200 - 1600 ft. of film altogether.

1) Are there any labs in Europe that process Ultra 16mm?

2) If not, what are the dangers of transporting the exposed but unprocessed film back to the US? Would putting it in a lead-lined bag and asking for it to be hand-checked make a difference? In my past experience, some security people will hand-check film, and others have no idea what it is, nor do they care, and they will insist it go through the x-ray machine.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Giray Izcan · January 30, 2017

You can get it processed anywhere and get it transferred in the US.

Patrick ODonnell · January 31, 2017

Are you sure? Because, from what I've read, if a lab isn't set up or used to processing Ultra 16mm, the machinery may scratch or otherwise mishandle the area between the sprockets.

Dan Hasson · January 31, 2017

There are a couple of places in the UK Patrick. Check these guys out: http://www.on8mil.com/

Dirk DeJonghe · January 31, 2017

Processing Ultra16 in my lab is no problem, cannot do telecine or scanning or printing;

Patrick ODonnell · January 31, 2017

Many thanks for all the responses.

Dan, it looks like On8mil just does scanning.

Dirk, is it safe to ship undeveloped film by the post in Europe, or by FedEx or DHL?

Dirk DeJonghe · January 31, 2017

Patrick, we use Fedex daily. Never a problem with Xray. I can get the package collected from your location, send me details by mail;

Doug Palmer · February 1, 2017

I'm assuming it's col neg ? If it's col reversal, there's a lab at https://www.super8.nl/

that despite its name also does very clean 16mm reversal. I had some back last week and no edge marks whatsoever ! However, please note it's strictly 30.5m maximum.

Good to know ultra-16 is gaining popularity :)