Unloading Film
The first step in developing film is preparing the film for processing. Film usually comes in a canister from a standard or a disposable film camera. A disposable camera must be taken apart using a flat-head screwdriver. The screwdriver is inserted into a small flap on the bottom of the camera, or two plastic flaps on the side. The film slides out and can then be developed. A piece of black film tape is inserted about an inch into the film roll. When the tape is pulled back out, the edge of the film comes with it.
Preparing Loader
The edge of the film is pulled out two to three inches, just enough so that the first picture remains unexposed. It is laid down and taped to plastic loading cards. These cards are used to pull the film through the processing machine. Each loading card accepts two rolls of film at one time. Green film tape is used to hold the film on, because any other tape could melt or react to the chemicals in the machine.
Film in Loader
The back of the film processor is opened up and the loader is placed on the rubber tracks. The case is closed shut to prevent any light from coming in and exposing the film. The loader feeds through the machine and film is dragged out of the canisters. Once all of the film goes through, the film canisters drop down into a plastic disposal bin. After around seven minutes, the film comes out the other side and hangs off the machine until a photo operator takes and hangs it until it is ready to be developed.
Scanner
The processed film is taken by a gloved photo attendant and fed through a photo scanner. The scanner performs an initial scan of the photos and displays a preview of each. The attendant then specifies the order, including doubles, picture size, and extras like an index print or a CD.
Color Correction
Each photo goes through a manual color correction process. Attendants can adjust blue, red or yellow tints within a photo. For example, indoor photos typically feature extra yellow in them, and an attendant would take away a little of the yellow to even out the color. Brightness can also be adjusted on a photo to make it sharper.
Printing
After all the photos are processed and corrected, they are sent through the photo printer. The attendant may need to switch paper depending on the project, but typically photos are printed on 4-by-6 inch glossy photo paper. The prints typically take five to seven minutes to go through the machine and print. Photos come out onto a plastic rack separated by order or by piles of 50 photos.
Tags: edge film, film comes, film tape, goes through, seven minutes, through machine, through photo
