FAQs – Charleston Film Lab

FAQ's

Find the most frequently asked questions below.

There are two main differences. The first is the anti-halation backing found on cinema film, known as ‘Rem-jet’. The other difference is the chemical process needed to develop the film, known as ECN-2.
Honestly, we don’t know! This is why Charleston Film Lab exists. Cinema film is cheaper and, in our opinion, better quality. The only reason we can think of is that prior to CFL there weren’t many options to get your ECN-2 film developed.
The chemicals used for processing cinema film (the ECN-2 process) produce a ‘flatter’ image and maintain more definition in the highlights and shadows. Since 90% of film photographers end up scanning their films digitally, the lower contrast and higher detail in the ECN-2 negatives make it easy to adjust contrast and curves in post rather than being baked into the negative as they are in the C-41 process.
Technically, yes. However, labs that only develop C-41 will not develop rem-jet backed films. This is because it requires removing the backing prior to developing. If you don’t do this step, the washed carbon will contaminate other chemicals and will force the lab to fully drain and clean their machine (they won’t be happy about it).
Charleston Film Lab can develop C-41, ECN-2 and B&W films. We can also cross process your C-41 film in ECN-2 or vice versa.

There are two main differences. The first is the anti-halation backing found on cinema film, known as ‘Rem-jet’. The other difference is the chemical process needed to develop the film, known as ECN-2.
The chemicals used for processing cinema film (the ECN-2 process) produce a ‘flatter’ image and maintain more definition in the highlights and shadows. Since 90% of film photographers end up scanning their films digitally, the lower contrast and higher detail in the ECN-2 negatives make it easy to adjust contrast and curves in post rather than being baked into the negative as they are in the C-41 process.
Charleston Film Lab can develop C-41, ECN-2 and B&W films. We can also cross process your C-41 film in ECN-2 or vice versa.

Honestly, we don’t know! This is why Charleston Film Lab exists. Cinema film is cheaper and, in our opinion, better quality. The only reason we can think of is that prior to CFL there weren’t many options to get your ECN-2 film developed.
Technically, yes. However, labs that only develop C-41 will not develop rem-jet backed films. This is because it requires removing the backing prior to developing. If you don’t do this step, the washed carbon will contaminate other chemicals and will force the lab to fully drain and clean their machine (they won’t be happy about it).