126 Film Processing

126 Film Processing – Colour & Black & White

126 film, commonly used in Instamatic cameras, is a square cartridge format producing 28×28mm negatives. At AG Photolab, we carefully develop all 126 film — whether C41 colour negative or black & white.

Please note: We are unable to scan 126 film, so this service is development only. You will receive your negatives returned safely after processing.

Send your 126 film to us using our FREE Royal Mail First Class shipping label (untracked) or choose your own tracked service if preferred.

How We Handle Your Film:

Colour (C41) – Processed using tightly controlled chemistry to ensure consistent, accurate results. This service includes processing of colour process of black & white film (e.g. Ilford XP2) and cross processing of E6 slide film (please mark your film clearly as “X-Process”).

Black & White – Developed in traditional B&W chemistry using our custom dip-and-dunk system — ensuring even development, no scratching, and fine tonal control.

E6 Slide Film – Monitored using daily control strips and densitometer analysis.
Push/pull options are available and must be selected when ordering and clearly marked on your film.

How to Identify Your Film:

Not sure what type of film you have or which development process it requires? Almost all films clearly state their format and processing method somewhere on the canister, cartridge, wrapper, or box. Here’s how to check:

1. Identify the Film Format

• 35mm – the standard small format roll

• 120 (medium format) – larger roll film without a canister
• 110 – small cartridge film for pocket camera
• 126 – square cartridge film used in Instamatics
• 127 – small roll film often used in vintage cameras
• APS – drop-in cartridge film with coded markers
• Disposable camera – contain a pre-loaded roll (usually 35mm C41)

The format affects how we scan it, not how we process it.

2. Identify the Processing Type

The process determines the chemistry your film requires. This is normally printed on film label.

C41 – Colour Negative Film

• Marked as: “C41”, “CN-16”, or simply “Colour Negative”
• Produces orange-brown negatives
• Includes colour-process of some of the B&W films (e.g., Ilford XP2)

Black & White – B&W Film

• Marked as: “Blac & White”, “B&W”, “Monochrome”, or “Process in B&W”
• Requires traditional B&W chemistry
• Negatives appear grey/black with no orange mask

E6 – Slide / Reversal Film

• Marked as: “E6”, “Process E-6”, “Slide Film”, or “Colour Transparency”
• Produces positive images on the film
• May also require Push/Pull processing if shot at a different ISO

3. Check the ISO

The film speed (ISO/ASA) doesn’t determine the process, but it helps:

• Box speed = normal processing
• If you deliberately shot at a different ISO, you may need Push/Pull

4. If in Doubt – Ask Us!

If your film has no label, is expired, or came from a vintage camera, you’re welcome to send us a photo of the canister or wrapper, and we’ll try our best to identify the correct development process for you.