ECN-2 developing
Send us your ECN-2 colour negative film and we’ll develop it, scan it and send your photographs digitally. Choose the options you need above, then we take it from there.
A quick guide
ECN-2 is a colour negative process originally designed for motion picture film. It uses a different developing process from standard C41 colour film, so cinema film marked for ECN-2 needs to be treated differently even though the finished film is still a colour negative.
Like C41, the finished film is a colour negative which is scanned to create the positive photographs you see on screen.
ECN-2 was designed for motion picture stocks used in cinema cameras. Many photographic ECN-2 films are cinema stocks repackaged into still-camera rolls.
ECN-2 uses its own chemistry and many cinema stocks also have a remjet backing that is removed during processing. That is why ECN-2 film is treated differently from ordinary C41 colour film.
Some repackaged motion picture films are specifically prepared and sold for C41 processing. The easiest rule is simply to follow the process written on the film, packaging or supplied by the seller.
Choose your scan
Medium is the best all round choice for most people. Choose Low for smaller, easy to share files or High JPG and TIFF when you want more room for printing, cropping or editing.
Small and easy to share
Ideal when you mainly want your photographs for your phone, social media or quick online sharing.
Best all rounder
A great balance of detail and file size. This is the one we’d choose for most everyday film photography.
More detail, still simple
Choose High JPG when you want a larger file for cropping, bigger prints or more detailed editing without moving to TIFF.
For heavier editing
Our largest scan option for people who want a more substantial file to work with in editing software.
Film formats
Choose the film format that matches your roll using the product options above.
Standard 35mm ECN-2 film. Choose 35mm in the options above.
35mm half-frame film is scanned as individual frames. Choose the half-frame option when ordering.
Make it yours
Choose what you need when ordering, whether you want finished scans and prints or simply want the film developed ready to scan yourself.
Add photographic prints to your order using the choices above, including bordered options and an Index Print where available.
Want the edge of the negative included around your photograph? Choose the uncropped border option when it’s available.
Choose whether you want your negatives cut into strips or left uncut and rolled using the options above.
If you scan your film at home, choose Develop Only and we’ll process the film without creating digital scans or prints.
ECN-2 turnaround
ECN-2 follows a different processing schedule from our standard C41 and black and white services, so allow a little longer for these orders.
We’ll email you when your film is booked in and again when your finished scans are ready.
How it works
Order online, get your film to us and we’ll take care of the rest.
Choose your scan size, film format, prints or Develop Only option, then complete checkout.
Pack your film securely and include your order number. Post it to our Leeds lab, bring it in or use one of our drop-off options.
We’ll email you when your film is booked in and send your finished scans digitally once they’re ready.
ECN-2 examples
A few examples from ECN-2 film processed and scanned through the lab.
ECN-2 FAQ
A little more about ECN-2 film and how the service works.
ECN-2 is a colour negative process originally designed for motion picture film. It is commonly used for cinema stocks that have been loaded into rolls for still photography.
Check the cassette, box or information supplied by the seller. If it states ECN-2 processing, choose this service. Some repackaged cinema films are prepared specifically for C41 instead, so follow the process stated for your particular roll.
No. Both produce colour negatives, but ECN-2 and C41 are different developing processes. ECN-2 was designed for motion picture film.
Yes. Choose Develop Only if you want the film processed into negatives but plan to scan it yourself.
Please allow around one to two weeks for ECN-2 orders. We’ll email you when your film is booked in and again when your scans are ready.
Yes. Choose the return or collection option that suits you when ordering, along with your preferred negative handling.
If a roll is blank, you only pay for the developing and the scanning charge is refunded.
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