FAQ.

Camera film is more expensive than any of us would like. If you find it cheaper somewhere, you should absolutely get it at the best price you can.

What you might find is that bigger stores spread their knowledge across a much broader product range. Our focus is narrow but deep — film, darkroom, and the gear that goes with it. So if you need help choosing the right stock or working through a problem, we can help in a way that a general electronics retailer probably can't.

Nelson Film Co is run by Jeremy. If you'd like to know a bit more about why he started it, the background is here.

Maybe one day.

I'm doing my best to stick around. As long as Nelson Film Co is running, I'm here to help. Should it cease to exist, you'll still be able to contact me if you have any issues.

We carefully choose everything we sell. Our filters are sized for film camera lenses. Same goes for tripods and bags. We try to pick one or two brands in each category that we can stand behind, rather than offering dozens we can't possibly test ourselves.

The exception is film, where we're striving to offer the widest range available in New Zealand.

Not at the moment. If we add workshops or darkroom access in the future, we'll announce it through our social channels and newsletter.

We're always interested to hear what people want. If you have ideas about workshops you'd like to attend or things you'd like to learn, get in touch — there are a lot of talented photographers in the Nelson-Tasman region, so who knows.

Yes. It's full of what's happening in the film world and new products we have. We send it once a month and you can subscribe here.

In the fridge, ideally. Around 4°C. If that's not possible, somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight. This will extend the usable life of the film.

Once you've shot a roll, put it back in its canister and send it for processing as soon as you can. It doesn't need to be immediately, but don't leave it years.

This depends on many factors. Was it stored in a fridge or a warm room? What is the emulsion — is it colour reversal or negative? Film stored properly is perfectly fine, sometimes years after its printed expiry.

There are lots of variables, so the best thing you can do is put it in the fridge or a cool dark place as soon as you receive it and shoot it in a reasonably timely manner. A good rule of thumb is to buy only what you think you'll shoot in the next twelve months.

Potentially. Lower speed films — below 800 ISO — are generally fine. Above that, there are some risks with security scanners. The evidence is mixed. Some people say they've had no issues, others say it's ruined their rolls.

The best thing you can do is ask security to hand-check your film. Have it in a clear ziplock bag, out of its canisters, to make it as easy as possible for them. And don't leave half-finished rolls in your camera — those will go through the scanner whether you like it or not.

There are two broad categories of film: negative and reversal. Negatives are the most common — they record inverted colour on the film strip that then needs to be inverted again to produce an image that looks like what you saw with your eyes. Reversal film, sometimes known as slide film, is the opposite. The film contains the colour you actually saw, which is why slides can be projected for viewing.

Both negative and reversal film are available in colour and black & white, although there are far fewer reversal stocks available than negative.

The difference is size. 120 film is larger than 35mm, which means finer grain and the ability to print larger. 35mm is the more common format — cameras are easier to find, in some cases easier to use, and there's a slightly wider range of stocks available.

Pushing and pulling is a technique photographers use to stretch the natural capabilities of a film. Some films push and pull better than others, so it's good to know the characteristics of a stock before you ask your lab to do it.

Pushing is used when a picture is taken in low light. It helps brighten the image but can introduce grain and contrast. Pulling is used in bright light when you want to retain detail that would otherwise be lost — images can become softer and lose contrast.

Some photographers routinely push or pull because they know the aesthetic they're going for. All of our product pages offer guidance on the push and pull capabilities of each stock.

Start with the cheapest film you can find from a reputable brand. If you can, buy one colour and one black & white. Two good examples would be Kentmere Pan 200 and Kodak ColorPlus 200.

There are a few factors that go into choosing a film speed. Generally, a lower speed like ISO 100 is suited to bright light and will give you finer grain. If you're shooting in low light, or want a grainier image with a bit more character, ISO 800 or above is where to look.

If you're not sure what conditions you'll be shooting in, or you'll be moving between indoors and outdoors, the safe bet is ISO 400.

Please contact us. We'd much rather you bought film with all your questions answered than bought the wrong thing. We'll do our best to answer what you need and give you a clear recommendation.

Yes, we sell new film cameras and we're always looking to add more as they become available. We don't sell digital cameras or used cameras.

Yes. We currently sell the gear someone would need to process film in a home lab — trays, safe lights, measuring jugs, chemicals, and thermometers. Chemicals ship directly from our suppliers.

We're investigating what's available for larger equipment, such as enlargers.

No, but we have relationships with labs around the country. If you're looking for one, we're happy to point you in the right direction.

We send orders out twice a week, Monday and Thursday. South Island orders arrive in one to two days. North Island, two days. Saturday deliveries are included.

No. Overseas markets are well served by stores in their own countries. We're squarely focused on photographers in New Zealand.

No. Film is sent by standard courier service.

We're adding click & collect later in 2026. Until then, it may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Contact us before ordering if you'd like to arrange it.

All payments through the website are by credit or debit card. If you'd prefer to pay via bank transfer, contact us and we'll send you an invoice with our bank details.

Sure. Tell us what it is and if we can get it, we will.

We're focused solely on photographers who shoot film. If you're looking for wholesale or trade pricing, the best thing to do is contact the distributors directly.