
WonderLab Update - end of October
By Paul McKay
A couple of weeks ago I shared some behind-the-scenes information about our developing lab.
In summary: reviews were consistently telling us the quality of our images is great but the 3-week turnaround is too long. I wrote about the plans we were putting in place to significantly reduce the turnaround as well as improve communication; and I promised I'd be back to let you know when I had a meaningful update.
And I do!
But once again I'll step aside to let a customer review speak for itself:
What's Changed?
- Our turnaround on colour developing is down to 4 working days from receiving the film to sending edited scans
- Our turnaround on B&W developing is down to 7 working days from receiving the film to sending edited scans. NB: this also includes mixed orders that have colour rolls with B&W, as we upload orders together
- The quality of our scans has not changed! We continue to receive 5* reviews from folks enjoying the results from their photography
Clearly there is still work to do (see next section) but this is a massive improvement on where we were at the start of October, and all thanks to a monumental effort from the team. Double shifts, long hours, folks chipping in from the warehouse and office - to make sure that the work was done, and done well.
Alex and Emily during a lighter moment 😅 Shot on Portra 800
What's next?
- We still have work to do on turnaround: B&W is not where I want it to be, and I need us to show that we can comfortably sustain these numbers over the coming weeks
- We're building new capability that will allow you to log into your 'My Photos' area on the website to see exactly where each of your rolls is in the process - LIVE! Think the Domino's app spinning wheel...but less fancy 🍕
That last one isn't online yet (it needs some extra software investment and quite a bit of testing) but I'm excited for how it'll help you check-in on the progress of your films whenever you wish.
There is also another top-secret project in the works, which will drastically expand the services we can offer to you through the lab. I can't say more about it now, but there should be news in November...
Watch this space!
Ready to dive in?
Keep Reading
View all
Shooting Film in North Korea: Firsthand Experience
Discover what it’s like to travel to North Korea through the lens of Paul who visited in 2016 to run the Pyongyang Marathon - and take lots of film photos! In this reflective piece explore rare images, personal experiences, and surprising insights from a tightly controlled (yet eye-opening) journey through one of the world’s most secretive countries.

New Year, New Rolls: Setting Film Photography Resolutions for 2025
New year, new rolls, and fresh goals! We've got all you need to make your 2025 film photography resolutions fun, rewarding, and achievable - plus tips for a custom bingo card. Let’s make 2025 your most inspiring analogue year yet!

The Modern Film Lab
Subscribe to our newsletter 💌
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on film photography news, sales and events:
Free Tracked Shipping
On all UK orders over £50
Passion For Film
An unbeatable range and an on-site lab
Our Customers Trust Us
Thousands of independent 5* reviews
All Deliveries are Carbon Neutral
Independently audited and verified by Planet
- Opens in a new window.