FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Panchrome (from Pan Chromatic) Project is a community-driven project to grow the Indian Analog Community. Our idea is to bridge the current accessibility issue, faced by many with regards to procuring Film, Chemistry and other Analog gear, and make those raw materials or products available to all at an affordable rate. But do keep in mind that certain costs such as Customs and GST cannot be forgone. Unlike countries like UAE or even Hong Kong where there are no import duties, it's not the same with India. The custom duty rates are exceptionally high for an indiviual, leave aside the tax implications associated with it. Our Indian Analog Film Community is still growing but is still not matched with the International Film Communities with regards to the number of people assoicated with it. We have felt that alot of Community members feel the pinch or restrain from experimenting because of the cost implications. With our associated Shipping service and various vendors, we can bring the cost down considerably. So let's not worry about high costs and concentrate on growing this community.

Being a community-driven project, we are not looking at high markups or profits. Our core idea is always to grow the Analog Community and let more people come in and be part of this ever-growing community.. However we do need to cover our operation costs such as the payment gateway, electricity for our fridge, etc. Therefore we have a small markup to cover these costs. We want to keep it as transparent as possible.

We are currently focusing on Fresh and Expired Film Stocks and Analog Chemistry. If there is a specific requirement for special accessories such as Darkroom accessories or film holders, etc, we would be glad to help you out.

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Yes, we are all ears! Please do send us suggestions or feedback or any ideas.

Yes, you can! As mentioned before, we are not taking any profits but utilising the markups for operational costs. Hence if you would like to be part of the team it would purely be Pro-Bono. We can designate or assign certain areas for you to work on such as R&D, Marketing, etc.

Fresh Film stocks are those films wherein the date of expiry is beyond the current date by a few months or years. For e.g. the film expiry date says 09/2022. That means film's best usage time is till September 2022. After that the film will be considered under the Expired Film category. Expired Film stocks are those films where in the date of expiry is before the current date by a few months or years. For e.g. the expiry date says 05/2004.That means the film's best usage time ended in May 2004. Keeping in mind the current year, 2022, the film has expired 18 years ago, considering it an 18 year old Expired Film.

Fresh and Expired Films - 35mm, 120, 4X5 and Polaroids.

Our films would range from 1973 to 2021 in 35mm, 120, 4X5 and Polaroid formats. We currently have a comprehensive list and we will keep adding to it.

Yes, indeed! You can send us your suggestions of the films, whether expired or fresh. We'll source for it and add it to our list. If available we'll add in the following month's curated list.

Our website would be up always. We will be updating the expired films list once a week (every Saturday) and Curated fresh stock on the 1st of every month. You can always check our Social Media pages - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram - as well for constant updates.

Our Source vendors or associates Cold Store all the films, unless specified. At our end as well, once we receive the shipment and till it is sent out, all the films will be stored in Temperature controlled refrigerators. We recommend that once you have received the shipment, do keep the film in the refrigerator. This is specially recommended during hot days in Coastal areas where humidity is high.

Most of the films that would be available, work under the standard developing process. But it's all about experimenting and try new ideas. If your developing at home, you can try various processes as you desire. It would be highly recommended if you can research on any discontinued process. Try things out.

We do not take guarantee of any films - Fresh or Expired. Please note there is no refund if the desired result is not acheived. Expired films can behave a bit erratic based on the chemistry, calculations and development procedures. With our experience so far, we have got some stunning results with Expired Film. It's important you do the right calculations and procdures. You can read about how to use expired film online. We highly recommend reading about the films that you have ordered and the development procedures involved with the same. You can always experiment and see the desired results. We all learning!

Usually we have been following the Thumb Rule - for every decade Overexpose by 1-Stop. For e.g. the film has expired in 2002. That means the film is 20 years in the expired state, which is 2 Decades old. Hence, we overexpose the film by 2-Stops from the acquired light readings. But there are many theories contradicting this procedure. You can always us your own technique or method to shoot. We suggest you refer what best can be achieved. We are just giving you our suggestion and the method what we have been following. Fortunately, it has worked all most everytime.

We recommend storing the film in a refrigerator once you receieve the shipment, keeping in mind the temperature is set at optimal. Considering the Indian subcontinent temperatures and humditity factors in summer, film needs to be stored in a cool, dark place till the time of usage. Film can react differently with humidity as well. There are numerous pages on the Internet that can guide you the same.

The ideal standing time for the film once removed from the fridge should be around 6 to 8 hours. We recommend removing the film the night prior and storing in a cool dark place in the room such as a cupboard or a drawer. Specially with 120 film, there are chances of Moting happening wherein the paper might stick to the emulsion.

Under the 4 X 5 or Large Format Expired film category we have a few Quickloads and Readyload, marked by QL & RL in the codes, respectively. Both the formats are discontinued but they were the most convinient format for usage while travelling. They are also called Packet Films. The entire process of carrying a changing bag, holders, film cases, etc was omitted with QLs & RLs. One could shoot with a special QL or RL holder, based on the film, put the film packet in the bag and then straight hand take it for developing once back home. QLs and RLs were sealed packs of stock films or polaroids used in designated Holders. Primary Quickloads were manufactured by Kodak and Fujifilm. They had their own QL Holders. Then there were Readyloads which were manufactured Kodak, Fujifilm as well and a few by Polaroid. Some RLs came with chemistry in the packet and some were just negatives or transparency. The RLs with chemistry would need to go through the holder that would press the chemical onto the film base and on setting the right development time, one would get the results. Numerous commercial film stocks were available in QL & RL such as Kodak TMax, Kodak Ektachrome, Fujifilm Neopan Acros, etc. Under those manufactured by Polaroid, it Type 66. QL and RL holders are easily available. The best RL holder is the 545i which can accomodate most films, unless speficied. If you need one do connect with us we can procure the same for you.

We are currently tied up with Razorpay. It's the most convinient and safest payment gateway in India and it works in our favour with regards to the features.

Once our estimate is approved from your end, we will be sending you a payment link on SMS and Email. You can use the link to make the payment. The payment modes available are - Credit / Debit Card, Netbanking and UPI.

Around 7 to 15 days, you will receive the order. This is solely, if there are no delays in the shipment at source or halted in customs. Since we work on the consolidated shipment module, if there are sufficient shipments to come through, chances are you will get your shipment within 7 days. It's subject to conditions.

No, we do not stock any film chemistry. All film chemistry is on an order basis or as per requirement.

Use our order form to let us know which Chemistry you need and the quantity.

If it's available, we will help procure it!

India has certain guidelines of Import for Dangerous and Hazardous chemicals. Some chemicals such as E6 or Wet Plate Collodion fall under those categories. Considering the norms some vendors do not ship it to India. But we will try our best to use alternate shippers and see the most viable method to get the chemistry for you. If there are additional cost implications we will let you know in advance.

We have tied-up with ShipRocket to take care of our Domestic Logistics. Based on the location and goods we use, Air or Surface Transfers. In Mumbai district, we use Dunzo or WeFast for Urgent deliveries. This is a chargeable service on Actuals.

Within 7 to 13 days post completion of our in-house formalities. This is terms to the delivery from source. For Urgent or Next Day delivery to major cities, we have the Blue Dart service which is chargeable and subject to the weight of the package. For Mumbai, we have the Same-Day delivery (Urgent only), we use Dunzo or WeFast. The charges are additional, On Actuals. Do check with our team on the urgent Shipping Rates prior to dispatch.

A shipping time of 7 - 10 days from the time we receive our shipment. This is based on the location of the Customer. If there are delays from the source, the timeline may subject to change. We will update about the same.

Most of the products sold are inclusive of Shipping to your doorstep. But it is Subject to terms and conditions with regards to the package size and weight. Bigger or Larger packages, the rate of shipping is subject to change. The same can be paid via UPI or Razorpay.

Our Store will have a payment gateway via Razorpay.

The estimated cost includes Shipping from source, Import Duties and applicable 18% GST.

Our estimated cost is inclusive of Import Duties, unless specified.

We are currently tied up with RazorPay. So Debit / Credit card, Netbanking and UPI payments would be available.

Yes, Razorpay is one of the safest payment gateway in the country. If there is an issue with your payment, do let us know we will look into it.

No, currently we do not offer COD.

Our shipment usually takes around 4 to 7 days to arrive at our office. Once we complete our in-house formalities, we will ship your order. Your order should arrive within 7-15 days from your confirmation. Unless there is a delay in the shipment from the source or via our shipper or at customs, then the delivery date will get extended. We will keep you posted about the same. Our intent is to get it delivered at the earliest possible time to your doorstep.

Yes indeed! Do let us know your GST number while ordering and we will incorporate it in the invoice.

Yes, we will be delivering on the address submitted to us.

We would request you to speak to the delivery agent. If no one is available at home, kindly co-ordinate with the agent to hand over the parcel to your neighbour or watchman.

Once the order is shipped and added to our shipped, we cannot change the address thereafter. We will be delivering to the address submitted to us during the order. If you need to deliver on an alternate address, kindly intimate us on email.

The package will be returned back to our office. Once it is returned, re-shipping charges would be applicable on ACTUALS.

We do not take guarantee of any film stocks or chemicals and nor do our associates and vendors. No refund is applicable once products are purchased and delivered.

Refund is only possible if the product is not available at source or is out of stock. In that case, we will inform you about the same and the refund will be processed. If you have ordered a specific quantity of films or chemistry and the desired quantity is not available but lesser is available, we will inform about the same for the further process. If you intend to go for a smaller quantity, the same would be available and we will send you the revised estimate. Post that the balance amount would be refunded or converted to Credits which can be used on the next purchase.

We will inform you via an email along with the refund receipt or a notification via Razorpay. If using Credits, then the amount will be deducted from the Next Invoice and same will reflect in the new Invoice.