Our 35mm sleeve rolls are disappearing: how we’re adapting at the lab

Over the past few weeks, we’ve noticed the disappearance of continuous sleeves for full-roll 35mm film — the ones that allowed us to keep negatives uncut at the client’s request. This shortage now forces us to temporarily store uncut films rolled “bare” in small cardboard boxes. In this article, we explain what’s going on, what alternatives are available today, and how we’re protecting your negatives while we look for a more durable solution.

What’s changing?

Until recently, labs could store a full, uncut 35mm roll in continuous roll sleeves (the “long strip” format), suitable for 24- or 36-exposure films. This product allowed films to be stored neatly, protectedfrom dust and scratches, and either cut or left intact according to the client’s preference. Today, these sleeves are no longer being manufactured for 135 format, which has forced us to rethink our storage process.

“Long strip” sleeve for 135 film

Alternatives — what we’ve tested at the lab

⋅ Cardboard boxes for uncut film, our emergency solution: we roll and store uncut films in dedicated boxes (protected with interleaving paper or sleeves). It’s safe for short-term storage, though less practical for easy access.
⋅ Cut film sleeves (4 or 6 frames) — the standard option for filing and binders; great protection for each strip but requires immediate cutting of the film. (We continue to offer this option on request.)
⋅ Archival sleeves (polypropylene / polyester, PVC-free) — designed for long-term storage in binders or archival boxes.

Sleeve roll designed for 6-frame strips

We know that for some photographers, keeping the film as a full uncut roll is important — especially for later cutting or archival purposes. We’re actively looking for new suppliers of continuous sleeves. In the meantime, we carefully store your rolled films in boxes and always offer the option of cutting them if you prefer. Tell us — do you like your film kept uncut or cut?