Despite living in a digital world, the allure of film photography to capture a vintage aesthetic persists. This has been inviting photographers to connect with the art form’s roots. But once you’ve captured your shot, what’s next? Here’s an extensive guide on where to get your film developed, including price points, services offered, and types of film handled.

Understanding the Film Development Process

Film development is an intricate chemical process that reveals the latent images on your film roll. Different film stocks—black and white, color, slide—need unique development procedures. Unlike polaroid film which is very expensive and self-developing, film stocks for SLR cameras have to be developed in a darkroom. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when choosing your development service.

Local Film Development Options

Photography Stores

B&H (New York): www.bhphotovideo.com

B&H is a renowned retail store in New York City that caters to both photography professionals and enthusiasts. They offer film development services for the most popular film stocks, 35mm, 120, and 4×5 film types, with prices starting around $11 for development only. Additional services such as scans and prints incur extra charges.

  • Develops 35mm, 120, and 4×5 film types.
  • Prices start from around $11 for development only.
  • Additional charges for scans and prints.

Blue Moon Camera (Portland): www.bluemooncamera.com

Located in Portland, Oregon, Blue Moon Camera is a full-service photographic outpost that handles all film formats, including 35mm, 120, and large-format. They provide developing services starting from $7 for 35mm black & white film. They also offer scanning and printing services for an additional cost.

  • Handles all film formats, including 35mm, 120, and large-format.
  • Prices start from $7 for 35mm black & white film development.
  • Scanning and printing services are available for an additional cost.

Samy’s Camera (California): www.samys.com

In addition to selling equipment, Samy’s Camera offers a wide range of services, including film processing. They handle various film formats, including 35mm, 120, and large format films. Film development prices are competitive, starting from $11 for 35mm color film development.

They also offer additional services like scans and prints, making it a full-service photography store. You can also order online and use their mail-in services for film development, which can be a great convenience for those not in proximity to their stores.

  • Handles 35mm, 120, and large format films.
  • Prices start from $11 for 35mm color film development.

The Camera Shop (Minnesota): www.thecamerashop.com

Priding itself on offering a full range of photography services, The Camera Shop provides a comprehensive film development service. They cater to various film formats, including 35mm, 120, 4×5, and even slide films. Their film processing service is highly regarded, making it a go-to destination for both local and out-of-state photographers.

The Camera Shop’s film development prices are competitive, starting at $12 for 35mm color film development. But they are not just about developing film. They also offer printing services, ranging from standard-size prints to large-format prints for display.

  • Develops 35mm, 120, 4×5, and slide films.
  • Prices start from $12 for 35mm color film development.

Freestyle Photographic Supplies (Los Angeles): www.freestylephoto.com

When it comes to film development, Freestyle handles 35mm and 120 film formats. Their development prices are quite competitive, starting at $5 for 35mm black & white film development. They also offer additional services such as printing and scanning, providing a one-stop service for film photographers.

Despite the digital turn in the photography industry, Freestyle Photographic Supplies has stayed committed to keeping the art of film photography alive and well. It’s a cornerstone in the Los Angeles photography scene and continues to be a go-to resource for photographers in the area.

  • Processes 35mm and 120 films.
  • Development prices start at $5 for 35mm black & white film.
  • Additional charges for prints and scans.

Hillvale Photo (Australia): www.hillvale.com.au

Hillvale Photo’s aim is to make film photography as accessible as possible. They develop all sorts of films, including 35mm, 120, and large-format, as well as color, black and white, and slide films. Their film processing prices start from AUD 8 for 35mm color film development, making their services affordable for all levels of film photographers.

In addition to film processing, Hillvale also offers scanning and printing services. They use professional-grade Noritsu and Fuji Frontier scanners, ensuring high-quality digital files. Plus, with additional services like photo printing and film sales, Hillvale can effectively meet the needs of any film photographer.

Perhaps what’s most unique about Hillvale Photo is its dropbox system. They have various dropboxes located around Melbourne where photographers can drop their films off for processing. Once the film is developed and scanned, customers receive a link to download their digital files.

  • Develops 35mm, 120, and large format films.
  • Prices start from AUD 8 for 35mm color film development.
  • Additional charges for scanning and printing.

Fotomaru (South Korea): www.fotomaru.com

Fotomaru is known for handling a variety of film formats, including 35mm, 120, 220, and even 4×5 films. The prices for their services are quite competitive, starting from KRW 5,000 for 35mm black & white film development. Moreover, they offer additional services such as scanning and printing for an extra fee, which can be incredibly convenient for photographers.

What makes Fotomaru stand out is its dedication to the world of film photography. Their store is a paradise for film photographers, offering an extensive variety of film cameras, vintage lenses, films, and other related accessories. From rare vintage cameras to the latest films, Fotomaru has something for everyone.

Their commitment to the film photography community extends beyond just selling products and services. Fotomaru frequently hosts film photography workshops and exhibitions, fostering a vibrant film photography community.

Fotomaru’s online services allow film photographers from all over the world to order film and other photography-related products. Their professional and prompt services have helped them build a strong reputation and a wide customer base around the globe.

  • Handles 35mm, 120, 220, and 4×5 films.
  • Prices start from KRW 5,000 for 35mm black & white film development.
  • Offers additional services like scanning and printing for an extra fee.

Ish Photo Lab (Spain): www.ishphotolab.com

Ish Photo Lab has the capability to process various types of films, including 35mm, 120, and large format films. They start their pricing at a competitive rate of EUR 5 for 35mm color film development, making it an affordable option for film photographers of all levels.

In addition to development, Ish Photo Lab provides additional services like high-resolution scanning and professional printing. They employ cutting-edge technology and equipment to ensure the highest quality for their services, so you can be confident in the final result whether it’s digital scans or physical prints.

  • Develops 35mm, 120, and large format films.
  • Prices start from EUR 5 for 35mm color film development.
  • Additional services like scanning and printing are available for an extra fee.

Pharmacy Photo Labs

CVS: www.cvs.com

  • Primarily processes 35mm color film.
  • Charges around $15 for a single film development, including 4×6 prints.

Walgreens: www.walgreens.com

  • Offers 35mm color film development services.
  • Prices start at around $14.99 for film development and a set of 4×6 prints.

Professional Photo Labs

Richard Photo Lab (California): www.richardphotolab.com

Richard Photo Lab is well-equipped to process all film types, including 35mm, 120, and large format films. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising standards in film processing. Development prices start at $12 for 35mm and 120 films, with scanning services starting at an additional $8.

Aside from film development, Richard Photo Lab provides a suite of other services, including high-resolution scanning, professional-grade printing, and digital retouching. Each of these services is handled by skilled technicians using the latest technology and techniques to ensure optimum results.

One defining aspect of Richard Photo Lab is its personal touch. They aim to establish an ongoing dialogue with their clients, allowing them to understand the unique requirements and preferences of each photographer. This enables them to provide a highly personalized service that meets and often exceeds, their clients’ expectations.

  • Processes all film types including 35mm, 120, and large format.
  • Development prices start at $12 for 35mm and 120, with scanning starting at an additional $8.

Indie Film Lab (Alabama): www.indiefilmlab.com

Indie Film Lab is adept at processing a range of film types, including 35mm, 120, and large format films. Prices for their services are reasonable, starting at $16 for color film processing and scanning. This affordability, coupled with their quality of service, makes Indie Film Lab an appealing option for both professional photographers and hobbyists.

Apart from film development and scanning, Indie Film Lab offers an array of other services. These include digital printing, large-format scanning, and even photography workshops. They utilize top-tier equipment and techniques to ensure that their clients receive the best possible results.

Indie Film Lab is unique in its approach to customer service. They believe in fostering a close-knit community and building long-term relationships with their clients. This is evident in the personalized attention and care that goes into each of their services.

  • Develops 35mm, 120, and large format films.
  • Prices start at $16 for color film processing and scanning.

Mail-In Film Development Services

For photographers who don’t have access to a local lab, mail-in services can be a lifesaver.

The Darkroom: www.thedarkroom.com

The Darkroom is a lifesaver for photographers who don’t have access to a local lab. They develop a wide variety of film types, including 35mm, 120, 110, 126, APS, and disposable cameras. Standard development and scanning services cost starts at $12.

  • Develops a wide variety of film types, including 35mm, 120, 110, 126, APS, and disposable cameras.
  • Standard development and scanning service costs start at $12.

Old School Photo Lab: www.oldschoolphotolab.com

The lab is versatile in processing different film formats with a transparent pricing structure starting at $17 They handle 35mm, 120, and 110 films as well as disposable cameras at those low costs.

which includes the cost of development, scanning, and return shipping of negatives, providing a convenient and affordable solution for film photographers.

Selecting the Right Service for You

Choosing the right service depends on several factors:

  • Film type: Ensure your selected lab can handle your film format.
  • Budget: Prices vary greatly, so find a service that fits your budget.
  • Turnaround time: If you need your photos quickly, consider labs known for fast processing times.

Protecting Your Developed Film

Once your film is developed, it’s important to store it correctly:

  • Keep negatives in a cool, dry place.
  • Use archival sleeves to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.
  • Remember, negatives can be rescanned or reprinted, so handle them with care!

Conclusion

In the world of film photography, getting your shots developed is a crucial step in the process. Despite the rise of digital, numerous high-quality film development services exist. From local labs to mail-in services, you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs. Embrace the resurgence of film, and happy shooting!

FAQs

What types of film can I get developed at these services?

Most services handle common film types such as 35mm and 120. However, some also process other formats like 110, 126, APS, and large-format films. It’s always best to check with the individual service provider to ensure they can handle your specific film type.

How do I choose the right film development service for my needs?

Choosing the right service depends on a few factors: the type of film you’re using, your budget, and the turnaround time you require. It’s also important to consider whether you prefer a local service or if a mail-in service suits your needs better.