It’s now harder than ever to find a place that can still develop film. What do you do when you find a stash of 35mm film rolls in your downsizing parents’ photos? Do you shoot digital photos now, but want to get started shooting with film? Or do you bring disposable cameras to the beach after a costly phone fumble?
Watch out for the difference between developed and undeveloped 35mm negative film. Strips of brown or black and white images in groups of four to six are negatives that can be scanned. Any film still inside a metal or plastic cartridge MUST BE developed. If you open unprocessed film, you will expose it to light and ruin the images.
After confirming that you have an old roll of undeveloped 35mm camera film (or even an APS canister), you might be asking, “Where can I get this film developed?”
What Stores Still Develop Film
Online and Mail-Order Film Processing
What Kind of Film Can I Still Develop
Why People Still Use Film
What To Do After You Develop Film
How the Pros Develop Film
Developing film is pricey due to the labor, chemicals, and equipment. Traditional film processing takes place in a darkroom or photo lab. Commercial film labs often use large, automated machines that run strips of film through a series of timed chemical baths.
Many purists prefer the darkroom, where a person manually runs the film through a similar chemical process. As the film develops, the photos captured on it will start to appear like magic. The developed film is then rinsed and hung out to dry.
In researching where to develop 35mm film (and other formats), you might see the term push and pull processing. These techniques change how long the film sits in the developer chemical.
Pushing film means leaving it in a longer bath so the image gets brighter, while pulling film means taking it out of the bath earlier to get a darker-than-normal image. Push and pull processing can boost an image’s quality if it was shot in low-light or very bright conditions.
I Found Film! Now Where Do I Go?
Remember when one-hour film processing was standard fare at retailers? An effort by The Darkroom shows that this once-popular service is all but extinct at chains today. The rise of digital photos has lowered the demand for film developing, and companies seem to think the service is no longer cost-effective. In another move to cut costs, companies that still process film have stopped sending the negatives back with your prints.
Many die-hard film fans have switched over to film developing by mail. Yet there are some brick-and-mortar spots where you can still find professional film processing services.
Here’s where you can get that old 35mm film developed.
Pharmacies
Drug stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid used to be prime places for getting film developed and turned into prints. Rite Aid still makes prints from your digital photos, but the chain’s website does not mention film. The Darkroom notes that only some Walgreens and CVS stores are places that develop film regularly, and the ones that do are outsourcing your stuff to third-party firms.
Always call ahead to check on whether your local pharmacy develops film before making a trip.
Wholesale Clubs and Big-Box Stores
If you’ve used them in the past, you might be wondering, “Does Costco develop 35mm film?” Unfortunately, warehouse clubs and big-box stores are pulling out of film processing, too. Sam’s Club and Costco cut ties with the format a few years ago, in most – if not all – of their stores. The photo section of the BJ’s website doesn’t list film developing either.
Big-box retailer Target, according to The Darkroom and its own website, seems to have abandoned film as well. Some Walmart Photo Labs might still process your film, but they don’t mention this service online.
Your Best Bet:
Photography Specialty Stores
Feeling disappointed? Maybe a bit nostalgic? Here’s some good news to perk you up. You can still get most of your film developed and turned into prints through stores that specialize in photography.
The actual services vary across different companies. But there are a number of specialty photography retailers all over the country that will develop color and B&W film in a variety of different sizes. You can try checking your local Chamber of Commerce directories, local Photography Associations or a national association like Imaging Alliance to find a list of local stores that develop film.
It’s okay if you’re not in the Boston area. There are a ton of photo specialty stores across the U.S., and at least one near you is bound to offer high-quality film developing. But if you really can’t find a store near you, there’s still hope! Mail order film processing is still a widely used service, and it takes you back to Kodak’s early days when the ONLY way you could develop your film was to send it to them.
Online and Mail-Order Film Processing
You might want to try a firm that offers 35mm film developing by mail. People who use this service can package and ship their film to a remote professional photo lab. Many mail-in developers offer free shipping labels straight from their website. Consider these options if you don’t have any local photography specialists in your area.
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- The Darkroom – San Clemente, CA
- Fromex Photo & Digital – Signal Hill, CA
- Old School Photo Lab – Dover, NH
- New Jersey Film Lab – Paramus, NJ
- For a more extensive list of places that still develop film, visit this page on istillshootfilm.com
We understand the concerns you might have with a complete mail-order process. Most people don’t like having zero control of the film they send out. They worry the package and payment info could be damaged, compromised, or lost in the mail. It’s also nice to see a familiar face during the process; in-person contact can feel more friendly, and there’s more accountability if something happens to your material. As a company who frequently processes mail orders, let us alleviate some of your concerns:
- Even remote services will be happy to speak with you about your project.
- Since the decline in mainstream 35mm film development, this is the route we would take with our undeveloped film.
- You can ease your mind about the mail-in process by securely packaging items so they don’t roll around in the box.
- Try shipping through a service that provides you a tracking number.
DIY (Develop It Yourself!)
Did you know you can process film at home? All it takes is some time and the right gear. You can order kits with the right containers and chemicals to develop film all by yourself. Use a container that blocks out light, and you won’t even need a darkroom. For more details on DIY film developing, click here.
If you’re feeling thrifty (or brave), you can even use common household items like coffee, red wine, or even tylenol to develop film in the comfort of your own kitchen. If these hacks sound scary or you don’t have any photography experience, consider a professional service instead.
What Kind of Film Can I Still Develop?
E6 (Color Positive Film)
E6 color positive film is also known as slide film. The film gets an E6 label because it goes through six different baths while it develops. Images on slide film look like a transparency of the original subject that was photographed. It’s commonly used to make the 35mm slides that people view with projectors.
C41 Color Negative Film (35mm & APS)
C41 color negative film holds the backwards-looking images that were once returned in strips with your photo prints (more on that in a moment). Negatives display the darkest parts of the original image as the brightest, and vice versa.
Once developed, C41 film is scanned to digital files and we can reverse that wonky inverted look electronically. The C41 format replaced the C22 breed, which needed more harmful chemicals to develop. Most labs and darkrooms no longer process C22 film.
B&W (Black and White Film)
Black and white film yields a more classic, colorless look. Some labs and photographers work only with black and white film, ignoring the more colorful varieties.
Color film was not introduced until the 1930s, so your vintage black and white film could be decades older than color photos!
Developing Costs
Don’t worry too much about cost. The stores and services listed here charge between $5 and $11 to process one roll of 35mm film. Other film formats like 120 and 220 may cost a bit more, while the fees for push and pull processing are usually charged as an extra percentage of your developing costs.
The cost to develop film yourself may not be realistic for casual projects. Some of the chemical kits online go for more than $100, and even the cheaper containers are at least $10 each. If you’re intent on developing at home, pick up some coffee or red wine!
What To Do After You Develop Film
After you decide where to develop that 35mm film, it’s time to turn your new photos into digital files. Even the companies listed above will normally scan your processed film into digital files before turning them into prints. Why not scan your slides to digital or do some negative scanning so they never have to leave your sight again?
While it may not be as easy to develop film as it once was, you clearly still have options. Don’t wait for another photo lab to cut their ties with 35mm film – it’s time to develop, digitize, and enjoy your memories once more!
Are there benefits to using film in a digital age?
If you haven’t considered film before, you may wonder which is the better photo format: film or digital? The answer depends on who you ask, but each format’s image quality varies based on your skills and gear. Film and digital photos are more distinct, however, on points like cost and ease of use. Here’s a quick comparison.
Most folks prefer digital photos because they’re easy to shoot, edit, store, and share. Statista writes that the world will shoot more than 1 trillion digital photos this year, mostly with smartphones. Modern tech can help you quickly snap hundreds of shots, add cool filters, save them onto flash drives, and share them to the cloud.
A niche market of photographers still prefers film. While the average 35mm film roll fits only 24 to 36 images, some pros say this limit prevents digital clutter and leads to more thoughtful photography. Others simply say there’s something magical about carefully composing an image, catching it on film, and watching it develop.
Film cameras also tend to be cheaper than comparable digital ones, though it does cost more to buy and develop film in the long run. True film connoisseurs shoot with large or medium format film. You can read our post about shooting with medium format film if you’re interested.
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FAQs
Can you still get film rolls developed? ›
No matter what type of film requires developing, you can bring it to your local CVS Photo location for processing. Services include processing for 35mm film, disposable cameras, Advanced Photo System film, black and white film, 110 film and slide film.
Does Walgreens still develop film from disposable cameras? ›Print your favorite images from film, negatives or disposable camera with Film Roll Processing. Whether you've just returned from a tropical vacation and can't wait to relive the gorgeous sunsets, or just found that disposable camera from the wedding last summer, Walgreens Photo will bring your photos to life.
Can you still develop film at Walmart? ›PROS – Because most towns has a local Walmart, they're convenient to use for prints and film developing. Walmart has one of the lowest prices for developing film, about $7.49 for a 12 exposure roll, images on a CD and a single set of prints.
Does CVS develop film well? ›I found this out the hard way. Jake S – I only got my film developed at CVS Photo Centers and I'm pretty satisfied with the prints. The downside is you don't get your negatives back and it takes like 5 weeks. The price is good for the quality and I would definitely develop from them again.
Does Walmart develop 35mm film? ›Does Walmart still develop film? Yes, Walmart can develop 35mm color and black & white film but it may vary depending on location. The film is sent to Fujifilm North America. Film development is available in the store using a paper envelope that is dropped at the store and there is no option online.
Can I develop film at Walgreens? ›Film Developing, Negatives, and Disposable Cameras - Options and Pricing. All Walgreens stores with a photo lab can accept your 35mm film. Select stores with a photo lab can also accept APS (Advanced Photo System), 110 film, 127 film, negatives, or a disposable/single-use camera.
How can I get film developed on my phone? ›- Develop photos using the Photo lab and then download them on a CD.
- Send the pictures to your computer using a scanner and then email them to your phone.
- You can also use online photo developing apps.
- Take a photo of the picture using your phone.
Yes, Walmart develops disposable or single-use cameras. You can drop them off at any Walmart Photo lab or mail them in if you don't have a store nearby. However, there is usually an additional processing fee associated with developing disposable cameras.
Does Target develop disposable cameras? ›Does Target Develop Disposable Cameras? No, Target doesn't develop disposable cameras. Target stopped developing film in 2013. However, if you need prints from your disposable camera, you can take the film to a Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens.
How much does CVS film development cost? ›| Number of Exposures | Single Set of Glossy Prints (4×6 in.) | Double Set of Glossy Prints (4×6 in.) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | $10.99 | $12.99 |
| 24 | $14.42 | $17.85 |
| 27 | $14.99 | $18.99 |
| 36 | $16.99 | $21.99 |
Can old 35mm film still be developed? ›
Yes. Old film doesn't go bad all at once – colors shift, contrast fades away, and fog builds up.
Does Costco develop film? ›No. Costco no longer offers developing services for any kind of film. If you have 35mm film that is already developed, you can use the Costco Photo Center to have your negatives digitized.
How long does Walgreens Take to Develop film? ›Walgreens processes films using a third-party developer. You just have to drop off your film at the nearest Walgreens pharmacy to have it developed. The cost to develop film varies based on the type of film and the number of exposures per roll. It takes, on average, three to five business days turnaround time.
How much does it cost to get a disposable camera developed? ›The average cost to develop a disposable camera in 2021 is around $15. Most labs charge extra for prints. One of the best labs in the USA is The Dark Room yet they charge $14 plus $5.95 shipping for a total cost of $19.95. This doesn't include prints which are $8 extra for a total cost of $27.95.
How can I print pictures from my disposable camera? ›Most drugstores have a film development department that will develop disposable camera film. Some superstores and camera stores will, too. Take your camera in to the store. You'll need the whole camera in order to get your film developed.
How do you develop pictures at CVS? ›To get started, simply download our free app to your iPhone or Android device, select CVS and then photo prints. From there, choose all of your favorite pictures right from your camera roll to be printed. Once you've made your selection, you can choose your sizes, quantities and your desired CVS store.
How much does it cost to get a roll of film developed at Walmart? ›| Number of Exposures | Single Set of Prints (4×6 in.) | Double Set of Prints (4×6 in.) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Exposures | $7.96 | $9.96 |
| 24 Exposures | $9.96 | $12.96 |
| 27 Exposures | $10.96 | $14.96 |
| 36 Exposures | $13.96 | $18.96 |
The cheapest place to get a roll of 35mm film developed is Walmart, which costs $9.96 for a role of 24 exposures and $13.96 to get a roll 36 exposures developed.
How much does it cost to develop pictures at Walmart? ›Our Walmart photo app not only gives you the convenience of 1 hour photo printing, but also offers the cheapest prices. Whether you're looking for a 4x6 print to frame and hang or a square 8x8 to gift to a loved one, our competitive pricing ranges from $0.25 to $2.84, giving you the best bang for your buck!
Can you develop your own disposable camera? ›The good news is that a disposable camera is really just a plastic camera with a roll of film inside. Any place that can develop film can develop your disposable camera.
Does Walgreens develop black and white film? ›
You can develop B&W film at Walgreens, however the manager may get upset over your splashing water and chemicals around in their store!
How do you develop 35mm film? ›Developing 35mm Film - YouTube
How can I make film at home without chemicals? ›In one container, mix 12 oz of tap water (room temp), ¾ tsps vitamin C powder (1000mg), 5 tsps instant coffee crystals (cannot be decaf), 3.5 tsps washing soda. Stir until all powder and crystals dissolve.
How do I transfer pictures from my Kodak disposable camera to my phone? ›kodak disposable camera pictures + how to get them on your phone!
Do disposable cameras expire? ›Do Disposable Cameras Expire? While the camera itself does not expire, the film and battery for the flash do expire. Film usually expires about 2 – 3 years after the manufacture date but may still be good for another five or six years if stored away from heat and humidity.
Who still develops film 2021? ›- The FindLab Auto Scans. $12. The FindLab has a variety of film-development pricing set up by different tiers. ...
- PhotoVision Signature Process + Scan. $18. $18. ...
- The DarkRoom Film Developing. $12. ...
- Richard Photo Lab Film Developing and “Richard's Way” Scans. $15.
| Film Lab | $ to Develop Color 35mm + scans* | $ to Develop B&W 35mm + scans* |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne's Photo | $9 | $10 |
| Blue Moon Camera & Machine | $22.25 | $26 |
| Gelatin Labs | $12 | $16 |
| Photo-60 Studio | $12.95 | $19.95 |
It costs between $14.99-$17.99 (plux tax) to develop a roll of 35mm color or black & white film or a disposable camera at Walgreens and it takes about 7 – 10 days.
How long does it take for Walmart to develop a disposable camera? ›Walmart typically takes up to one week to get films from your disposable camera developed. However, since this involves sending the film out to a third-party film processing company, the waiting time could be longer than one week in case of delays from either end.
How long does it take Walmart to develop pictures? ›Q: How long will my prints take to develop at Walmart? A: 1 Hour is the typical time it takes to get your pictures developed at Walmart with Photo Prints Plus. Depending on how busy the specific store is, it sometimes can take longer.
Is Kodak or Fujifilm disposable camera better? ›
By far, the Fujifilm is the better camera out of the two. The first two things you'll notice are color and sharpness. In both areas, the Kodak is underwhelming. There's a sense of muddiness and blur.
Can u get photos developed at Target? ›Target Photo is great for all your printing services providing premium quality photo printing that captures images to be displayed in creative ways. Target Photo provides professional quality photo prints from wallet size prints to 30" x 40" photo prints.
Can I get photos developed at Target? ›Target Photo offers a quick and easy process to help fit your digital photography needs. Choose from a wide variety of sizing and finish options from 3.5x5, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, or larger photo prints up to 30x40.
Does CVS look at your pictures? ›Does CVS look at your pictures? We take the privacy of your photos seriously. Images uploaded to our server for printing are not viewed by CVS. Only the photo technician in charge of printing and packaging your order will see the images.
Does CVS sell 35mm? ›CVS Pharmacy 35mm 400-Speed 96 Exposures All Purpose Color Print Film. Place your order with peace of mind.
Can you get digital copies disposable cameras? ›At North Coast Photographic Services we offer disposable camera developing for all types of disposable cameras! Fuji, Kodak and underwater disposable cameras. You can get prints or digital files or both! Our most popular service is the “Develop, Budget Scan and Upload” which only costs $18.94 per camera.
How long can you keep undeveloped film? ›Most negative and movie films have an expiration date. This is typically about two years after the month of manufacture, which is actually a “best if used by” date. The older the film, the more unpredictable it will be in terms of quality.
Can you develop film from old disposable camera? ›The short and simple answer is yes, you can still develop them!
Can you still get 35mm film? ›35mm is still made and is by far the most popular film format that we sell. 35mm is still made by a few of the big dogs in film such as Kodak, Ilford and Fujifilm as well as lots of lovely indie brands such as Film Washi, Dubblefilm and revolog.
Can I develop film at Walgreens? ›Film Developing, Negatives, and Disposable Cameras - Options and Pricing. All Walgreens stores with a photo lab can accept your 35mm film. Select stores with a photo lab can also accept APS (Advanced Photo System), 110 film, 127 film, negatives, or a disposable/single-use camera.
Can you develop 20 year old film? ›
Yes. Old film doesn't go bad all at once – colors shift, contrast fades away, and fog builds up.
Can 60 year old film be developed? ›Just about any really old roll of films can be successfully developed, just make sure to set your expectations correctly, and don't expect miracles!
Why do people keep film in the fridge? ›Humidity speeds up film degradation. Dry storage minimises film degradation. That's right, move the milk and the butter to make room for your precious film. Storing it in the fridge will preserve the film for a lot longer than if it was left at room temperature.
Can you get disposable cameras developed at Walmart? ›Yes, Walmart develops disposable or single-use cameras. You can drop them off at any Walmart Photo lab or mail them in if you don't have a store nearby. However, there is usually an additional processing fee associated with developing disposable cameras.
How much does it cost to get a disposable camera developed? ›The average cost to develop a disposable camera in 2021 is around $15. Most labs charge extra for prints. One of the best labs in the USA is The Dark Room yet they charge $14 plus $5.95 shipping for a total cost of $19.95. This doesn't include prints which are $8 extra for a total cost of $27.95.
How do you get pictures off a disposable camera? ›Digitise prints with your phone
Yes, it's that simple. Use your phone camera to take a picture of your print. You might have to do a bit of manual cropping later, but as long as you take the picture in good light your phone will easily have enough quality to get a great copy.
No. Costco no longer offers developing services for any kind of film. If you have 35mm film that is already developed, you can use the Costco Photo Center to have your negatives digitized.
How much does CVS film development cost? ›| Number of Exposures | Single Set of Glossy Prints (4×6 in.) | Double Set of Glossy Prints (4×6 in.) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | $10.99 | $12.99 |
| 24 | $14.42 | $17.85 |
| 27 | $14.99 | $18.99 |
| 36 | $16.99 | $21.99 |
It was founded in 1890 by George Eastman and, despite filing for bankruptcy in 2012, the plant is still producing film to this day. Most 35mm film produced at Kodak is made from polyethylene terephthalate pellets (PET) which is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin in the polyester family.
Does target Develop film? ›No, Target doesn't develop disposable cameras. Target stopped developing film in 2013. However, if you need prints from your disposable camera, you can take the film to a Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens.
How do you get pictures from a disposable camera to your phone? ›
- Develop photos using the Photo lab and then download them on a CD.
- Send the pictures to your computer using a scanner and then email them to your phone.
- You can also use online photo developing apps.
- Take a photo of the picture using your phone.