


It is easier than ever to scan your own film using a dedicated scanner, digital camera, or smartphone so you may want to know that some places, while they will develop the film, won’t return your negatives. Retrieving the negatives after the film is developed is the whole point of the process. This is only true of specific labs and especially not true of retail stores like Walgreen, CVS, and Walmart. Some labs (like, , and Process One Photo ) will refund the price of scanning film if all the frames of your negatives are blank. For this reason I highly suggest that you don’t use a local drugstore and use an online film development lab to develop film with a shorter turnaround time instead. For example, I am still waiting for some color 35mm film to be developed from my local CVS for 4 months when it should have been only 2 – 3 weeks.
Hownto use photoflow film development update#
Update for 2022: Since 2021 I have found that because of the pandemic drug stores like Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS have a much longer turnaround time then previously reported.

If time is a priority, your options may be limited, especially if it is a film other than 35mm color film, like slide film or 110mm. Photo development can take anywhere from a few days to a several weeks to complete, depending on the location and what type of film you are developing. If quality of prints and scans are your priority then I recommend this list of developing labs that will produce high-resolution scans and high quality prints.įinding a place that develops film within your expected time frame is also important. While cost is important, so is the quality of the development, scans, and prints from these places. Finding the right price to fit within your budget can be what ultimately influences your decision. However, some online film processing labs will cost about the same and deliver better quality scans and will return your negatives, often with a much faster turnaround time. It can cost anywhere from $9.96 to $17.99 (not including taxes) to develop one roll of 35mm film at a local retail store. So if you want to develop large format film, medium format film, 8mm, or 16mm film then check out this list of places that can develop those formats.ĭeveloping film can become expensive over time so you want to get the best bang for your buck. Most of these places can develop 35mm color and black & white film, disposable cameras, APS (Advantix), 110mm, and slide film. One of the first things to consider is what type of film can places like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens develop. Ultimately, it is important to find something that fits not just your budget, but also is the best price for what you receive. The cost, quality of the prints, turnaround time, if they return negatives, and the quality get in return may all influence your decision. Since digital photography is currently more common than film photography and since developing film is an older technology, finding places to develop your film can be difficult. Conclusion Things to Consider When Getting Film Developed
