Where to Develop Film in Philadelphia in 2023.
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Even in a world where the majority of people carry around a high quality digital camera in their pocket, there are still plenty of reasons you may choose to purse analog photography.
Whatever your reasons may be, there are a few considerations to take into account. Most importantly, where are you going to get your film developed so that you can actually see your photos?
It can be difficult to find the right place to take your valuable film, but worry not; we’ve rounded up everywhere you can still develop film in Philadelphia. Check out the list below, followed by a map of their locations.
INDIE PHOTO
Indie Photo is truly a one-stop-shop for all of your film photography needs. They offer an extensive list of services and maintain the feeling of a photoshop “for photographers, by photographers”.
For all of you film shooters that like to use a variety of formats, this is your spot; Indie Photo develops 35mm, 120, and 4×5, whether it’s C-41 color, black and white, or E-6 slide film. When developing your film, you’ll have a few options as to what size scans you get back, which we always prefer.
Aside from developing and scanning services, you’ll be able to stock up on a great selection of fresh film (in-store or online), rent a digital workstation, or even take a class on photography.
UNIQUE PHOTO
Unique Photo opened its first store in Fairfield, NJ over seven decades ago in 1947. They’ve since expanded, adding a location in Philadelphia that any film photographer in the area should check out.
While this is a full-service camera shop for any type of photography, the folks at Unique have kept true to their roots, providing a great selection of products and services for analog shooters.
You can drop off 35mm and 120 film here, whether you prefer to shoot color or black and white. If you’ve ever been interested in developing film at home, this is also a great place to pick up any of the developing equipment you need.
Aside from their film-specific offerings, there is still plenty to check out at Unique Photo; equipment rentals, repairs, classes, and even a studio available for rent.
PHOTO LOUNGE
Photo Lounge offers some intriguing specials that make it an especially great spot to develop film in Philadelphia.
You’ll be able to drop off your film for developing whether it’s 35mm, 120, 110, or 126. Black and white, as well as C-41 color, are both processed.
Photo Lounge offers a “Film Processing Super Saver”, which gives you a significant discount on developing services when purchased upfront.
This service gives you a set number of rolls developed and scanned (the number depends on which type of film it is), and you’re able to redeem it with any combination of film formats.
They also offer a “Philadelphia Film Photography Club Membership”. For a monthly fee, you’ll get discounts on services and purchases with your money going to help fund gallery shows for members.
NEW YORK CAMERA & VIDEO
Despite it’s slightly confusing name, New York Camera & Video is a place to develop film in the Philadelphia area – about 20 miles away in Southampton.
They develop a wide variety of film formats. 35mm, 120, APS, 110, and 126 can all be processed, whether its color, black and white, or E-6 slide film (although E-6 is sent to another lab).
While you’re dropping off a roll or two, you can browse their full-service store for all of your photographic gear-related needs, as well as a selection of used film cameras.
NEWTON CAMERA
Newton Camera is your classic, old-school mini lab. They offer standard printing, passport photos, and other run of the mill services. Fortunately, they still develop film, too.
You can bring your C-41 color or black and white film to Newton, so long as it is 35mm.
They advertise 2 hour developing on their website and while it might not be exact, you should get your scans back quickly.
Map of the Best Places for Film Developing
Anywhere Else
Did we miss any places to develop film in Philadelphia? If you know anywhere else, let us know in the comments!
Newtown Camera, just outside Newtown on Rt 332 in Bucks County does on-site color and black and white processing of 35mm film. They can also scan your negatives.
Thanks, David. Added it to the list.