Where to Develop Film in Austin in 2023.
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Whether you’re a lifelong Austinite or just visiting, you may be surprised how difficult it can be to develop film in the area. Gone are the days of one-hour photo labs and rolls of Kodak sold at every drugstore…
That said, we’re pleased to let you know that there are still a handful of labs that develop film in Austin. Check out the list below, including which types of film are accepted at each lab and a map of where to find them.
HOLLAND PHOTO IMAGING
Ask a handful of local Austin photographers where they like to get their film developed, and the most common answer is sure to be Holland Photo.
In the four decades they’ve been in business, Holland has become the go-to spot for professionals and amateur photographers alike.
No matter what type of film you prefer to shoot, you’ll most likely be able to go to Holland Photo to get it developed. 35mm, 120, and large format sheet film are all developed, whether color, black and white, or even slide film. Dip and dunk processing ensures high-quality results.
Aside from film processing, Holland Photo specializes in high-end printing for any type of project. “We can print anything on everything” does a good job summarizing what type of services you can expect to find; whether you’re a pro photographer or a small business owner, Holland Photo should be able to print whatever you need.
LAGO VISTA FILM LAB
While only established in 2017, Lago Vista Film Lab has already lived many lives. Started by a professional photographer devoted to shooting analog, the first iteration of Lago Vista was a mail-in-only lab in Florida.
The business headed West to Texas in 2019, and recently opened a storefront for local drop offs and pickups.
While they originally processed all film chemistries, Lago Vista has recently scaled down their offerings to just C-41 color, both 35mm and medium format. Their priorities have shifted towards fast film developing, saying that they “want to focus on being a 1-hour photolab like in the 1990’s.”
As you can expect from a photo lab opened by a pro photographer, there aren’t many additional services available. Film processing is the sole focus at Lago Vista, which most photographers would prefer, anyways.
AUSTIN CAMERA AND IMAGING
Coming up on their first decade in business, Austin Camera has become a fantastic destination for film photographers in Austin.
Not quite a full-service photoshop, not quite just a lab, most analog shooters could find something of interest at Austin Camera and Imaging.
35mm and medium format 120 film are both developed for color, black and white, and E-6 color reversal film. You can also bring odd formats (110/126/127/620/APS) for processing.
It’s worth noting that E-6 isn’t processed very often and will likely take a while longer than other formats.
Standard photo lab offerings such as printing, video transfer, and scanning are all available, but what sets Austin Camera apart from other labs is the great selection of used gear, fresh film, and on-site repairs.
Any victims of G.A.S can offload any dusty gear for cash, and everyone knows: more cash = more Portra 400.
PRECISION CAMERA
The oldest lab on this list, Precision Camera has been serving photographers in Austin since 1976.
If you need something more than film processing, you’ll likely be able to find it at Precision, a full-service camera shop with an extensive list of services and products.
If you’re looking to develop disposable cameras or film, the most common film formats are accepted; 35mm and 120 film, whether C-41 color, black and white, or E-6.
Unfortunately, not all film is developed in-house, which can lead to longer wait times to get your photos back (anything developed out-of-house is sent to Holland Photo).
Other noteworthy services include camera repairs, classes, rentals, and a used section.
Map of Where to Develop Film in Austin
Anywhere Else?
Do you know anywhere else to develop film in Austin? Any experience at any of the labs listed above? Let us know in the comments!