Where to Develop Film in Milwaukee in 2023.
Last Updated
Powered by Creative Commons.
Photo attribution available here.
This site contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Milwaukee may not have the most places to develop film, but fortunately, there are still some good options.
No matter what type of film you like to shoot, you should have no problem finding a spot to get your photos developed locally.
Check out the roundup of where to develop film in Milwaukee below – we’ve included which types of film are accepted by each lab and a map of their locations.
TOM FRITZ STUDIOS
Tom Fritz Studios was started by the commercial photographer of the same name – they cater to other film photographers.
One of the top-rated photo labs in Milwaukee, they offer film processing for 35mm and 120 medium format film in C-41 color, black and white, and E-6 color reversal. They also develop large format film.
Black and white film is developed in Kodak T-Max Developer, although custom processing is also available using the developer of your choice.
Tom Fritz Studios usually has a quick turnaround time. Rush service is even available for a premium. Additional services include scanning, printing, and retouching.
To top this all off, this is the most conveniently located photo lab in Milwaukee. It’s just blocks away from Marquette University.
ART’S CAMERA PLUS
With two locations in the greater metropolitan area, Art’s Camera Plus is another choice for your Milwaukee film developing needs.
35mm C-41 color film is processed in-house, whereas 120/220, 110, 126, 127, APS, and B&W are also accepted, but are sent to an off-site lab for developing.
Other services include equipment cleaning, repairs, rentals, classes, and more.
MIKE CRIVELLO’S CAMERA
Mike Crivello’s Camera is a full-service photo shop geared more towards digital photography and standard photo lab services. That said, it may still be a good choice for film developing for those who live in or near Brookfield.
Most of the common film formats are accepted, although C-41 color in 35mm or 120 are the only types of film developed in-house. Black and white, APS, 110, and 125 are all developed at another lab with a two week turnaround time.
Other services include video digitization, canvas prints, and equipment rental.
ALLIED DIGITAL PHOTO
Allied Digital Photo develop disposable cameras, 35mm and 120 medium format film. Processing is available for color, black and white, and even slide film.
Less common formats APS and 110 are also developed.
Allied Digital Photo offers a discount for developing more than one roll of the same type of film at a time.
Additional services include restoration, scanning, video transfer, and photo book printing.
RETROSPEKT
Retrospekt is an analog-lovers paradise; vintage cameras, audio equipment, books, and musical instruments are all for sale at this Milwaukee outpost.
They accept 35mm and 120 film, whether its C-41 color or black and white. While film is not developed in-house, it is sent to Mike Crivello’s Camera in Brookfield.
The central location of Retrospekt makes it a great option if getting to Brookfield isn’t convenient for you.
Map of the Where to Develop Film in Milwaukee
Other Options for Film Developing in Milwaukee
Can’t find the service you need in Milwaukee?
Another option is to bring your film to Chicago. Just an hour and a half south, the Windy City has an expansive selection of photo labs for all your film developing needs.
While it may be just 100 miles away, plenty of people never make the trip down to Chicago. Or, you shoot so much film that you need a more immediate solution.
These days, it’s easier than ever to drop your film in the mail and have it developed by whichever lab you choose. We know photographers who have made cross-country moves, but continue to use their favorite hometown lab.
It may be much more common, but that doesn’t mean that developing film by mail is completely fool proof. Just make sure to take some easy steps to guarantee a smooth process.
Of course, you can always drop your film off at a drugstore.
Although most big-name drugstores no longer develop film in house, the service is still offered by many CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations in Milwaukee.
Just know that the old norm of 1-hour photo processing is a thing of the past. Expect about a week turnaround time – if not longer. This is because drugstore chains almost never process film on location anymore, which brings a whole list of additional issues.
Anywhere Else?
Did we miss your favorite place to develop film in Milwaukee? If so, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Retrospekt!
Thanks for the tip, looks like a cool spot! Added it to the list!
I am opening up an arts nonprofit that will have a public darkroom in the basement! Feel free to reach out if you want to get involved rewottogordon@gmail.com