Where to Develop Film in Washington DC in 2023.
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Whether you’re passing through on a trip or consider Washington DC your home, there’s plenty worth photographing.
Digital cameras may reign supreme, but there are plenty of dedicated analog enthusiasts whose commitment to the medium helps keep it alive. We don’t think film is going anywhere anytime soon, but there’s no denying that finding a good photo lab isn’t as easy as it used to be.
You should have no problem finding somewhere to develop your disposable cameras or film in Washington D.C. after checking out the list below. We’ve included which formats are processed at each lab and a map of where to find them.
DODGE CHROME
As many printing businesses continue to shudder their film processing services, we love to see spots that continue to develop film, such as Dodge Chrome. While most of their business is focused on commercial printing, they have maintained a film photo lab.
Dodge Chrome’s darkroom services are some of the most extensive in the DC area. 35mm, 120, and large format film are all developed, and they accept C-41 color, black and white, and even E-6 slide film.
One thing to note: while they do have a centrally located DC store, all of their film processing happens at their headquarters, about 15 miles northeast in Maryland. That said, you can still drop off and pick up your film at the DC location, just know that it won’t be processed on-site.
DISTRICT CAMERA
Centrally located in DC since 1978, District Camera is a family-owned operation that still offers film developing.
The most common film formats and sizes can be developed: 35mm and 120 whether it is C-41 color or black and white.
Aside from their film processing services, you’ll be able to check out any other photo gear you may need, as they have an extensive inventory of equipment. Used film cameras of all types, as well as darkroom supplies, are both available for purchase.
PRO PHOTO
Pro Photo is a centrally located photo shop in DC – while the shop may be small, they manage to fit in a lot of offerings.
Their photo lab accepts every size of film – 35mm, 120 and sheet – in every format: C-41 color, black and white, and E-6 color reversal.
Outside of the photo lab, Pro Photo buys and sells used gear, repairs cameras (including some film cameras), and sells all sorts gear and accessories.
PHOTO-60
Photo-60 is a lab in Woodbridge, VA that has been developing film since they opened in 1996. More recently, they’ve added another location in DC.
While film is processed 30 miles away at the Virginia location, you can still drop off in Central DC. They accept 35mm and 120 film, both color and black and white.
You can expect to get your color film back in less than a week – black and white in a little over a week.
Where to Develop Film in the Washington DC Area
While you only have a few options for film developing in Washington DC, your choices double if you’re willing to take a short trip. Here are some more places to develop film in the DC area, both in Maryland and Virginia.
Where to Develop Film in Maryland
As we mentioned above, Dodge Chrome’s lab where they handle all of their film processing is located in about 15 miles outside of DC in Maryland. There is another spot to develop disposable cameras and film in Maryland, too.
MOTO PHOTO
Moto Photo has been developing film since they opened in 1991. They offer a handful of other visual services, as well.
35mm and 120 are both developed in house, and they also offer processing for less common formats, like 110, 126, and APS film. C-41 color and black and white are both accepted.
35mm film generally takes 2-4 days to develop, where 120 can take up to a week. It’s worth pointing out that they do offer rush processing for an additional cost.
Other notable services they offer are high-resolution scans, video digitization, and photo restoration.
Where to Develop Film in Virginia
Across the Potomac River, you’ll find a few more options for film developing. Aside from Photo-60’s main lab, here’s where else you can develop film in Virginia.
DOMINION CAMERA
Dominion Camera is a full-service photography shop in Virginia. Between this location, a second store called Ace Photo in Ashburn, and online shop, they have a huge inventory of cameras and other gear.
Their film developing services cover 35mm and 120 film, whether it’s C-41 color or black and white. If you find yourself shooting a less common film format, you may be able to take it to Dominion – they also develop 110, 126, and APS film.
Film developing happens a few times a week on set days, so while it’s not the fastest photo lab you’ll find, you should still have your photos within a few days.
ANNANDALE PHOTO AND CAMERA
About 15 miles from Washington DC, Annandale Photo is a small, low-key photo lab offering developing, as well as printing services, and passport photos.
They offer film processing for 35mm and 120, both black and white, as well as color.
MERRIFIELD 1 HOUR PHOTO
While you can get your film developed at Merrifield 1 Hour Photo, the “one-hour part” of the name is, unfortunately, a relic of the past. This is your standard old school, no frills minilab.
They accept both 35mm and 120 film; C-41 color is developed three times a week, black and white is developed once a week.
Map Film Developing in Washington D.C.
Anywhere Else?
Do you know of any other good places to develop film in the Washington D.C. area? If so, let us know in the comments!
District Camera is well known for their extremely rude customer service and dodgy business practices. They do not deserve to be on this list.
We always try to find all of the possible options (since most cities don’t have many). Appreciate you sharing your experiences!