Where to Develop Film in Knoxville in 2023.
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If you’re looking to develop film in Knoxville, you’re in luck – there are a handful of great photo labs that still offer film developing.
It’s always ideal to have a trustworthy photo lab near you. We think that just about any film photographer in Knoxville will be able to find a local spot that fits their needs.
You can find info on all of the labs below, including which types of film they develop and where to find them – online and IRL.
Aside from Nashville, the rest of Tennessee isn’t as friendly to film photographers. That’s why we’ve also included some other spots to develop film in Tennessee – cities that didn’t have enough options for a full post of their own.
KNOXVILLE PHOTO LAB
While there have always been a handful of photo labs that develop film in Knoxville, none are quite as laser-focused as Knoxville Film Lab. If the name didn’t give it away, this spot is dedicated to film and film only.
They offer film developing for every type and size – 35mm, 120, and large format are accepted. C-41 color, black and white, and slide film are all processed in-house. B&W film is hand-processed.
“In-house” has quite the literal meaning here, as Knoxville Film Lab is run out of a personal residence. The majority of the business they do is by mail, though there’s a dropbox outside and Knoxville locals are always welcome to drop off/pick up in person.
THOMPSON PHOTO PRODUCTS
Founded well over a century ago in 1902, Thompson Photo Products is a fourth generation, family owned photo lab in Knoxville.
You’ll be pleased to find that Thompson Photo develops 35mm, 120, and large format sheet film. C-41 color, black and white, and even E-6 slide film are all accepted, with dip and dunk processing for E-6.
The photo lab’s services are extensive – you can also expect to find printing and other standard photo finishing.
F/32 PHOTO
Slightly different from the previous entries on this list, f/32 Photo offers a lot of services – they stock the latest photo gear, accessories, as well as operating a full-service photo lab.
Fortunately, you can still bring your film to f/32 – they develop disposable cameras, 35mm, and medium format film. Color, black and white, and even slide film are all processed.
It’s also worth noting that this lab offers the most printing options in town – you can get your images printed on just about anything you can imagine.
KNOXVILLE DARKROOM
If you’re only interested in someone else developing your film, Knoxville Darkroom isn’t going to be the spot for you. On the other hand, if you’ve been interested in DIY film developing, this may be your sign that it’s time to take the plunge.
This nonprofit operates a fully-equipped darkroom for both film developing and printing. Membership and an introductory class are required, but once you meet those requirements, you’re free to utilize the lab as you wish.
If you’re brand new to the darkroom, you may be interested in first taking a workshop, just to see if membership would be a good fit for you.
A unique offering from Knoxville Darkroom is a fantastic selection of film cameras available for rent – no membership required.
Map of Film Developing in Knoxville
More Places to Develop Film in Tennessee
While Knoxville and Nashville both have a number of labs that still develop film, the rest of Tennessee isn’t quite as lucky.
If you’re anywhere near Memphis or Chattanooga, you’ve still got options. Check out a quick recap of where else to develop film in Tennessee below.
Where to Develop Film in Nashville
Boutique Film Lab, while technically located in Mt. Juliet, offers the most extensive list of film services in town. You can develop just about any size or format of film and they also operate a dropbox more centrally located at the Nashville Community Darkroom.
Southbound Film Lab was opened by local photographers who felt there was a need for simple, quick film developing in Nashville. And that, friends, is just what they offer.
Third Man Photo Studio, the latest venture from Jack White’s Third Man imprint, is a new photo lab and studio that also develops film in Nashville. With all of the other analog-focused pursuits taking place under one roof, adding a photo lab makes perfect sense.
Safelight Imaging develops color film on-site, although they’re hoping to get set up to process other formats in the near future. Other types of film are still accepted, although they’ll be outsourced.
Nashville Community Darkroom is a nonprofit, very similar to Knoxville Darkroom. Want to learn to develop film yourself? This is your spot.
Where to Develop Film in Memphis
You won’t have anywhere near as many options as the cities above, but we’re happy there’s still at least one place to develop film in Memphis.
MEMPHIS PROFESSIONAL IMAGING
Memphis Professional Imaging is a straightforward photo lab that still develops film – when you’re the only place in town that offers the service, you don’t need much pizzaz.
You can develop 35mm, 120, and even large format film at this lab. Both C-41 color and B&W film are accepted.
Aside from film developing, you can find standard photolab offerings like scanning, printing, and other photo finishing services.
Where to Develop Film in Chattanooga
Chattanooga was lacking a good film photo lab for quite some time. Luckily, as of 2019, a new spot has opened up, filling the void for film photographers in Chattanooga.
SAFELIGHT DISTRICT
Part photo lab, part DIY darkroom, film photographers in Chattanooga should rejoice at the opening of Safelight District.
If you’d rather someone else take care of your processing, they develop 35mm and 120 film, both C-41 color and black and white.
If you feel like going the DIY route, the fully-equipped darkroom is available for members to use, although they also offer drop-in sessions.
Anywhere Else?
Do you know any other places that still develop film in Knoxville? How about other photo labs across Tennessee? Leave a comment if you know a good spot that we’ve missed!
