Reliable film labs in the USA

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Board,

So I've made the commitment to shoot 35mm film again. While I admit that I may get back into developing my own B&W 35mm film again it won't be something I do in the immediate future.

I can honestly say that I haven't had a roll of film developed in over 5 years and it's probably closer to 10 years. I did a cursory drive around my home region in search of places that still develop film and so far I'm down to WalMart and few drugstores like CVS and Rite Aid.

I will give WalMart a chance but I would like to know if there are any labs that you folks recommend? I am willing to pay decent money, meaning as much as $ 20.00 - $ 25.00 for development, a set of 4X6's and a scanned CD.

I'll ask if that price is off base first. If it isn't I'd appreciate hearing from people with experience using a particular lab that offers mail-order service, for I honestly don't know where to look even with Google.

I find places, but what I don't find are recommendations? I'd feel better with some of those!

Regards,

Tim Murphy
Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[raid]

I just tried TheFindLab for the first time after seeing multiple recommendations here to try them. They seem to be a good lab at a good cost.

 

[kxl]

Two that I can recommend based on past experience (albeit from a few years back):

http://aandi.com/

http://www.northcoastphoto.com/

 

[benmacphoto]

I've used Philly Photographics for almost a decade now.

http://www.philadelphiaphotographics.com/mp_includes/body.asp

 

[smk]

Depends on what exactly you want to do, but for high end film work Color Services is great: http://www.colorservicesllc.com.

Dwayne's is also very good: https://www.dwaynesphoto.com

 

[mervynyan]

Duggal simply the only way in nyc for films, they got everything in-house

 

[Chris Bail]

I currently use Dwayne's Photo for mail order development and have been pleased. I just learned that they do not push or pull. Ever. So I'm now also looking for an alternative.

 

[splitimageview]

millerslab.com

very fast turn-around with C41 35mm, Noritsu scans

you won't pay anywhere near $20-$25/roll.

35mm 12 exposure scans $6.00/roll + $2.05 developing
35mm 24 exposure scans $8.00/roll + $2.05 developing
35mm 36 exposure scans $10.00/roll + $4.10 developing

you can get regular prints or enlargements or almost anything you want (canvas prints, etc.) They are a pro lab but you don't need to be a pro to open an account.

I mail them the cassettes in a padded envelope via first class with tracking, 5 rolls costs about $2.50. For those that aren't aware, first class with tracking travels with priority mail, it will generally get there in 2 days, sometimes 3.

use paypal.com/shipnow to create the first class tracking label.

Free return overnight Fedex

$15 minimum order. yes, you can send one 36 exposure roll for develop and scan, and they'll ship it back to you fedex overnight for a grand total of $15.

On my last order I sent several rolls on Friday and got them back on Tuesday via Fedex.

 

[Hatchetman]

north Coast Photo was my go-to but they don't mount slides anymore. If you don't need that I would highly recommend.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Board,

Thank you all very much for the tips so far. I had heard of Dwayne's and NCPS but everything else I've seen so far is new to me.

I am an unapologetic homer and I like that someone above mentioned a lab in Philly. I at least have a choice to spend money locally and that's good thing to me.

If anyone else has a recommendation then fire away.

Regards,

Tim Murphy
Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[jwicaksana]

+1 for FIND lab, some of us in Indonesia shipped our films all the way to have them processed by FIND, that means, excellent communication and minimal headache, they just get the job done.
Basic scan is fine for me.

 

[Trius]

A pro lab: http://www.4photolab.com

I've had some work done here, an easy 10 minute drive. Good and reliable.

 

[news shooter]

I've used...

I've used...

Replicolor in Salt Lake City.
Very good lab

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

Indie Photo Lab and Richard Photo Lab

 

[Dunn]

I had some bad luck with Precision Camera, just so you know.
I just sent off some film to the FIND Lab in Utah. Just waiting to get it back, but so far I love them. They have a nice, easy to understand website and the customer service is amazing! They respond quickly to emails and are just really nice. I hope the work is just as good!

 

[trisberg]

I've used Old School Photo Lab in Dover, NH (http://oldschoolphotolab.com/) and Richard Photo Lab in LA (http://www.richardphotolab.com/). Have been happy with both but Richard Photo Lab has the edge in consistently delivering very good scans from color negative film.

-Thomas

 

[HHPhoto]

Hi Tim,

you may have a look on this thread, in which we discuss recommended labs (focus is on E6, but most labs offer C41 and BW, too):

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137289

Cheers, Jan

 

[Capt. E]

I had some bad luck with Precision Camera, just so you know.
I just sent off some film to the FIND Lab in Utah. Just waiting to get it back, but so far I love them. They have a nice, easy to understand website and the customer service is amazing! They respond quickly to emails and are just really nice. I hope the work is just as good!

I live in Austin and will not use Precision Camera. Best place here is Holland Photo. In fact, Precision used to send some of their stuff to Holland. go to: www.hollandphoto.com

 

[hlockwood]

Depends on what exactly you want to do, but for high end film work Color Services is great: http://www.colorservicesllc.com.

Dwayne's is also very good: https://www.dwaynesphoto.com

Color Services doesn't supply a CD with the development, which costs about $9 for silver or chromogenic B&W. I've used them often (when I was shooting film) for XP2 development.

HFL

 

[xyz3450]

I've used Philly Photographics for almost a decade now.

http://www.philadelphiaphotographics.com/mp_includes/body.asp

Excellent people and excellent service and excellent work. I've always been pleased with Philly Photographics....