How Much Does Developing Film Cost?

Published by Color Experts International October 6, 2024

Factors Affecting Film Developing Costs

Film development costs depend on several factors. Here are the main ones:

Film Format

35mm, 120, or Large Format: Film size is important. 35mm is the most common and cheapest to develop. In contrast, 120 and large format films are pricier. This is due to their larger negatives and the need for special handling.

Film Type

Color (C-41), Black-and-White, or Slide (E-6): Different films need unique processing. Color film (C-41) is usually the cheapest. Slide film (E-6) is pricier due to extra steps. Black-and-white film is often in between, but costs can vary by lab.

Number of Rolls

Single Rolls vs. Bulk: Developing one roll at a time is easy but costly. Many labs offer discounts for multiple rolls. So, developing several rolls together can save you money.

Location

Local Labs vs. Online Services: The place where you develop your film affects the price. Local labs often charge more for convenience. In contrast, online services are usually cheaper. However, they require shipping, which adds to the cost and time.

Service Type

Development Only vs. Development with Scanning and Printing: Some people only want their negatives developed. Others prefer digital scans or prints. Adding scanning or printing services raises the cost. However, it offers more ways to enjoy your photos.

Average Costs of Developing Different Types of Film

The cost of developing film varies by type. Here’s a brief overview of the expected prices for common film types:

35mm Film Development Costs

Average Price: $10 to $20 per roll (for development only).
Explanation: 35mm film is the most common and cheapest to develop. However, adding scans or prints increases the cost by $5 to $15. This extra charge depends on the resolution or print size.

120 Film Development Costs

Average Price: $15 to $25 per roll.
Explanation: 120 film is a medium format that needs special equipment for processing, increasing costs. Similar to 35mm, adding scans or prints usually adds $10 to $20, depending on your choices.

Slide Film (E-6) Development Costs

Average Price: $20 to $30 per roll.
Explanation: Slide film, or E-6, costs more to process due to its special method. Many photographers find its vibrant colors worth the extra cost.

Black-and-White Film Development Costs

Average Price: $10 to $20 per roll.
Explanation: Black-and-white film is often cheaper to develop than color film. However, some labs charge more for black-and-white film. This is especially true if they use special techniques for better quality.

Local Film Development vs. Online Film Developing Services

Develop your film locally or online, weighing the pros and cons of each for your budget and needs.

Pros and Cons of Local Film Labs

Pros:
- Faster Turnaround: Local labs often work faster since there’s no shipping.
- Personalized Service: You can interact with staff directly to discuss your preferences. You can often get recommendations on film care or shooting tips.
- Support Local Business: Using local labs helps sustain small, community-focused businesses.
Cons:
- Higher Prices: Local labs are usually more expensive than online services. Their physical stores have high overhead costs.
- Limited Services: Some local labs may not provide quality scans, large prints, or specialized film processing (like E-6 or push/pull).

Advantages of Online Film Developing Services

Pros:
- Competitive Pricing: Online labs often have lower prices, especially for bulk orders or when you bundle development with scanning and printing.
- Specialized Services: Many online services offer high-res scans, advanced printing, and rare film processing. These may not be available locally.
- Convenient Shipping: You can send your rolls from anywhere, and many online labs offer pre-paid shipping labels.
Cons:
- Longer Turnaround: Shipping your film to an online lab can delay delivery and return by a few days.
- Shipping Costs: Some services offer free shipping, while others charge for it. This adds to the total cost.
- Less Personal Interaction: Online services lack face-to-face support. This makes it harder to ask questions or adjust your order.

Pricing Examples

Local Labs: Prices usually range from $12 to $25 per roll. There are extra charges for scanning or prints.
Online Services: Some popular online labs, like The Darkroom and Indie Film Lab, offer film development for $10 to $20 per roll. Premium services, like high-res scanning and prints, cost more.

Additional Services That Affect the Final Price

Besides basic film development, extra services can raise your costs. Here are common add-ons many labs offer, which can increase your final bill based on your needs:

High-Resolution Scanning

Cost: $5 to $15 per roll, depending on the resolution.
Explanation: Digitize film photos at labs offering scanning services. Choose low-res for cheap, low-quality scans. Use high-res for clear, sharp images, ideal for printing and sharing.

Printing Photos from Negatives

Cost: $0.20 to $5 per print, depending on size and paper quality.
Explanation: Print your photos in various sizes (4×6, 5×7, 8×10) and paper types (standard, matte, glossy). Prices vary depending on picture size and type.

Push/Pull Processing

Cost: $2 to $5 extra per roll.
Explanation: Push/pull processing deliberately underexposes or overexposes film for specific effects. It requires special care and extra costs. Usually, experienced photographers seek it for desired visual effects.

Developing and Scanning Only vs. Full Service (Including Prints)

Cost: Development only is the cheapest option, with scanning or prints adding $5 to $20 more.
Explanation: Some photographers only want their film developed. Others also want scans or prints. If you only need development and plan to scan or print yourself, you’ll save money. However, if you want the lab to do everything, be prepared to pay extra.

Rush Orders

Cost: Additional $5 to $15 for expedited service.
Explanation: If you need your film developed quickly, many labs offer a rush service for an additional fee. This reduces the turnaround time and ensures you get your photos back faster, often within a day or two.

DIY Film Development

People who enjoy projects or want to save money can develop films at home. Though starting costs are high, doing it yourself offers control and saves money in the long run, especially for frequent shooters.

Cost of Developing Film at Home

Initial Investment: $50 to $150 for basic equipment.
- Chemicals: You’ll need specific chemicals for your film type (color or black-and-white), including developer and fixer. A full set costs between $20 and $50.
- Developing Tank: A light-tight tank for holding your film during development costs around $20 to $40.
- Measuring Tools: You’ll need measuring cylinders, thermometers, and other small tools, usually totaling $10 to $20.
- Darkroom Equipment (Optional): If you’re developing at home without a darkroom, get a changing bag for loading film into the tank. It costs about $10 to $20.

Ongoing Costs

Chemicals: Chemicals are the main ongoing cost after getting the equipment. These can be used for multiple film rolls, making it cheaper over time. Usually, the chemical cost per roll is under $5.
Water and Electricity: Minimal utility costs for heating water and washing film.

Savings Potential

Black-and-White Film: DIY black-and-white development is the top choice for beginners. It’s also the most affordable. After the initial cost, you can develop film for just $2 to $5 per roll.
Color Film: Making color film at home (using the C-41 process) is tricky but doable. With practice, each roll costs about $5 to $8. However, you need to carefully control the chemical temperatures.

Equipment Needed for Scanning and Printing

Film Scanner: To digitize negatives, you need a film scanner. Basic models start at $100. High-quality scanners cost $400 or more.
Photo Paper and Printer (Optional): Home photo printing requires a good printer and paper, adding extra cost. However, it’s not necessary if you prefer digital photos or lab printing.

Pros of DIY Film Development

Cost Savings: Over time, home development can be much cheaper than sending rolls to a lab, especially if you shoot frequently.
Creative Control: You control how your film is processed. You can experiment with push/pull processing, developing times, and other techniques.
Satisfaction: Making your film gives a rewarding, hands-on experience. It also deepens your connection with your photography.

Cons of DIY Film Development

Initial Learning Curve: It takes time to learn to develop film, especially color film. It requires precise temperature control.
Upfront Costs: The high cost of equipment and chemicals can be a deterrent, especially if you don’t plan to shoot film often.
Space and Time: Developing a film takes time, especially for beginners. It needs space to set up your equipment.

Tips for Saving Money on Film Developing

Developing films can be costly. However, smart strategies can cut expenses and improve results. Here are tips to save money on film development while keeping quality.

1. Use Online Labs for Bulk Discounts

Many online film labs offer discounts for sending multiple rolls together. This significantly cuts costs, especially for frequent shooters. So, look for deals that save you on development and scanning when sending several rolls.

2. Buy Film in Bulk

Buying film in bulk cuts the price per roll. Many retailers offer discounts for multiple rolls or whole cases. This strategy lowers photography costs and allows for cheaper development of more rolls.

3. Opt for Development Only

If you don’t need scans or prints immediately, choose development only. You can scan or print your negatives later. This cuts your initial cost. Plus, you can digitize your images when you’re ready.

4. Develop Black-and-White Film at Home

Black-and-white film is simple to develop at home and needs little gear. After the initial setup, each roll costs just $2 to $5 to develop. This method is both rewarding and affordable, especially for frequent black-and-white photographers.

5. Look for Student or Hobbyist Discounts

Some labs and photography stores offer discounts for students, clubs, or loyal customers. If you’re a student or in a photography community, asking about these discounts can lower your developing costs over time.

6. Choose Low-Resolution Scans

For online photo sharing or social media, choose low-resolution scans. They are cheaper and enough for digital use. Need larger prints later? You can then buy high-resolution scans.

7. Keep an Eye Out for Lab Promotions

Many film labs have seasonal promotions or special deals. You can stay informed about discounts and deals by signing up for newsletters or following your favorite labs on social media. This can save you money on development.

8. Reuse Development Chemicals (If Developing at Home)

Many chemicals, especially for black-and-white, can be reused if you make your own film. This is true until they need replacing. Also, learning to extend the life of your chemicals can greatly cut costs per roll.

9. Combine Shipping with Friends or Fellow Photographers

Shipping film to online labs can be costly. However, you can save by combining shipments. This is easy if you have friends or belong to a photography group. Just package your films together. It’s especially helpful when sending several rolls.

Final Thoughts

In summary, film development costs vary by format, type, location, and extra services. You can choose local labs for personal service or online labs for cheaper rates. Knowing the prices helps you make better decisions.

Frequent photographers can save money and gain control with DIY development. Bulk discounts and seasonal deals further reduce costs. Knowing their options allows them to enjoy film photography’s unique benefits without overspending.