Pursuing your hobby of taking film photographs can often be limited by cost – whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we can all agree that the cost of developing and scanning film can be extortionate especially in London… but fear not! We’ve compiled a list of film labs that cater to all your needs – from black and white to motion picture processing, from 35mm to 120mm film, to scanning and printing. Our guide includes staple names and independent film labs all across London along with information on all the services they specialise in. So, keen to develop some film? These are the best film developing and scanning labs in London you should know about.
1. Analogue Films, Brick Lane
Analogue Films in London not only offer same-day film processing but also have a variety of services that are beneficial to the public and beginner photographers who are looking for quick results. The prices are budget-friendly and won’t break your bank. Prices vary depending on the quality you’re looking for including high-res and TIFF images. You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £3.99.
👀 Best for: Budget.
📍Location: 58 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5JL.
2. Rapid Eye, Shoreditch
Rapid Eye has been around in London since 1996 and has been on the fore-front of providing some of the best colour and black and white film dip and dunk processing. In addition to that, they offer darkrooms (after completing a workshop) and scanner hires and also provide a range of workshops where you can learn how to develop and scan your own work. If you’ve completed a worksop you then get discounted access from £20 per month. Plus students have access to free membership and exclusive discounts!
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £18.60.
👀 Best for: Darkroom and printing workshops.
📍Location: 79 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QS.
3. Bayeux, Fitzrovia
Located in the heart of London’s West End, Bayeux has been providing film processing and printing services since 2001. The services include black and white and colour negatives. They specialise in printing for exhibitions, books and art shows with two large in house printers available. Not only that, they offer generous discounts and concessions for students! You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £22.
👀 Best for: Printing for books and exhibitions.
📍Location: 78 Newman Street, London, W1T 3EP.
4. Aperture Printing, Fitzrovia
Another popular film developing lab in London is Aperture printing. A fabulous service for both beginners and professionals who looking for scanning as well as printing. They provide services for colour C41 for 35mm and 120mm and black and white film. They also have a shop famously known to sell Hasselblad cameras, lenses and accessories. Next to that, you’ll find a camera museum that displays cameras from every era of photography which is pretty cool. They offer members discounts for printing, the shop and museum. You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £11.
👀 Best for: Beginners and professionals.
📍Location: 27 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JE.
5. Photofusion, Brixton
Since 30 years, Photofusion has been providing not only film developing and scanning services but also courses, printing, events for photographers. Their membership programme provides mentoring, group sessions and workshops and their Saturday sessions offer feedback and advice to photographers. You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £15.
👀 Best for: All types of resources within photography!
📍Location: 6 Canterbury Cres, London, SW9 7QD.
6. Kodak Express, Camden
The name says it all. Kodak Express in Camden provides a large variety of services that extend from just film developing and scanning. They provide both 35mm and 120mm film printing and scanning alongside special services like 8mm Super8 9.5mm and 16mm Film Transfers, Video Tapes to DVD – VHS Camcorder and Professional Formats. They additionally provide studio portraits, passport photos, photo gifts and more! You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £15.
👀 Best for: Special services like Super8 film transfers and formatting video tapes to DVD.
📍Location: 75 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JL.
7. FUJIFILM House Of Photography, Covent Garden
Fujifilm’s flagship store in Covent Garden is one for all camera and photography enthusiasts. You can not only explore their excellent products but also loan their items before buying! They additionally offer a studio for hire, headshots and the Fujifilm school which provides a range of workshops for every level – beginner and professional! You can find more information here.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £21.
👀 Best for: Camera enthusiasts all round.
📍Location: 8-9 Long Acre, Convent Garden, WC2E 9LH.
8. Artful Dodgers, Clerkenwell
Aside of the fact that Artful Dodgers provides a speedy service of developing and scanning colour film in 24 hours and black & white in 48 hours, they also offer brilliant services for photo-editing, retouching and repairing damaged images. They additionally offer stunning traditional C-type hand prints straight from colour negatives.
💵 35mm colour development and scan prices start from: £15.
👀 Best for: Photo repair and C-type hand prints.
📍Location: 68 Hatton Garden, Lower Ground Floor, EC1N 8J.