For those deeply embedded in the world of film photography, finding a reliable and expert photo lab to trust your precious negatives with is paramount. This holds true whether you’re capturing your vision using 35mm, 120, or disposable cameras.

You could be standing right now, undeveloped film in hand, wondering where to get your film developed in San Francisco. If so, you’re in luck. This magnificent city, steeped in history and culture, harbors numerous top-notch options for film development.

These options range from traditional one-hour photo shops that whisk you back to an earlier era to state-of-the-art fine art printing studios that marry old-world charm with new-age technology. If you’re seeking the very best film developing San Francisco has to offer, you’ve stumbled upon the right resource.

We’re about to embark on a journey to explore the 9 best establishments for film developing in San Francisco, scrutinized based on their services, pricing, customer reviews, and prime locations.

1. Photo Plus: Fast and Affordable Film Development

Positioned strategically in the heart of Nob Hill, Photo Plus shines as a beacon for film photography enthusiasts seeking swift and reasonably priced film developing in San Francisco.

Offering one-hour film processing services, this beloved shop caters to a diverse range of formats, including 35mm, 120, APS, and disposable cameras. Stepping into Photo Plus is akin to entering a realm of endless possibilities. You’ll find an array of services available, such as digital prints on various paper types, studio portraits, passport photos, and enlargements. For those keen on preserving their memories in more creative forms, they provide framing, mounting, canvas, and gift printing services.

Over its 30-year tenure, Photo Plus has built a robust and loyal customer base. What draws customers to them time and time again, you ask? The secret lies in their blend of friendly service, exceptional work quality, and budget-friendly pricing. In today’s digital age, they’ve adapted to accept mail-in orders and provide digital scans via email.

Address: 1703 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Phone: (415) 673-1828

2. Photoworks SF: Premier Photo Lab in the Bay Area

Since its establishment in 1987, Photoworks SF has dedicated itself to serving the Bay Area photo community, specializing in fine art printing and film developing. As a premier photo lab in San Francisco, Photoworks SF guarantees high-quality film processing that includes 35mm, 120, 220, APS, disposable cameras, and slide film.

Whether you’re an artist hoping to exhibit your works on fine art papers or someone who prefers to showcase your memories on more durable materials like canvas or metal, Photoworks SF can cater to your specific needs. They provide an abundance of mounting options, ensuring your prints are presented in the best light.

Their team of seasoned professionals stands ready to guide you through your project, infusing each task with a high level of professionalism and creativity. To accommodate film photography enthusiasts beyond San Francisco, they also offer online ordering and shipping services.

Address: 2279 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Phone: (415) 626-6800

3. Glass Key Photo: Your Gateway to the World of Film Photography

Stepping into Glass Key Photo, you’ll instantly realize it’s not just another photo service provider. It is a one-stop shop that caters to film enthusiasts of all levels, from novices to seasoned photographers. Offering film developing for 35mm, 120, disposable cameras, black and white film, and slide film, they ensure no film is left undeveloped.

But that’s not all. They also sell a wide range of film cameras, lenses, accessories, film stocks, and darkroom supplies. If you’re seeking inspiration or guidance, you can immerse yourself in their collection of books and magazines.

Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco, this local gem possesses all you need for film photography. Glass Key Photo is well-equipped with a knowledgeable and supportive staff who can advise you on the best products and techniques. Always seeking to foster the film culture in San Francisco, they host workshops, events, and exhibitions regularly.

Address: 1230 Sutter St., San Francisco CA 94109

Phone: (415) 674-2205

4. Dickerman Prints: A Legacy of Excellence and Craftsmanship

Ever since its doors swung open to the public in 1996, Dickerman Prints has continually set itself apart as a provider of exceptional printing services. Nestled in the vibrant San Francisco cityscape, this acclaimed photo lab offers film developing and scanning for 35mm, 120, 220, and disposable cameras.

It’s not just their commitment to film developing that sets them apart, but the breadth of printing options they offer. From custom prints on archival papers to crafting creations on canvas, metal, and acrylic, Dickerman Prints ensures your memories are displayed in the best possible way. Their framing and mounting services add a finishing touch to your prints.

They proudly bear a reputation for excellence and craftsmanship, utilizing cutting-edge equipment and software to ensure your images are developed to the highest standard. They are well-equipped with a friendly and attentive staff who can guide you through the process and offer helpful suggestions.

Address: 1141 Howard Street, San Francisco CA 94103

Phone: (415) 252-1300

5. Clement Store Passport Photo: Family-Owned Excellence

As a family-owned business, Clement Store Passport Photo has been catering to the photographic needs of the Richmond District since 1985. It offers film developing for 35mm, 120, disposable cameras, black and white film, and slide film.

Their service range extends beyond film developing to include passport photos, photo printing, photo restoration, photo scanning, enlargements, framing, and even gift items. They have built a reputation for their excellent service, a warm and friendly staff, and a speedy turnaround. To ensure they cater to a broad clientele, they offer competitive prices and discounts for students and seniors.

Address: 610 Clement St., San Francisco CA 94118

Phone: (415) 387-2688

6. Photolab: Bridging the Gap Between Traditional and Modern Photography

For over 30 years, Photolab has been serving the Berkeley and wider San Francisco Bay area, providing top-notch film developing services. With their comprehensive approach to film processing, they handle 35mm, 120, disposable cameras, black and white film, and slide film.

Photolab marries traditional film developing with modern digital technology. By offering high-resolution scanning and digital printing services, they bridge the gap between old and new. If you’re wondering about the cost to develop film, Photolab offers competitive prices that accommodate a wide range of budgets.

Photolab’s commitment to their craft is reflected in the satisfaction of their loyal customer base. They pride themselves on their friendly service, attention to detail, and the quality of their work, ensuring every customer leaves with a smile on their face.

Address: 2235 Fifth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

Phone: (510) 644-1400

7. Fireside Camera: Where Technology Meets Expertise

Located in the bustling Marina District, Fireside Camera is a gem in the San Francisco photography scene. Offering film developing services for 35mm, 120, and disposable cameras, they are committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of film photography.

Aside from film processing, they offer high-resolution scanning services and a wide range of print options, merging the charm of film with the convenience of digital technology. Their skilled technicians treat each film with precision and care, ensuring every customer is satisfied with the final product.

Address: 2117 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone: (415) 567-8131

8. Oscar’s Photo Lab: Quality and Customer Satisfaction

Oscar’s Photo Lab has served the San Francisco photo developing community with pride since 1998. Known for their excellent customer service and high-quality results, they specialize in film processing for 35mm, 120, disposable cameras, and black and white film.

They go the extra mile in providing services like high-resolution scanning and digital printing. If you’re looking for a place that respects the beauty of film and the nuances of each shot, Oscar’s Photo Lab should be high on your list.

Address: 90 Dore St Ste C, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 558-9888

9. Camera Heaven: A Slice of Paradise for Photographers

Camera Heaven, as the name suggests, is a haven for film photographers in San Francisco. They provide top-notch film processing services for various film types and formats, from 35mm and 120 to disposable cameras.

Along with film developing, they also offer camera repair services, film sales, and even photography classes, serving as a hub for photography enthusiasts in the Bay Area. If you’re a beginner eager to delve deeper into the world of film photography, Camera Heaven is the place to go.

Address: 318 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Phone: (415) 788-8418

10. Harvey Milk Photo Center: Nurturing the Spirit of Film Photography

Last but not least, the Harvey Milk Photo Center is more than just a place to develop film in San Francisco. It’s a space that encourages learning, creativity, and the spirit of film photography.

In addition to providing film developing services, they offer a range of classes and workshops, spanning various topics from darkroom techniques to advanced digital imaging. The Harvey Milk Photo Center is a place to develop not just your film, but also your skills and passion for photography.

Address: 50 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone: (415) 554-9522

Wrapping Up

Each of these establishments embodies the thriving culture of film photography in San Francisco, delivering top-quality services to both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, you’ll find a place to develop your film in San Francisco that fits your needs and budget.

If you’re looking to explore more options for film developing in other cities, consider visiting the best film developing centers in Houston or Dallas, TX. For those based on the East Coast, the film developing scene in NYC is not to be missed.

No matter where you are, keep your love for film alive and keep those shutters clicking. The perfect shot might just be around the corner, and the perfect place to develop film in San Francisco is certainly within your reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the common questions people often ask about film developing in San Francisco.

1. How long does it usually take to get a film developed?

Most of the photo labs in San Francisco are able to process your film within a few business days. However, this may vary depending on the current workload of the lab and the specific type of film you’re looking to develop. Generally, you can expect to get your film developed within 1 to 3 days for most films, and within 5 to 7 days for slide films or large format films.

2. How much does it cost to get a film developed in San Francisco?

The film developing price may vary depending on the type and size of the film, and the specific services you need. For a more detailed pricing structure, it’s best to contact the photo lab directly. Generally, you can expect to pay between $5 to $15 for film processing only, and between $10 to $30 for film processing and scanning.

3. Can I get my negatives scanned in San Francisco?

Yes, many of the photo labs in San Francisco, including Photoworks, Light Waves Imaging and others, offer negative scanning services.

4. Where else can I develop my film?

San Francisco is not the only place with great film developing labs. You can also get your film developed in places like Houston, New York City, and Dallas, Texas.

5. How can I know the cost to develop my film?

Most of the labs have a price list on their website. For a detailed guide on how much it might cost you to develop a film, visit our Cost to Develop Film page.