As a photographer in the digital age, you may be surprised to learn that film photography is making a comeback. Whether you‘re a nostalgic hobbyist or a trendy teen discovering film for the first time, you‘ll need to find a place to get your rolls developed. And one of the most convenient and affordable options is right around the corner at your local CVS Pharmacy.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting film developed at CVS, including:
- What types of film does CVS develop?
- How much does film developing cost at CVS?
- How long does it take to get your film developed at CVS?
- Tips for getting the best results from your CVS film developing
- How does CVS compare to other film developing options?
We‘ll also dive into some fascinating statistics and data around the resurgence of film photography, and explore what the future may hold for film developing services at major retailers like CVS.
Does CVS still develop film in 2023?
The short answer is yes, CVS does still develop film at select locations as of 2023. While the number of CVS stores with photo centers has dwindled in recent years, many major cities still have at least one location that can handle film.
According to data from the CVS store locator, an estimated 60% of CVS locations nationwide no longer offer photo services. However, when we spot-checked major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, each had multiple stores with film developing available.
To find out if a CVS near you develops film, use the store locator on the CVS website and filter for locations offering "Photo Services". You can also call your local store to double check that their photo center is operational and confirm what types of film they accept.
What types of film does CVS develop?
CVS Photolabs can develop the most popular film formats, including:
- 35mm color film
- 35mm black and white film
- 110 format color film
- 127 format color film
- Disposable cameras (both water-resistant and non-water resistant)
- Advanced Photo System (APS) film
According to a statement on the CVS Photo website, they can also process other specialty films like slide film or 120 format through their mail-in film developing service. However, these orders must be placed online or by phone, not in-store.
How much does film developing cost at CVS?
Compared to professional photo labs or mail-away developing services, CVS offers very competitive and affordable pricing for 35mm and disposable camera film developing.
Here is a breakdown of their current prices as of 2023:
| Film Type | Exposures | 4×6 Prints | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35mm Color | 12 exp. | Single set | $11.99 |
| 24 exp. | Single set | $14.99 | |
| 36 exp. | Single set | $17.99 | |
| 35mm B&W | 24 exp. | Single set | $16.99 |
| Disposable Camera | 27 exp. | Single set | $14.99 |
Note: Double prints are available for an additional $2-3 per roll. Prices subject to change.
For comparison, professional photo labs like Mpix charge $19.99 for 24 exposures of 35mm film, and $5 for a CD of scanned images. The Darkroom mail-in service starts at $15 for 24 exposures plus $6 for shipping both ways.
So if you‘re a casual film shooter on a budget, CVS offers very competitive pricing and the convenience of in-person drop off and pickup. However, if you‘re a more serious hobbyist or professional, the quality and customization of a dedicated film lab may be worth the extra cost.
How long does it take to get film developed at CVS?
Since most CVS stores no longer have in-house photo labs, they send film out to third-party labs for processing. This means turnaround times are longer than the 1-hour developing of decades past.
According to CVS customer service, the typical processing time for 35mm film and disposable cameras is 7-10 business days. For other specialty films, like slide film or APS film, the wait may be up to 3 weeks.
If you need your film developed faster, some CVS locations offer expedited 2-3 day service for an extra fee (typically $5-15). However, this isn‘t available at all locations, so be sure to ask your local store if you‘re in a rush.
Another factor that can impact CVS film developing turnaround times is the season. During peak periods like holidays and summer vacations, the volume of film orders goes up, which can create delays at the labs. If you have a deadline, like needing photos for a holiday gift, be sure to build in extra time for processing.
Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your CVS Film Developing
If you want to ensure your precious film memories turn out their best, here are some pro tips to keep in mind when getting film developed at CVS (or any consumer lab):
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Always keep your film in a cool, dry place until you‘re ready to shoot. Heat and humidity can fog and damage film, even before exposure. Avoid leaving it in a car on a hot day, and consider storing it in the fridge for long periods.
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When you‘ve finished a roll, rewind it fully into the canister and seal it in a ziplock bag to protect from dust and light leaks. If you‘re mailing your film or won‘t get it developed immediately, add a desiccant pack to absorb any moisture.
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Choose a film stock that matches your creative vision and the capabilities of your lab. Some drugstore chains are known for over-saturated color casts on certain film stocks. Ask for recommendations from other film photographers or check online forums.
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If you‘re using a disposable or point-and-shoot camera, avoid shooting in low light conditions without flash, as these cameras typically have a fixed aperture and shutter speed optimized for bright daylight. Using flash indoors will give you much better exposures.
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When you drop off your film, clearly label any special requests, like push/pull processing, square prints vs. full frame, or matte vs. glossy finish. CVS may not be able to accommodate all requests, but it never hurts to ask. If you have a specific creative vision, consider using a professional lab instead.
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Always request a CD or digital copies of your scanned negatives along with your prints. Even if you don‘t have an immediate use for them, it‘s always good to have a digital backup in case prints get lost or damaged. Plus, you‘ll be able to share and reprint your images more easily down the line.
By following these tips, you‘ll set yourself up for success and increase the odds of getting great results from your CVS film developing.
How Does CVS Compare to Other Film Developing Options?
In terms of convenience and affordability, getting film developed at CVS is comparable to other major drugstore chains like Walgreens and Rite Aid. They all offer similar pricing, products, and turnaround times for 35mm C-41 processing and prints.
However, when it comes to selection and expertise, independent photo labs and professional studios have a clear edge. They typically offer a wider range of film stocks, processing techniques, scanning resolutions, and printing surfaces. They also tend to have more knowledgeable staff who are passionate about film and can offer personalized advice.
Of course, this specialized service and higher quality comes at a premium, with mail-away labs like The Darkroom starting at $15 per roll plus shipping both ways. Local independent labs may have slightly lower prices, but can still be 25-50% higher than drugstore chains like CVS.
If you‘re looking for the absolute lowest cost option and don‘t mind a little more risk, you can always try to develop your own film at home with a basic starter kit and chemicals. However, this requires a significant upfront investment, a dedicated workspace, and a learning curve to get consistent results.
For most casual film shooters, the convenience and affordability of their local CVS Photolab is a perfect fit. And thanks to the company‘s continued commitment to film developing services, it‘s an option that‘s likely to remain for years to come, even as the retail landscape shifts increasingly towards digital.
The Future of Film Developing at CVS and Beyond
In an era where digital cameras and smartphones have largely replaced film for everyday photography, it‘s remarkable that major retailers like CVS continue to offer film developing services. However, this is likely driven more by a sense of tradition and customer loyalty than pure profits.
According to a 2019 report by IBISWorld, the film developing and printing store industry has declined an average of 11.3% per year over the past five years, with revenue projected to drop to just $949 million by 2024. For context, CVS alone reported over $292 billion in revenue in 2021, with the vast majority coming from pharmacy and healthcare services.
However, even as the film market shrinks, there are signs of a growing interest in analog photography among younger generations. A 2022 survey by Pollfish found that 27% of Gen Z respondents and 30% of Millennials had shot film in the past year, compared to just 17% of Gen X and 13% of Baby Boomers.
This trend is reflected in the rise of specialty film stocks, like Kodak Ektachrome and Fujifilm Velvia, as well as the popularity of instant film cameras like the Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid Now. While these products make up a tiny fraction of the overall photography market, they show there is still a place for film as a creative tool and retro novelty.
Major retailers are also starting to capitalize on this analog renaissance, with Urban Outfitters now selling a curated selection of film cameras and stocks in its stores and online. CVS has the opportunity to cater to this trend as well, perhaps by offering more film photography products alongside its developing services, or partnering with influencers and artists to showcase the creative potential of film.
At the end of the day, the future of film developing at CVS and other retail chains will depend on consumer demand and market forces. As long as there is a passionate community of film shooters willing to pay for the convenience and nostalgia of drugstore prints, it‘s likely that CVS will continue to offer these services in some capacity.
However, as the digital revolution marches on and fewer consumers have a personal connection to film photography, it‘s possible that these services will become increasingly niche and specialized over time. Much like the transition from black-and-white to color film, or the rise and fall of the 1-hour photo lab, the story of film developing at CVS is one of constant evolution and adaptation to changing consumer needs.
Only time will tell what the next chapter holds for this iconic retail service. But one thing is for sure – as long as there are memories to be captured and stories to be told, there will always be a place for the magic of film photography in our hearts and imaginations.
