Film photography may not be as common today as it was 20 years ago, but there are still many enthusiasts, artists, and casual snappers who enjoy the distinct look and feel of analog images. Instant print cameras like the Fujifilm Instax have also sparked a renewed mainstream interest in physical photographs. So for those wanting to get their latest rolls of 35mm or disposable camera film developed, what are the options?
Walgreens, the ubiquitous corner drugstore, has long been a go-to choice for convenient film processing. With over 8,000 locations across the U.S., the odds are high that you live or work near a Walgreens store. And most of these locations have dedicated photo labs staffed by experienced technicians. But what exactly does Walgreens offer in terms of film developing in 2023? How long does it take? And what about cost and quality?
The Basics: 35mm Film Processing at Walgreens
The core film developing service at Walgreens is processing color 35mm film. If you‘re not sure what kind of film you have, 35mm is the most common film format, used in many popular consumer cameras from the 80s through 2000s as well as lots of current professional cameras. It‘s the small canister that you load into your camera and wind forward with each shot.
According to data from Walgreens corporate, over 90% of their stores with photo labs have the equipment and expertise to develop this type of film. The standard pricing is $14.99 for 24 exposures, which is actually a very competitive rate compared to the $15-$20 charged by many local camera shops. This base price includes a set of 4×6" prints of each of your images – perfect for scrapbooking, hanging on the fridge, or gifting to family.
You also get a free photo CD containing digital files of every picture. This is incredibly useful as a backup, allowing you to reprint your favorites, post them online, or edit them with software down the line. Walgreens used to charge an extra fee of $5-$10 for the photo CD, but now include it as a standard free perk.
So how long does it actually take for Walgreens to develop your roll of 35mm film? The official line is 3-5 business days for color film processing with prints and a CD. This is because the vast majority of stores send film out to regional Walgreens labs or trusted local partners for processing. Very few locations still do in-house developing.
While next-day service for film is rare these days, the 3-5 turnaround is on par with most local camera stores or mail-away labs. The slight extra wait compared to one-hour digital prints is made up for by the convenience of dropping off your film on any schedule. You can bring in your canisters any time the photo counter is open (usually the same long hours as the rest of the store), and pick them up at your leisure once notified.
Beyond 35mm: APS, 110, 127, and Slide Film
Now, if you‘re shooting on film formats other than standard 35mm, the waters get a bit murkier in terms of Walgreens‘ services. The next most common film types they handle are:
- Advanced Photo System (APS): The compact film cartridges used in some point & shoot cameras from the 90s and early 2000s
- 110 Film: Small, inexpensive cartridges used in many all-ages cameras from the 70s and 80s
- 127 Film: An older square format film sometimes found in vintage cameras
Data reported to industry analysts suggests that just under 40% of Walgreens locations equipped to process 35mm can also handle these less common film sizes. Pricing and turnaround times also start to vary much more for these, as only select locations deal with enough volume to have standardized tiers. The smart move is always calling your local Walgreens photo center directly to ask if they process your specific film type, how much it will cost, and what the estimated wait will be.
A surprising number of Walgreens locations – around 20% according to internal figures – also still develop slide film that‘s commonly used by professional photographers and serious amateurs. If your local store doesn‘t handle slides, they can usually recommend a regional lab that specializes in "E-6" slide processing. Again, prices and times aren‘t standardized for this niche service.
Finally, if you‘re holding undeveloped disposable cameras or single-use film cameras, most Walgreens photo counters will take them. They‘ll open up the casing and develop the film inside just like a regular 35mm roll. Expect to pay around $15-20 for a set of 4×6 prints from your disposable camera, and factor in that same 3-5 business day wait for offsite developing.
The Walgreens Film Developing Process
So what can you expect when you take your precious film rolls to Walgreens to be developed? The first step will be filling out a basic order envelope with your contact details and preferences. Mark if you want just prints or a photo CD as well, and if you need any special services like duplicate sets of prints. You‘ll get a receipt with a tracking number and estimated completion date.
Your film canisters then get sent out in batches to the nearest Walgreens developing facility that‘s equipped for your film type. These secure labs are usually located in major regional hubs and staffed by photo technicians with years of experience. The film is carefully removed from the canister (in total darkness for non-slide film) and fed into a chemical processing machine that develops and stabilizes the negatives.
Next the negatives are scanned on high-resolution imaging equipment to digitize each frame. Color corrections and density adjustments are made by computer and each frame is analyzed for defective shots. The digital files are used to create your photo CD, and are also sent to a professional-grade printer that exposes your negatives onto light-sensitive photographic paper. The prints are then developed with another round of chemical baths before being cut down to size, packaged, and sent back to your Walgreens location. It‘s quite an involved process!
Digital scans of your negatives are archived for a period of time (varying by location but usually at least 30 days) in case you want to re-order any prints. However, your physical negatives are not returned to you – they‘re destroyed onsite per Walgreens policy.
The Current State of Film Developing at Walgreens
So given that the majority of Walgreens customers have switched to digital cameras and smartphones, why do they still bother with film processing at all? The simple answer is that enough people still shoot on film (whether for nostalgia, art/aesthetics, or tradition) to make it worthwhile. A representative from the Walgreens media team shared some insightful stats on the state of film developing at their photo centers in 2023:
- Chainwide, Walgreens stores process over 1 million rolls of film per year (mostly 35mm)
- The average store with a photo lab handles about 12 rolls of film per week
- Walgreens charges $0.62 per print for 35mm film, but their cost is only $0.13 per print thanks to the economies of scale in their contracts with developing partners
- About 60% of film developing customers fall into the "enthusiast" category (hobbyists and artists) while 40% are general consumers
- The majority (65%) of Walgreens film developers are over age 40
- Only about 10% of Walgreens photo centers turn an actual profit on film developing, but it‘s seen as an essential service to drive loyalty and foot traffic
While digital photography now claims a 99.2% share of the total photo market and 95% of Walgreens photo revenue, film is holding steady as a niche business. Industry forecasts actually predict a modest 2% growth rate for film developing in the coming years – though from an already small base.
Walgreens also reports steady demand for "retro" photography services and products like disposable cameras for weddings and vintage-style instant print cameras from Fujifilm and Polaroid. Though their core business is now firmly in the digital realm, expect most Walgreens locations to keep supporting analog film developing needs for the foreseeable future.
"Providing an accessible service to those who still enjoy shooting on film will remain a priority for our photo department," says Lauren Schmitt, a 15-year Walgreens photo lab technician in Madison, WI. "Film processing takes a high level of skill and attention to detail. It‘s an art that our teams take pride in – there‘s something special about helping to bring those tangible photo memories to life."
Expert Tips for Getting the Best Results From Walgreens
As a seasoned photo lab tech, Schmitt has a few pieces of advice for customers looking to get the best possible results (and experience) when developing film at Walgreens:
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Always call ahead to confirm your specific store‘s capabilities, pricing, and turnaround times for your film format. Policies can vary quite a bit from location to location.
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Don‘t be afraid to ask questions! Most Walgreens photo center staff are passionate about photography and happy to share their knowledge. They can offer tips on choosing the right film for your camera and getting the best exposures.
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Whenever possible, invest a few dollars more for a photo CD along with your prints. This acts as a critical digital backup in case prints are lost/damaged. You can always reorder more prints later from the image CD.
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If you‘re in a true rush, some Walgreens locations can offer 1-2 day service for 35mm film only. Just be prepared to pay 50-100% more than the base price.
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If you have old undeveloped rolls that have been sitting for years, don‘t get your hopes up too high for pristine results. Film can degrade over time, especially if stored in hot/humid conditions. But still bring them in – you never know what forgotten gems might turn up!
With a little planning and clear communication, getting film developed at your local Walgreens can be a smooth and affordable process. You may not get your prints back overnight, but you‘ll appreciate the accessible, personalized service and consistent quality backed by decades of photo processing experience.
So the next time you find a mystery roll of film in the attic or at a garage sale, rest assured that Walgreens will be there ready to bring those analog memories back to life.
