UK Developers

mad_malteaser · Mar 4, 2005

So I've finally received my Holga, it's taped up and ready to shoot. So, where in the UK can I get the film developed? I didn't think it would be that complicated, but it seems that nowhere in Essex is prepared to develop my 120 colour and b&w films. Any suggestions anyone?

Hertz van Rental · Mar 4, 2005

Yellow pages and look for photolabs or developing sevices. Should be loads. Or go to London and use one of the pro labs around the West End.

j_mcquillen · Mar 5, 2005

Any branch of Jessops (there's one in most cities and the larger towns) should be able to develop 120 film. I've used them for 35mm colour slides & black+white, and never had any problems.

mad_malteaser · Mar 6, 2005

Hmm, that's weird. Jessops was my first port of call. They weren't all that helpful. Found a "Snappy Photo's" place that says they can develop them though, so I'll give them a try.

j_mcquillen · Mar 7, 2005

Hmmmm... that's strange

Jessops website defintely says they do 120 / 220 processing.

Was it a 'main' store that you tried? sometimes they have smaller branch stores or dedicated digital branches, which might not do the processing. If you don't have any luck there, try going to www.dlab7.com - they're an online store, so you have to send your films away in the post - never tried them myself, but I've always heard good things about them :thumbup:

mad_malteaser · Mar 7, 2005

Thanks. I'll bookmark that site and give them a try.

Shilts · Mar 7, 2005

A couple of magazines that i get, Outdoor Photography & Photography monthly, regularly have ads in them for places that do what youre after. give that a try (you dont even have to buy them, just spend half an hour in WHSmiths !!!)

Mike Bonsall · Mar 8, 2005

j_mcquillen said:
Hmmmm... that's strange

Jessops website defintely says they do 120 / 220 processing.

Was it a 'main' store that you tried? sometimes they have smaller branch stores or dedicated digital branches, which might not do the processing. If you don't have any luck there, try going to www.dlab7.com - they're an online store, so you have to send your films away in the post - never tried them myself, but I've always heard good things about them :thumbup:

dlab7 are based in Guernsey, Channel Islands which is where I happen to live. I also happen to have a friend who works for them (yes Guernsey is that small, we all know each other!). I may be biased but I have to say that their developing & printing is top quality - I believe they've even been voted top uk lab (or something similar).

Also as the Channel Islands have zero VAT the prices are very competitive.

I know this sounds like an ad but I promise I don't work for them!!!

Rob · Mar 8, 2005

Snappy Snaps are the only E6 and slide on-site high-street developers. Jessops send them away to Kodak, who have pretty much wound up their UK dev business. Expect to pay about £20-£30 for a one hour service.

ferny · Mar 9, 2005

I've been looking into getting colour contact sheets made from 35mm that I'm going to put through my Holga to test it. I've got lots of colour 35mm not being used and sitting in boxes...
I've found a few sites. I can't vouch for any. They all seem to be really expensive.
I'd suggest you develop your b&w yourself (I think you can do that, I've seen you post in the darkroom forum) then send it away and just get the ones you want printed done.
I looked on the Jessops site a few days ago and never saw them mention 120 film. Thanks for the dlab7 link.

http://www.btphotographic.co.uk/
http://www.hccs.co.uk/index.asp?id=1&section=Home&set=1
http://www.retrophotographic.com/shop/45/index.htm
http://www.spectrumphoto.co.uk/index.html