Prints from The Duckroom (Photo: @theduckroomjb/Instagram)
Cover Prints from The Duckroom (Photo: @theduckroomjb/Instagram)

Whether you're using a point-and-shoot, an analog camera or a simple disposable, these are the top spots to get your film photos developed for lasting memories

The trend of film photography is well and alive. Though it might seem like a lost art, it is making a comeback among young Malaysians who are picking up film photography as a hobby.

Here is a list of film labs where you can send your rolls to be developed, scanned, and printed.

Note: The prices and turnaround times were correct at the time of publishing, and may vary depending on chemical supply and customer demands.

See also: Why Film Photography is Experiencing a Revival

1. Darkroom8

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Photo 1 of 6 Darkroom8 has an organised labelling system to ensure no rolls get lost and film rolls are developed in a timely manner (Photo: @darkroom8studio/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 6 A photo captured with Kodak Ultramax 400 film on a Yashica T4, developed and scanned by Darkroom8 (Photo: Amanda Fung)
Photo 3 of 6 A photo captured with Fuji Pro160NS that was developed and scanned by Darkroom8 (Photo: @darkroom8studio/Instagram)
Photo 4 of 6 Samples of film prints done by Darkroom8 (Photo: @darkroom8studio/Instagram)
Photo 5 of 6 A sunset captured, developed and scanned by Darkroom8. (Photo: @darkroom8studio/Instagram)
Photo 6 of 6 A variety of film negatives at different stages of processing. (Photo: @darkroom8studio/Instagram)

A major player in the scene, Darkroom8 offers a range of services for the novice to the expert photographer. Tucked away in a neighbourhood in Cheras, this little film lab processes both C-41 film, which comprises most of the film you see and know, and ECN-2 film, more commonly known as motion picture film, initially produced for filmmakers.

In a world where instant gratification with camera phones is the norm, its low prices, fast processing time and expertise is a large pull for those who can't wait to see the results of their shoots. Its shop also has film rolls, cameras and other accessories for sale, perfect for those who need a one stop shop for all your film needs. 

Services: Film processing and scanning, express processing and scanning, photo printing, fine art printing, retail

Prices and turnover time: 

  • C-41 colour film: RM16.80/roll; two working days; express: additional RM10, within four hours
  • Black and white film: RM16.80/roll
  • ECN-2 colour motion picture film: RM20/roll; three working days; express: additional RM10, next business day
  • E-6 slide colour: RM38/roll; one to four weeks
  • Photo printing: RM1-10/piece, depending on size and quantity

You may drop off your film rolls at the store or mail them in with a note including your name, email address and phone number in the parcel. Completed scans will be sent back via file transfer on email; you may also opt for your negatives to be collected or posted back to you (extra charge applies). 

Darkroom8 | 62, Jalan Galian, Taman Miharja, 55200 Kuala Lumpur | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-6pm

2. Lomocrewz

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Photo 1 of 4 An array of cameras available for sale at Lomocrewz's shop (Photo: @lomocrewz/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: @lomocrewz/Instagram
Photo 3 of 4 A test shot captured using expired Fujifilm C200 by Wai, developed and scanned by Lomocrewz (Photo: @lomocrewz/Instagram)
Photo 4 of 4 A test shot captured with a CONTAX T3 with a 35/2.8 Carl Zeiss lens, using Kodak Colorplus 200 film, developed and scanned by Lomocrewz (Photo: @lomocrewz/Instagram)

Primarily functioning as a film camera store, Lomocrewz is a Kuantan-based store that also provides film processing services. Its main aim is to offer a more well-rounded film photography experience for those who purchase cameras from its store, which is nestled in the back of Tanoshii Café

New cameras for sale are constantly in stock and announced on its Instagram. They are also available for viewing and purchase on Shopee.

Services: Film processing and scanning, retail, camera refurbishing/repairs

Prices and turnover time: 

  • C-41 colour film in 135/120 format: RM20/roll; two to three working days
  • Black and white film: RM23/roll; two to three working days

You may drop off your film rolls in person or mail in your rolls to Tanoshii Café. Completed scans will be sent back via Dropbox link; you may also opt for your negatives to be posted back to you at an extra charge. 

Lomocrewz | Tanoshii Café, Lorong Alor Akar 16, 25250 Kuantan, Pahang | +6012-9861989 (owner Lion Wai) | Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm

See also: 4 Beautifully Designed Restaurants and Cafés in Kuala Lumpur

3. Bang Bang Geng

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Photo 1 of 6 Chin Koon Yik, owner of Bang Bang Geng, with his storefront at Publika (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 6 Chin's EnSign Ful-Vue box camera (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)
Photo 3 of 6 A photo captured with Kodak TMax400 film on Chin's EnSign Ful-Vue, developed and scanned at Bang Bang Geng (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)
Photo 4 of 6 A photo captured with Kodak TMax400 film on Chin's EnSign Ful-Vue, developed and scanned at Bang Bang Geng (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)
Photo 5 of 6 A Mamiya 16 Automatic at Bang Bang Geng, produced in 1959, which shoots 16mm film (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)
Photo 6 of 6 A photo captured on the Mamiya 16 Automatic with Kodak ColourPlus 200 film, developed and scanned at Bang Bang Geng (Photo: @bangbanggeng/Instagram)

Ten years after its opening, Bang Bang Geng remains a mainstay in the film photography industry. The photography lab and camera store is a popular resource for film photographers and hobby photographers alike as founder and owner Chin Koon Yik, provides expert advice and services. 

Chin has been enjoying the return of the love for film photography and aims to continue spreading his wisdom and passion. Despite being a one-man show, Chin operates like a well-oiled machine and has been contributing to the growth of the film photography community in Kuala Lumpur.

Services: Film processing and scanning, retail

Prices and turnaround time:

  • C-41 colour film: RM25/roll; 2-5 days
  • Black & white film: RM30/roll; 2-5 days

You may walk in to drop off your rolls at the store. Completed scans will be sent back via Google Drive.

Bang Bang Geng | Lot 15-20, Level G1, Publika Shopping Gallery, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +603 6211 9025 | Monday-Sunday, 11am-8pm

See also: Annice Lyn: This Former National Figure Skater Now Captures Athletes’ Dreams Through Her Lens

4. Zontiga

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Photo 1 of 3 A photo captured with Lomo Lady Grey 400 film on a Yashica T4, developed and scanned by Zontiga (Photo: Amanda Fung)
Photo 2 of 3 The Zontiga film vending machine at REXKL (Photo: Amanda Fung)
Photo 3 of 3 A display at Zontiga (Photo: Amanda Fung)

Zontiga, located in trendy Taman Paramount, is a hub for all film photographers. On top of film processing and scanning services, it also serves as a retail shop for books with a focus on Asian photographers and regional perspectives, film cameras, instant cameras, and film rolls. It is also a central gathering point for those interested in the art, as it frequently hosts mini exhibitions and classes on film processing, printing, and more. 

You can also catch its photo vending machines in action at the neighbouring One Half x IIaika café or REXKL.

Services: Film processing and scanning, photo printing, retail, events, workshops

Prices and turnaround time:

  • C-41 colour film: RM12/roll for developing + RM12/roll for scanning; within ten working days
  • Black and white film: RM25/roll for developing + RM12/roll for scanning; within ten working days
  • Black and white sheet film: RM48/sheet, up to 5 sheets; approximately two weeks
  • Standard photo printing: From RM1.40 to RM16/piece, depending on size and quantity
  • Giclée printing: From RM28/piece, depending on size

You may drop off your film rolls at the store or in its mailbox on off days or mail them in after filling this form. Completed scans will be sent back via WeTransfer link; you must pick up your negatives after the scanning is completed.

Zontiga | No. 21A, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya | +6016 626 9960 (WhatsApp text only) | Friday, Monday, and Tuesday, 12pm-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12pm-7pm; Closed on Wednesday and Thursday

5. FilmLab

Tatler Asia
Photo: FilmLab.com.my
Above Photo: FilmLab.com.my

FilmLab is an online processing platform that allows you to submit your orders and make payments online before shipping your rolls to the photography lab. It processes both 135mm and 120mm formats and also single-use cameras.

Services: Film processing and scanning

Prices and turnaround time:

  • C-41 colour film: RM18/roll for developing and scanning, RM13/roll for scanning only; two to three days
  • Black and white film: RM30/roll for developing and scanning, RM13/roll for scanning only; two to three days
  • Single-use cameras: RM18/camera; two to three days

You have to ship your rolls and/or cameras to the store. Completed scans will be sent back electronically; negatives can be shipped back at an additional cost. 

FilmLab | Lot 9, Jalan 2/118B, Desa Tun Razak 56000, Kuala Lumpur | +603 9173 5631 (Melvin) 

6. The Duckroom

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Photo 1 of 2 Prints from The Duckroom (Photo: @theduckroomjb/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 2 220 type films with a Mamiya 7 camera at The Duckroom (Photo: @theduckroomjb)

Based in Johor Bahru, The Duckroom is a film lab that also offers film rolls, cameras, and film paper on retail. It also welcomes those who have old negatives lying around the house to send them in to be developed and scanned, so if you have old memories or precious negatives of your grandparents during their younger days, The Duckroom can turn them into hard copies to keep and enjoy. 

For photographers that would like to try their hand at processing films themselves and using a professional darkroom, The Duckroom offers its own lab for rent.

Services: Film processing and scanning, retail, darkroom for hire

Prices and turnaround time: 

  • C-41 colour film: RM18/roll for developing and scanning, RM13/roll for developing; one to two working days
  • Black & white film: RM18/roll for developing and scanning, RM13/roll for developing; one to two working days
  • ECN2 motion film: RM21/roll for developing and scanning, RM18/roll for developing; one to two working days
  • E6 slides: RM38/slide for developing and scanning, RM33/slide for developing; four to six weeks

Other services such as Tiff file scanning and stereo scanning are also available. You may drop off your rolls at the store or mail them in with your name, contact number, email and Instagram account. Completed scans will be sent back electronically; negatives can be collected or mailed back (additional cost applies).

The Duckroom | F-03-08, Level 3, Blok F, Komersial Southkey Mozek, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru | +6019 789 3626 | Monday-Saturday, 10:30am-6:30pm

See also: MasterChef Australia Champion Diana Chan Shares Her Favourite Eateries in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur

7. FilmNeverDie

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Photo 1 of 4 The FilmNeverDie store in Johor Bahru (Photo: @filmneverdie.asia/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 4 The darkroom at FilmNeverDie (Photo: @filmneverdie.asia/Instagram)
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: @filmneverdie.asia/Instagram
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: @filmneverdie.asia/Instagram

FilmNeverDie is another popular community in the film photography industry that provides film developing and scanning, photo walks, workshops, exhibits, and a shop that sells apparel and equipment. 

On top of providing its services, FilmNeverDie has also fostered a faction of enthusiasts. Getting its start in Melbourne, the photographer-run community hones in on their passion for the art and aspires to see growth in the love for it. 

Services: Film processing and scanning, retail, photo walks, exhibits, workshops, darkroom

Prices and turnaround time: 

  • C-41 colour negative (35mm): RM15/roll for developing and scanning, RM8/roll for developing; two to three days
  • Black & white film (35mm): RM15/roll for developing and scanning, RM10/roll for developing; three to four days
  • ECN-2 motion film: RM18/roll for developing and scanning, RM13/roll for developing; two to four weeks
  • E-6 slides: RM38/slide for developing and scanning, RM30/slide for developing; 2-4 weeks

They also develop and scan 120mm films and scan negatives. Rush job services are available at an extra cost. You may drop off your rolls at the store or mail them in. Completed scans will be sent back via Dropbox link or a USB thumb drive, if preferred.

FilmNeverDie | 11, Jalan Jenang, Kampung Begawai, Batu Pahat, 83000, Johor Bahru | +6014 619 7916 | For walk-ins: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm; Store: Monday-Sunday, 11am-6pm

8. The Black Hole

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo captured by @outerspace1221 on Instagram, developed and scanned by The Black Hole (Photo: @theblackholelab/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 2 Photo captured by @aku.ujang on Instagram. developed and scanned by The Black Hole (Photo: @theblackholelab/Instagram)

The Black Hole isn't just a film lab. It's also a café, where photography fans can gather. Its goal is to provide a safe space for photographers to gather and continue to thrive and share ideas. It is also the very first film lab in Southeast Asia to offers professional scanning services with the Negative Supply system.

The lab is a relatively new project and strives to be a reliable partner for film photographers in the local community. The experts behind the lab will also provide feedback and insights on your shots, helping you sharpen your film photography skills. 

Services: Film developing and scanning

Prices and turnaround time: 

  • C-41 colour film: RM10/roll for developing only or scanning only, RM15.90/roll; one to two days
  • E-6 film: RM33/roll for developing only, RM10/roll for scanning only, RM38/roll for developing and scanning
  • Black & white film: RM10/roll for developing only, RM10/roll for scanning only, RM15.90 for developing and scanning
  • ECN-2 motion film: RM14/roll for developing only, RM10/roll for scanning only, RM20/roll for developing and scanning

Its 'lightning speed' service is available for rush jobs at an additional RM12/roll and you will receive your scans within two hours from drop-off. You may drop your film rolls off at the store. Completed scans will be sent back electronically. 

The Black Hole | 9, Jalan Bijaksana, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru | +6012 260 8760 | Wednesday-Monday, 12pm-6pm

See also: Travel Photographer Edward Barnieh Shares 5 Tips For Editing City Photos

9. Foto EkonoLab Ipoh

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Photo 1 of 2 Foto EkonoLab Ipoh provides polaroid sized prints to add a little flair to your shots (Photo: @fotoekonolab/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 2 The shop offers printing and framing services for you to put your favourite photographs on display (Photo: @fotoekonolab/Instagram)

With over 35 years of experience under its belt, this nostalgic photo shop in Ipoh is still operating, providing photo services to its community. On top of film processing and developing, the family-run Foto EkonoLab also provides studio services, so you can venture to the store to get expertly shot family portraits or graduation photos. 

Services: Photography, custom made frames, film processing and scanning, photo printing

Prices and turnaround time:

  • C-41 colour film: RM30 for the first roll and RM20 for subsequent rolls; one to two weeks
  • Black & white film: RM30-40/roll; one to two weeks

You may drop off your film rolls at the store or mail them in. Completed scans will be returned electronically; negatives can be picked up of mailed back to you at an extra cost.

Foto EkonoLab Ipoh | 99, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh | +6016 559 2332 or +605 255 0695 | Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm, Sunday, 10am-7pm; Pickup available from Monday-Saturday, 12pm-2pm

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