Where Can I Develop My Disposable Camera and How Much Does It Cost? Top 9 Places Compared | The Photography Professor (2024)

Disposable film cameras are becoming increasingly common because more and more people are getting interested in learning more about film-based photography. There has been a renewed interest disposable or one-time use film cameras because of their ruggedness, small size, waterproof options, lack of rechargeable battery, and lower price. This renewed interest has also led to many photographers asking where can I develop my disposable cameras and how much does it cost?

It costs between $10.96 – $21 (plus tax) to develop a disposable camera in a store or through the mail. The following film development labs are recommended the most since they will produce high quality scans sent to your email, offer develop-only and print options, and will return your negatives:

1. Dwayne’s Photo
2. The Darkroom
3. Richard Photo Lab
4. MPIX
5. Old School Photo Lab
6. Process One

Below is a list of locations that will develop disposable film cameras separated into 2 categories: local drugstores and local film development labs that will develop your film in store or through the mail. Keep reading to see how much it costs at each location, how long it takes, if they return your negatives, cost without scans (if they offer that service), and other relevant information.

2022 Update: I have found that both CVS and Walgreens have ridiculously long processing times. I sent some film off to be processed by CVS and it took over 6 months to get it developed. I believe the biggest reason the film processing facilities that CVS send film to be developed became backed up because of lack of workers due to COVID and they have a backup of orders. If you want to get film developed and get it back within a couple weeks instead of several months, see this article I wrote about where to develop film through the mail.

Local Drugstores

Most likely you will find a drug store or big box store near you that still develops film likeWalmart, Walgreens, or CVS. These stores will develop a 27 exposure (the most common) disposable / single-use color film camera between $10.96 – $15.86 and includes a set of 4×6 inch color prints with digital scans on a CD, with Walmart as the least expensive of the three.

Chart Comparing Price of Local Drugstores for Development of Disposable Cameras

While the film development is usually pretty good and consistent from local drugstores, the scans are mediocre at best being low-resolution (you can’t print large) and low quality (low contrast and white balance is usually incorrect). You also won’t get the negatives back to make better, high-resolution scans for larger prints. These stores also price development as a range of how many exposures your film roll holds. For these reasons, I recommend using a local film processing lab (if you are lucky enough to have one close) or mailing out your film to a film processing lab online (see below recommended options). However, for most people these local drugstore may be the best option.

1. Walgreens

Walgreens is a drugstore to consider when you’re deciding to get your disposable film camera developed. However, Walgreens does not develop film in-house, like the others on the list, and sends it out to a third party (usually Fujifilm North America) so the process can take anywhere from 7 days to a few weeks. Despite the wait and expense (and you won’t get your negatives back) the quality of the prints are pretty good and worth the wait.

Pros:

• Many locations available so it is likely near you
• Can develop Disposable / Single-Use Cameras
• CD and a set of 4×6 inch color prints included with processing cost
• Can develop color and black & white single use cameras
• Decent quality scans but low-resolution
• Will call you when your order is complete

Cons:

• Won’t get your negatives back
• Long turnaround time of up to 6 months in 2022
• Very little, if any, customer service – drop film off in a paper envelope in the store
• No online film developing ordering available
• Overall more expensive than Walmart and CVS
• Prints are mediocre at best

How much does Walgreens charge to develop disposable cameras?

Walgreens charges around $15.86 to develop disposable film camera with 27 exposures (the most common exposure count). The price for development is determined by the maximum number of exposures on your film roll (most are 24 – 27 or 36) and includes a free CD with digital scans of your negatives and 4 x 6 inch glossy prints. You can order a second set of prints for just a few dollars more. When turning in your camera for development, you should only put one disposable camera per envelope. See the cost below:

How long does it take for Walgreens to develop disposable cameras?

Walgreens, like other drugstores, does not develop film in the store like they used to. They instead use a third party developer (most likely Fujifilm of North America) that they send the film to so it takes around 7 – 10 days to get your disposable camera developed.

Do you get negatives back at Walgreens?

No, like all of the drugstores on this list Walgreens will not return your negatives when you have your disposable camera processed at Walgreens. However, you will get a free CD with digital scans of your negatives and a set of 4 x 6 inch prints on glossy paper.

Does Walgreens sell disposable cameras?

Yes, Walgreens sells disposable cameras online and in store but the options are limited and pricey. For example, they are currently selling the Kodak HD Power Flash Single Use camera with color film with 27 exposures and a flash for around $34.99. However, you can find two single-use cameras for the same price on Amazon.com.

2. CVS

CVS, like the others on the list, does not develop film in-house so the process can take anywhere from 7 days to a few weeks. Despite the wait and expense (also you won’t get your negatives back) the quality of the prints are descent and worth the wait if that’s all you want.

Pros:

• Many locations available so it is likely near you
• Can develop Disposable / Single-Use Cameras
• CD and 4×6 inch prints included with development cost
• Good quality scans and prints
• Cheaper than Walgreens but more expensive than Walmart
• Can develop color and black & white single use cameras
• Will call you when your order is ready

Cons:

• Won’t get your negatives back
• Long turnaround time of up to 6 months in 2022
• Very little, if any, customer service – drop film off in a paper envelope in the store
• No online film developing ordering available

How much does it cost to develop a disposable camera at CVS?

CVS charges around $14.99 to develop a disposable film camera with 27 exposures (the most common) which also comes with a free CD of digitally scanned negatives and a set of 4×6 inch glossy prints. At CVS is the price for development of disposable film cameras is determined by how many exposures your film roll is capable of (most will be 24 – 36). When loading the envelopes for developing you should put only one camera per envelope. Also, if you want to order two sets of prints then the price goes up.

How long does it take for CVS to develop disposable cameras?

Since CVS, like other drugstores, does not develop film in the store like they used to it can take around 7 – 10 days to get your disposable camera developed and returned. This is because they don’t develop film in house and use a third party developer (most likely Fujifilm of North America) that they send the film to be developed. However, it can be somewhat shorter or longer depending on several factors like shipping and availability.

Do you get negatives back at CVS?

No, like all of the drugstores on this list, CVS will not return your negatives when you have your disposable camera processed. However, you will get a free CD with digital scans of your negatives and a set of 4 x 6 inch prints on glossy paper.

Does Walgreens have disposable cameras?

Yes, Walgreens sells disposable cameras online and in store but the options are limited and pricey. For example, they are currently selling the Kodak HD Power Flash Single Use camera with color film with 27 exposures and a flash for around $34.99. However, you can find two single-use cameras for the same price on Amazon.com.

3. Walmart

Like the others on the list, Walmart does not develop film in-house so the process can take anywhere from 7 days to a few weeks. Despite the wait and expense (and you won’t get your negatives back) the quality of the prints are pretty good and worth the wait.

Pros:

• Cheaper than CVS and Walgreens
• Many locations available so it is likely near you
• Extra prints are only $2 more
• Can develop Disposable / Single-Use Cameras
• CD of scanned negatives and prints included with development cost
• Will call you when your order is ready

Cons:

• Likely won’t get your negatives back
• Long turnaround time of up to 6 months in 2022
• Low resolution scans and prints
• Very little, if any, customer service – drop film off in a paper envelope in the store
• No online film development ordering available

How much does Walmart charge to develop disposable cameras?

Walmart charges around $10.96 to develop a disposable camera with 27 exposures (the most common exposure count) for a free CD of digitally scanned negatives, single prints of 4×6 inch prints, which makes Walmart one of the cheaper drugstore options. See below for a list of prices:

How long does it take for Walmart to develop disposable cameras?

Since Walmart, like other drugstores, does not develop film in the store like they used to it can take around 2 – 3 weeks to get your disposable camera developed and returned, which is one of the longest. This is because they don’t develop film in house and use a third party developer (most likely Fujifilm of North America) that they send the film to be developed. However, it can be somewhat shorter or longer depending on several factors like shipping and availability.

Do you get negatives back at Walmart?

No, like all of the drugstores on this list, Walmart will not return your negatives when you have your disposable camera processed. However, you will get a free CD with digital scans of your negatives and a set of 4 x 6 inch prints on glossy paper.

Does Walmart have disposable cameras?

Yes, Walmart sells disposable cameras online and in the store but the options are limited. You will get more bang for your buck if you buy a disposable camera from Walmart online, which are comparable to prices of disposable cameras on Amazon.com.

Store That DO NOT Develop Disposable or Single Use Film Cameras

Does Sam’s Club develop disposable cameras?

No, Sam’s Club does not develop disposable cameras but Walmart does. Sam’s Club does have an online photo printing services for their members that let their members create prints and send them directly to their own home. Even though Sam’s Club won’t develop film they will scan already developed mounted film negatives and film negatives of 35 mm, APS Film, 110/220 Film, 126 Instamatic Film, Large Format Negatives, as well as movie film in 8mm, Super 8mm, and 16mm formats. The price for scanning film at Sam’s Club is $17.15 on 2 DVD (which hold 500 images) for 40 images and $.33 for each image after that.

You also won’t find any disposable cameras for sale at Sam’s Club so I’d recommend looking at Amazon.com since it is where you will find the best overall deal on disposable cameras.

Can you develop disposable cameras at Target?

No, Target does not develop disposable or single use film cameras. During the COVID pandemic in the spring of 2020, all the stores removed their photo services and now use the space for storage. While their online photo services are still up and running they do not develop disposable or single use film cameras any longer.

However, Target still sells many kinds of disposable cameras at reasonable prices in store and online but the you will find the best overall deal on disposable cameras buying in bulk through Amazon.com.

Does Costco develop disposable camera film?

No, Costco stopped developing disposable or single use film cameras in the Spring of 2021 due to the pandemic. Costco does have an online photo printing services for their members that let their members create prints and send them directly to their own home, which in my experience has one of the best deals for value and quality for printing of all the big box stores.

You also won’t find any disposable cameras for sale at Costco so I’d recommend looking at Amazon.com for them since you will find the best overall deal on disposable cameras.

Local or Online Mail-in Film Processing Labs

Below is a list of some of the best local or online labs that develop disposable film cameras locally or online. These places differ to local drug stores like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart because these labs can give you more consistent development, better quality film scans, and they will return your negatives. While it is possible that you live near one of these stores, it is likely you will need to ship your film to them for processing so it’s imperative to know shipping costs to and from their facility since it will add to the overall cost. Therefore, it’s good to know that some offer free shipping to their lab (The Darkroom and Richard’s Photo Lab) others (like Old School Photo Lab) offer free shipping both ways!

All of these labs will develop color film, since it the most common for single use or disposable cameras, and most will develop disposable cameras loaded with black & white film as well. Film processing labs like these determine the price of development by what kind of film (color vs black & white) and how many disposable cameras you are developing. The overall price doesn’t include prints, unlike Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, but most on the list have an option to add prints to your cart. Also, most labs on the list have an option only process your disposable camera without scans and return your negatives so you can save money and scan your images yourself.

Comparison of Online Labs for Cost of Disposable Film Cameras

1. The Darkroom

Now located almost exclusively online,The Darkroomhas been in business for more than 40 years. The Located in San Clemente, CA, they can be contacted only bya contact formon the website but they have an extensiveFAQ sectionon their website. The Darkroom uses the dip and dunk method of film development and has won many awards for customer service and quality over the years. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to The Darkroom.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At The Darkroom

Pros:

• Easy to use and straight forward online ordering system with an online order tracking system
• Website is easy to navigate
• Offers development only without scans for less money
• They offer free shipping to their facility through apadded envelope you can request or a free postage-paid labelyou can print of yourself
• Color and black & white disposable cameras are the same price for development
• Get negatives back (return shipping is $5.95 for lowest option)
• Get scans back via a personalized web gallery on their website for viewing and downloading
• Offers three levels of scans Standard, Enhanced, or Super Scans.
• All scans are delivered in JPEG format and automatically corrected for color, contrast, and density or you can choose to have no corrections made.
• Offers cross-processing and push/pull services
• Offers genuine darkroom prints (on silver halide-based darkroom paper)
• They will recycle your disposable camera for you

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option but not the the most expensive either
• No real phone number to callfor questions but they have a easy to use ordering system
• Online only so you can’t drop it off you live close by
• Costs $1 per roll to not have film sleeves cut

How much does The Darkroom charge to develop disposable cameras?

The Darkroom charges around $20.95 to develop a disposable film camera ($15 + $5.95 for return shipping of the film negatives). For an additional $3 you can get “Enhanced” resolution scans or $8 for “Super” high-resolution scans of your negatives delivered to your email by a .zip folder. All scans are delivered in JPEG format via the website. Once your scans are uploaded, you will receive an email letting you know your scans are ready along with a login link.

However, if you only want your disposable camera only developed (and not scanned) the cost does down to around $16.95 ($11 + $5.95 for return shipping of the film negatives).

NOTE: Something to consider when pricingmail-in film processing labsis the price of shipping film to and back from the store, which will add to the overall price. Dwayne’s Photo only charges $5 (+ $.50 per additional roll) for return shipping but doesn’t provide free shipping to the store such as other online film processing labs likeThe Darkroom,MPIX.com, andOld School Film Lab.

How long does it take to develop a disposable camera at The Darkroom?

The turnaround time at The Darkroom generally takes about 7 – 10 days to turnaround. This includes 3 – 5 days (depending on the film format and when they receive your shipment) for your film to be processed and your digital scans to be uploaded to a web gallery on the website for viewing and downloading. It then takes about a week for you to receive your negatives back in the mail (depending on which return shipping option you chose).

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at The Darkroom?

The process to get a disposable or single use film camera developed at The Darkroom is very easy. They also offer a padded envelope with free shipping to their facility. You have two options for development with The Darkroom: online form or using the downloadable and printable ordering form.

To use the online form:

1. Go the services web page of The Darkroom website
2. Choose the type of film you want to process from the different categories
3. Use the dropdown menu to choose scanning options, if you want prints and your print options, if you want to pull or push your film
4. Enter the number of rolls you have to process and click “Add to Cart” button to add your selection to the cart
5. Click “Checkout” button when you are ready to complete your order by following the steps
6. Attach shipping label to a padded mailing envelope or box (don’t use a paper envelope). They also offer a padded envelope with free shipping to their facility and/or a free postage-paid label that you can print off your self
7. Insert the form, payment, film and tape it closed before dropping it off at a mailbox

To use the paper film processing order form:

1. Go to this webpage to download the film processing order form and/or the black order form
2. Fill out the information and click “CREATE LABEL & ORDER FORM” to create and download it for printing
3. Attach shipping label to a 6″ x 9″ padded mailing envelope or box (don’t use a paper envelope). If you have multiple rolls of film put them into a heavy duty ziplock bag before putting into the envelope for protection and to keep them from processing as separate orders.
4. If you prepaid online, include a copy of the receipt or write down your order number and include it with your film. If you are using the paper order form, insert order form, payment & film
5. Insert the the required documents and tape the envelope closed before dropping it off at a mailbox

Once your order is received and processed, you will also receive an email stating your scans are available on your online account on TheDarkroom.com with a login link if you chose that option with your order. You will be given the option to download your images to your computer via a .zip folder. The Darkroom will send you an email notifying you that your negatives have been shipped back to you.

Does The Darkroom Offer Prints?

Yes, The Darkroom also offers color prints with a border or borderless and in glossy or matte finishes at $8 for 4″ prints or $20 for 5″ prints of per image. They also offer genuine black & whitedarkroom prints or enlargements(silver halide-based darkroom prints) of your images in borderless or with a border in glossy or matte finish at $14 for 4″ prints or $20 for 5″ prints per film roll.

See this article for more details about the services offered at The Darkroom.

What Scan Resolutions Can The Darkroom Do For Disposable Cameras?

The Darkroom offer scans of your disposable camera in three different resolutions: The “Standard” resolution scan is included with the overall price and is best for 5×7 inch prints for the web , “Enhanced” scans are $3 and are best for 12×18 inch prints, and Super resolution scans are $8 and are best for giant prints and large posters. All scans are delivered in JPEG format via The Darkroom website online gallery on your account. Once your scans are uploaded, you will receive an email letting you know your scans are ready along with a login link.

See this website for more information about scans from The Darkroom.com.

2. Dwayne’s Photo

Once of the cheapest option for online lab development for disposable cameras on this list is Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, KS. Dwayne’s Photo provides premium film processing to its customers and offers just about anyfilm developing process that you can askfor. Their website is very easy to navigate and easy to use. You can purchase film development from Dwayne’s Photo you can order throughonline orderingor by a printablepaper forms. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to Dwayne’s Photo.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At Dwayne’s Photo

Pros:

• One of the cheapest labs on the list
• Relatively quick turnaround time
• Offers 2 levels of scans Standard and High Resolution scans and delivered in JPEG format by email as a .zip film
• Easy to use and straight forward online ordering system with an online order tracking system
• Offers push/pull and cross processing services for film
• Easy mail-in process that can be completed online
• You will get negatives back (with low cost return shipping)
• Friendly and knowledgeable customer service
• Bulk pricing available
• They will give a discount on scanning if the roll is blank
• Save on shipping if you live close by and can pick up negatives
• The included “Standard” scan is a higher resolution than other labs on the list

Cons:

• Charges an additional $.50 after the first roll of film for return shipping of negatives

How much does Dwayne’s Photo charge to develop disposable cameras?

Dwayne’s Photo charges around $14 to develop a disposable color film camera ($9 + $5 and +$.50 for additional rolls of film for return shipping of the film negatives). It’s also only $1 more to develop black & white disposable film cameras at $15 ($10 + $5 and +$.50 for additional rolls of film for return shipping of the film negatives). For an additional $8 you can get high-resolution scans of your negatives delivered to your email by a .zip folder.

However, if you only want the film developed (and not scanned) the cost does down to around $11 ($6 + $5 and +$.50 for additional rolls of film for return shipping of the film negatives) for a color disposable camera and only $12 ($7 + shipping) for black & white disposable or single use camera.

NOTE: Dwayne’s Photo only charges $5 (+ $.50 per additional roll) for return shipping but doesn’t provide free shipping to the store such as other online film processing labs likeTheDarkroom,MPIX.com, andOld School Film Lab.

How Long Does It Take to Develop a Disposable Camera at Dwayne’s Photo?

The turnaround time at Dwayne’s Photo can be up to 2 weeks (or 14 days) but is usually faster than this. With online labs you will get your scans faster than you will receive your negatives and/or prints. If your film is taking longer than expected, you can contact them and they will check on your order.

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at Dwayne’s Photo?

The process to order film development of a disposable camera or single use film camera at Dwayne’s Photo is very easy. You have two options: online form or using the downloadable and printable ordering form.

To use the online form:

1. Go the services web page of Dwayne’s Photo website
2. Choose the type of film you want to process from the different categories
3. Use the dropdown menu to choose scanning options, if you want prints and your print options, if you want to pull or push your film
4. Click “Add to Cart” button to add your selection to the cart
5. Change the number of rolls you wish to develop of that type or click the “Continue Shopping” button to add more film formats to process
6. Click “Proceed to Checkout” when you are ready to complete your order by following the steps
7. Purchase shipping to the film processing lab (I recommend using USPS First Class Package Service for the cheapest shipping rate – between $4.45 – $7.50 depending on the number of rolls and distance traveling to facility). Attach shipping label to a padded mailing envelope or small box (don’t use a paper envelope)
8. Insert this form, payment, film and tape it closed before dropping it off at a mailbox

To use the paper film processing order form:

1. Go to this webpage to download the film processing order form
2. Click the correct film processing order form to download it
3. Fill out the form as necessary and print the ordering form
4. Attach shipping label to a padded mailing envelope or box (don’t use a paper envelope)
5. Insert the ordering form, payment, film and tape it closed before dropping it off at a mailbox

Once your order is received and processed, you will also receive the digital scans in your email if you chose that option with your order and Dwayne’s Photo will send you an email notifying your order has been shipped.

Does Dwayne’s Photo Offer Prints?

Yes, Dwayne’s Photo offers 1 set of 4 x 6 inch color glossy or matte paper prints for $3 or 1 set of 5 x 7 inch color glossy or matte paper prints for $6 for color film

They also offer 1 set of 4 x 6 inch black & white glossy or matte paper prints for $8 or 1 set of 5 x 7 inch black & white glossy or matte paper prints for $10.

See this article for more details about the services offered at Dwayne’s Photo.

What Scan Resolutions Can Dwayne’s Photo Do For Disposable Cameras?

Dwayne’s Photo offers two scanning options for their negatives. choosing “Standard” scan or “High-Res” scan options. The standard scans costs $3 and the High Res option costs $8. Your film scans will be sent to you by the email you provide in a .zip folder.

3. Mpix

MPIX.com is an online lab that will develop disposable or single use film cameras located in Pittsburg, Kansas. The company specializes in printing from digital images and scanned film negatives onto other products. While they only provide development services for disposable cameras loaded with color film but they are one of the cheapest places online. They also are one of the few places to offer shipping to AND from their facility at a flat rate no matter how many rolls of film you process so they would be a good option for bulk processing. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to MPIX.com.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At MPIX.com

Pros:

• Easy to use and straight forward online ordering system
• Website is very easy to navigate overall but especially for film processing
• Scans are in JPEG format and available to your through their website for downloading
• Offers many, many services and options for printing scanned film or digital files on products
• Flat shipping fee of $7.95 per order for shipping to their facility AND return shipping of negatives back to you no matter how many rolls you ship to be processed (best for large orders)
• Standard scan size is slightly larger than others on the list and the largest is a good size and cheaper than others on the list
• They will refund the scan price for blank rolls of film
• MPIX.com offers a points reward system that can save you money on future items

Cons:

• Long turnaround time (roughly about 1 month for the entire process)
• Only process color film and doesn’t develop black & white film or other formats other than 35mm (including color disposable cameras) and color Medium Format (120mm) film
• No Push / Pull during film development services offered
• No option for just development of negatives without scans
• No option for scanning or making prints from previously developed film
• They don’t develop black & white film
• No discount on bulk processing but you only pay the shipping fee once no matter how many rolls you are developing

How much does MPIX.com charge to develop disposable cameras?

MPIX.com charges around $19.90 to develop a disposable or single use film camera ($11.95 + $7.95 for return shipping of the film negatives). The shipping charge is a one time fee and a flat rate no matter how many cameras you process so this is a good price for bulk developing. For an additional $3.95 you can get upgraded “large” resolution scans of your negatives. All scans are delivered in JPEG format via the website.

Unfortunately, MPIX doesn’t offer development of disposable cameras without scans. MPIX.com also does not develop disposable cameras loaded with black & white film. For this, you may want to consider Dwayne’s Photo.

NOTE: Something to consider when pricing mail-in film processing labs is the price of shipping film to and back from the store, which will add to the overall price. MPIX.com only charges $7.95 for shipping to the facility AND return shipping and is a flat rate so shipping price is only once and the same amount no matter how many rolls you develop at MPIX.com.

How long does it take to develop a disposable camera at MPIX?

The turnaround time at MPIX generally takes up to 4 weeks for your disposable camera to be processed and negatives returned once you mail it in. It takes about 14 days for it to reach the facility. Once the disposable film camera is received, your digital scans will be uploaded to a web gallery on the website for viewing and downloading in about 2 – 3 days. It also takes about 2 weeks for you to receive your negatives back in the mail (depending on which return shipping option you chose).

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at MPIX?

The process to order development of a disposable film camera at MPIX.com is very easy and they also offer free shipping to AND from their facility. You have two options to order processing: online form or using the downloadable and printable ordering form.

To use the online form:

1. Go the services web page of MPIX.com website
2. Choose “ORDER FILM PROCESSING” and sign up for an account on the next page.
3. Once you sign up for an account it will take you the next page were you choose the service you want
4. Choose the type of film you want to process (Disposable Camera), your scanning option, and the number of rolls you want to process
5. Choose “ADD FILM TO CART” button and a pop up will show up to ask if you want to go to the cart or continue shopping (choose continue shopping if you want to add development of additional formats to your order)
6. Click “Checkout” button after reviewing your order
7. Enter your shipping and payment information on the next page and choose “CONFIRM ORDER”
8. Once you have submitted the order, a shipping label will be created for you to print from My Account > Film Orders
9. Attach the free, printed shipping label to a padded mailing envelope with your disposable film camera inside according to the order form. They recommend a plastic mailer that does not rip easily as well as putting your disposable film camera in a heavy duty ziplock bag if processing multiple rolls to protect the camera
10. Insert the form, payment, film and tape it closed before dropping it off at a mailbox

Once your order is received and processed, you will also receive an email stating your scans are available (usually about 1 – 2 days after they receive your film) on your online account MPIX.com. You will receive an email when the scans are posted to your Mpix account and they will be listed under My Photos. You will be given the option to download your images to your computer or use them to print on product offered by MPIX.com.

Does MPIX Offer Prints?

Yes, but when processing film MPIX.com does not offer prints as part of the price but you can purchase prints separately. However, MPIX.com is most well known for their printing options, which are high-quality, many, and varied. Just to name a few, they offer regular prints in color and black & white in many sheens, wall art like posters and canvas prints, cards, photo gifts like mugs and blankets, photo books, and products for sports like magazine covers and photo cards. For glossy color prints the price is $.29 for a 4″ x 6″ print all the way to $23.99 for a 16″ x 20″ print. All their prints come with pricing for bulk printing (after 11 copies of a print the price goes down significantly for each print size). For more information about the printing options at MPIX.com visit this site on their webpage. They also offer free shipping on orders over $35 (except film processing) and are always running discounts on their products.

See this article for more details about the services offered at MPIX.com

What Scan Resolutions Can MPIX.com Do For Disposable Cameras?

At MPIX.com the scan size and resolution of your negatives will differ depending on the scan size that you choose. The “Standard” resolution scan is included with the overall price and the large scans are $3.95. All scans are delivered in JPEG format via the MPIX.com website through an online gallery on your account.

4. Old School School Photo Lab

Old School Photo Lab modern photography developing lab is located in Dover, New Hampshire and is “here to make shooting film in the digital age easy, affordable, seamless, and fun” since 1981 using the newest, efficient, and environmentally friendly methods. They also offer free shipping to their facility AND back using theirfree printable shipping label. Film processing is done by using their online order form and through a printable ordering form as well the online ordering form on their website. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to OldSchoolPhotoLab.com.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At Old School Photo Lab

Pros:

• Easy to use and straight forward online ordering system
• Website is very easy to navigate overall
• Scans are in JPEG format (unless you choose the .tiff option) are emailed to you once scanned
• They can develop color and black & white disposable cameras
• Flat shipping included in price of processing that includes shipping to the facility AND return shipping of negatives back to you no matter how many rolls you ship to be processed (best for large orders). However, there is no tracking or insurance included with the free shipping option
• Standard scan size is one of the largest on the list
• Discount on bulk orders (10% discount on 4 – 9 film cameras/rolls , 15% discount on 10+ film cameras/rolls)
• Offers Push / Pull services available for almost every format at an additional cost
• Shorter turnaround time than other labs on the list
• Option available for development without scans

Cons:

• No tracking or insurance included on the free shipping service offered
• More expensive than others on the list and shipping is charged for each roll

How much does OldSchoolPhotoLab.com charge to develop disposable cameras?

OldSchoolPhotoLab.com charges, at the time of writing, around $19.75 to develop a disposable camera loaded with color film ($19.75 + free return shipping of the film negatives) including scans and about $21 to develop a disposable camera loaded with black & white film ($21 + free return shipping of film negatives).

OldSchoolPhotoLab.com includes scans with your development but you can get “Upgraded” resolution scans of your negatives for $10 more per roll or “Upgraded” .tiff scans for $20 more. All scans are delivered in JPEG format unless .tiff scans are wanted and chosen. OldSchoolPhotoLab.com will send you an email with “Dropbox” link for you to view and download your scans.

OldSchoolPhotoLab.com also offers development of disposable film cameras without scans for around $13.75 for color film or around $15 for black & white film.

The online lab also offers discount for bulk processing orders, which is below:

• 4-9 cameras / film roll save 10%
• 10+ cameras / roll orders save 15%
• Contact them for larger bulk orders

NOTE: Something to consider when pricing mail-in film processing labs is the price of shipping film to and back from the store, which will add to the overall price. OldSchoolPhotoLab.com provides free shipping to AND from their facility unlike other labs like The Darkroom, that only provides free shipping to the facility.

How long does it take to develop a disposable camera at Old School Photo Lab?

OldSchoolPhotoLab.com processes disposable film cameras monday through friday. Once they receive your film camera it can take 1 to 2 weeks for your roll to be processed and a week for your negatives to return (depending on how many rolls you sent in) with color film being the fastest. The entire process usually takes about 3 weeks, unless you order another service on their website that takes longer.

Here is their specific schedule:

• 35mm C-41 film – 7-10 working days (most disposable camera use this film)
• 35mm black & white film – 8-14 working days

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at OldSchoolPhotoLab.com?

The process to order development of a disposable camera at OldSchoolPhotoLab.com is very easy and they also offer free shipping to AND from their facility. You have two options to order film development: online order form or using the old school downloadable and printable ordering form.

To use the online form:

1. Go the services web page of OldSchoolPhotoLab.com website and click on the format of film you want to process
2. Choose your film type, service option, scan options, any add ons, if you want push/pull services, and quantity
3. Review your order and choose if you want to continue shopping or checkout
4. Next, you will come to a order review page where you will need to enter shipping and payment information. Once done you can click on “Pay Now”
5. Print out the free shipping label under Customer Tools or access the free shipping label at this link
6. Tape the free, printed shipping label to the outside of your sturdy (not paper) padded mailing envelope with your camera / film and order form inside. They recommend using a plastic mailer that does not rip easily as well as putting your film in a heavy duty ziplock bag if processing multiple cameras / rolls to protect it.
7. Drop off your camera / film at any post office or mailbox

Once your order is received and processed (about 4 – 7 working days for medium format film to process), you will also receive an email with a link to download your scans via Dropbox. They will then send your negatives back to you via USPS first class.

NOTE: The provided free shipping label DOES NOT include tracking or insurance but they will mail your negative back using First Class, which does include tracking and insurance.

Does OldSchoolPhotoLab.com Offer Prints?

Yes, at the time of writing, OldSchoolPhotolab.com charges around $5 for a set of 4×6 inch prints and about $12 for a set of 5×7 inch prints at the time of processing prints as well as enlargements from negative or slide scans on Lustre or Glossy finishes. They print on a Epson wide format printer for photographs over 12 x 18” in size, and a Fuji Frontier DL 650 Digital Printer for smaller images. All prints are inkjet in nature.

See their prices and options on this webpage.

What Scan Resolutions Can OldSchoolPhotoLab.com Do For Disposable Cameras?

At OldSchoolPhotoLab.com the “Standard” resolution scan is included with the overall price and “Upgraded” scans are $10 more per roll or “Upgraded” .tiff scans for $20 more. All scans are delivered in JPEG format (or .tiff if ordered) to your email via a Dropbox link for download.

5. Richard Photo Lab

Richard Photo Lab is located in Santa Clarita, CA and has been in business since 1970 and provides premium film processing. They only use the Dip & Dunk process for processing with deionized water and do daily checks on the temperature of development chemicals, PH levels, and color balance.

Richard Photo Lab has an easy-to-use online ordering system with three options: Development + “Richard’s Way” Scans, Development with Custom Scans, and Development Without Scans. The ordering system allows you to track your progress, has quick turnaround times, and give you quality scans for a competitive price. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to RichardPhotoLab.com.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At Richard Photo Lab

Pros:

• Easy to use and straight forward online ordering system with an online order tracking system
• Website is easy to navigate
• Phone number and email available for questions
• They can develop color and black & white disposable cameras
• Free shipping label available for printing to ship film cameras to their facility
• Get negatives back (return shipping is calculated by location using USPS first class shipping)
• Get scans back via a personalized web gallery on their website for viewing and downloading
• Offers 3 levels of scans Web, Universal, or Large Project Scans.
• All scans are delivered in JPEG format and automatically corrected for color, contrast, and density or you can choose to have no corrections made.
• Offers push/pull services of film
• All scans include Richard’s Film Report to help you understand why your images look like they do and identify issues with your film or camera, free file rotation to the correct image orientation and freeroll numberingservices.
• They can develop color and black & white disposable cameras

Cons:

• One of the more expensive options on the list
• No discount on bulk processing of film cameras or scans

How much does RichardPhotoLab.com charge to develop disposable cameras?

RichardPhotoLab.com charges, at the time of writing, around $20.85 to develop a disposable camera loaded with color or black & white film film ($14 + $6.85 or more depending on your location) including scans.

RichardPhotoLab.com includes scans with your development but you can get “Universal Scans (Medium)” scans of your negatives with a higher resolution for $3 more per roll or “Large Project Scans” for $8 more. All scans are delivered in JPEG format scanned at 300 dpi (dots per inch) unless you choose a custom drum or flatbed scanner option, then it will can be a .tiff file be request. RichardPhotoLab.com will send you an email with aOne-Click Downloadlink as a zip file so you can download your images to your computer all at once. All scans are automatically corrected for orientation, light/darkness, and color by human technicians.

RichardPhotoLab.com also offers development of disposable film cameras without scans for around $16.34 for both color and black & white film ($9.49 + $6.85 or more depending on your location).

The online lab also offers discount for bulk processing orders, which is below:

NOTE: Something to consider when pricing mail-in film processing labs is the price of shipping film to and back from the store, which will add to the overall price.

How long does it take to develop a disposable camera at Richard Photo Lab?

Their average turnaround time is 4 – 7 days for your film to be processed and your digital scans to be uploaded to a free web gallery for viewing and downloading once they receive your film. It also takes about a week for you to receive your negatives back in the mail.

According to their website, there are a list of reasons why your film might take longer than their average turnaround time:

• The number of rolls you send—high roll counts take longer to complete.
• The quality/consistency of your exposures—film that needs extra love and attention from our scanners to achieve the best results will take longer.
• The size of your scans—large scans take a bit longer to produce and go through our quality assurance checks, especially for black & white film.
• Special requests—things like roll numbering, toy cameras, cross processing, pushes/pulls, and applying a color profile you built with us through the Color PAC process can all add to your turnaround time.
• Your shipping method—the earlier in the day your film gets to the lab, the faster we can get it into production. Film received later in the day may not be processed until the next business day. We recommend Priority Shipping with FedEx.

See this link for more information for up-to-date production times.

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at RichardPhotoLab?

The process to order development of a disposable camera at RichardPhotoLab.com is very easy using the online form to complete the ordering process.

To Order Development at RichardPhotoLab.com

1. Go the services web page of the RichardPhotoLab.com website and click on the format of film you want to process
2. Choose your film size (disposable camera), film type (color or black & white), digital image size for scans, any add ons, if you want push/pull services, prints, and quantity
3. Review your order and click “ADD TO CART”. This will take you to your cart where you can see what is in your order card and choose if you want to continue shopping or checkout. Here you can also use their tool to purchase a printable shipping label to their facility using UPS Ground or FedEX Ground (both run about $12.99) along with other faster shipping options. However, I recommend using USPS first class package service for a better price.
4. Print your shipping label (I recommend USPS first class package service if under 1 lb for the best price) and tape it to a padded mailing envelope or small box with your cameras / film and order form inside. They recommend using a plastic mailer that does not rip easily as well as putting your film in a heavy duty ziplock bag if processing multiple cameras / rolls to protect it from water or other things.
5. Drop off your camera / film at any post office or mailbox

Once your order is received and processed (about 4 – 7 working days for your disposable camera / film to process), you will also receive an email with a link to download your digital scans of your negatives in once file as a zip file. They will then send your negatives back to you and you should receive them in about a week.

Does RichardPhotoLab.com Offer Prints?

Yes, at the time of writing, RichardPhotoLab.com charges around $6 for a set of 4×6 inch, 5×7 inch, or 5 x 5 inch prints at the time of processing. The prints can be on Fujifilm lustre or Fujifilm matt finishes and come with either no border, 1/4″ border, or a 1/2″ border.

See more information about prices and options on their website.

What Scan Resolutions Can RichardPhotoLab.com Do For Disposable Cameras?

At RichardPhotoLab.com the lowest “Web” resolution scan is included with the overall price but you can get upgraded “Universal Scans (Medium)” scans of your negatives with a higher resolution for $3 more per roll or “Large Project Scans” for $8 more. All scans are delivered in JPEG format scanned at 300 dpi (dots per inch) unless you choose a custom drum or flatbed scanner option, then it will can be a .tiff file be request.

6. Process One

Process One Photo located in Overland Park, Kansas. and have offered quality photo prints and developing filmsince 1984. They pride themselves on the quality of their work as well as their friendly customer service. They also give back to our Kansas City area community by supporting local arts organizations, civic causes and charitable organizations. Film processing is done by using a printable order form available on their website. See this article for tips on how to safely and securely mail film to Process One Photo.

Pros and Cons for Developing Disposable Film Cameras At Process One Photo

Pros:

• Website is very easy to navigate overall with a lot of useful information and prices are easy to find
• Very friendly customer service with a real phone number to call
• Scans are in JPEG format and delivered by either a DVD / USB or to your email with a dropbox link for download and viewing
• Relatively short processing times
• If the entire roll is blank they will only charge for the film processing at not charge for scans
• Push services for film available for no extra cost
• Can save money by dropping off and picking up film from the facility if you live in the area
• Scanning film is cheaper when you order prints as well
• We’ll recycle your disposable cameras.

Cons:

• Have to pay to mail in your film to the facility (I recommend using USPS first class package service if under 1 lb).
• Payment is only available using a printable form (located on their website) and no online ordering system for paying for film processing. However, you can use paypal to pay.
• High Resolutions Scans are $10 per frame which is the most expensive on the list

How much does Process One Photo charge to develop disposable cameras?

At the time of writing, Process One Photo charges around $18.97 (plus tax) to develop a disposable camera loaded with color or black & white film film including scans ($12.98 + $5.99 or more depending on your location).

ProcessOnePhoto.com includes scans with your film camera development but you can get upgraded scans of your negatives with a higher resolution scans for $10 per frame. They will also look at each film frame not matter what level of scan and make corrections as needed.All scans are delivered in JPEG format but can be delivered as a .tiff file, if requested. ProcessOnePhoto.com will send you an email with a dropbox link to your images for quick viewing and downloading which will be accessible up to 30 days.

ProcessOnePhoto.com also offers development of disposable film cameras without scans for around $10.98 for both color and black & white film ($4.99 + $5.99 or more depending on your location). This option is one of the cheaper options on the list for development of a disposable camera only.

The online lab also offers discount for bulk processing orders, which is below:

How long does it take to develop a disposable camera at Process One Photo?

The average turnaround time at ProcessOnePhoto.com is 3 – 5 days once they receive your film for your disposable camera / film to be processed, negatives scanned, and digital files sent to your email via a link from dropbox. It also takes about a week for you to receive your negatives back in the mail.

Rush film processing is available but 100% rush charge will apply.

See this link for more information for up-to-date production times.

How To Get A Disposable Film Camera Developed at Process One Photo?

The process to order development of a disposable camera at ProcessOnePhoto.com is very easy. It starts by printing and filling out their printable form from their website, putting your film in a ziplock bag and placing it and your order form in a padded envelope or box, purchasing shipping (I recommend USPS first class package service if under 1 lb), placing the shipping label on your package, and mailing it in. Return shipping of negatives and/or prints usually runs between $4.95 and $6.95 on orders (most of the time it averages $5.99).

ProcessOnePhoto.com accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover and PayPal to pay for your order. You will need to enter your credit card payment information on the printable order form or choose the PayPal option using your paypal email address.If you select the PayPal option, they will email an invoice through PayPal which you can then pay online.

See this webpage on ProcessOnePhoto.com for more information.

Does ProcessOnePhoto.com Offer Prints?

Yes, in addition to prints at the time of processing film, Process One Photo offers printing services of all types on their website. They charge $.40 each for the first set of 4×6 inch prints and $.20 each for the second set. They also charge $.75 each for 5×7 inch prints. You can choose between glossy or matte, with borders or borderless and the each print is inspected for correct color.

See this webpage for more information about prices and options.

What Scan Resolutions Can Process One Photo Do For Disposable Cameras?

At Process One Photo the standard resolution scan is included with the overall price but you can get upgraded High Resolution scans of your negatives for $10 per frame. All scans are delivered in JPEG format scanned at 72 dpi (or a .tiff file by request) through dropbox by a link to your email for viewing and downloading at no additional cost.

In Summary

While there are many places online to get your disposable film camera developed but with varying prices, services and quality it ultimately depends on what you value.

If you only cared about the price and didn’t care about the quality of the scans, now long it took to get my images back, or getting my negatives back, than Walmart would be a good option since there is one probably close by. If, on the the other hand, you want to get your negatives back, want a decent scans of your negatives, than I recommend either Dwayne’s Photo or Process One, or The Darkroom because of their quality service, fairly quick turnaround, and overall cost.

Of course, another option that hasn’t yet been discussed is developing disposable cameras at home. While the upfront cost of developing film at home involves getting the necessary chemicals and equipment is more than getting your film developed at an online film lab like Dwayne’s Photo or The Darkroom. however the high dupfront cost will pay off in the long run. For example, once you purchasewhat you need to develop black & white film at home(around $146), you can develop 84 rolls of film before you need to replenish the chemicals. This works out to be about $2 per film roll.

For more specific information about developing film at home read this article I wrote on what you need andhow to develop black & white film at homeor this article I wrote abouthow to develop color film at home.