Where to Develop Film in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban

Where to Develop Film in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban


Finding a reliable place to develop film in South Africa can be challenging, as not all labs are well-marketed, and turnaround times can sometimes exceed expectations. To make your journey as a film photographer smoother, we’ve curated a list of trusted locations across South Africa’s three major cities—Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban—where you can have your precious rolls developed with confidence.

 

Where to Develop Film in Johannesburg

 

  1. RGB Pixel Lab


RGB Pixel Lab, a family-owned business nestled in the vibrant Linden area, has gained a stellar reputation for its efficient, high-quality film development and scanning services. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, you’ll appreciate their friendly customer service and reasonable pricing. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including film development, scanning, and printing, all with a fast turnaround.

 

2. FotoFirst Cresta


While many FotoFirst branches can develop film, the Cresta location stands out for its quicker processing time of 1-4 days, compared to the 2-3 weeks at other branches. Known for its excellent customer service, this branch is ideal for photographers who need their film developed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality.


3. Alternative Print Workshop

  • Location: Parkside Centre, cnr Ostrich &, Parrot St, Bromhof, Randburg, 2154 
  • Telephone : 082 450 8489


The Alternative Print Workshop is another fantastic option for those looking for specialized printing and development services. Their focus on creative film processing makes them a go-to for experimental photographers.


Where to Develop Film in Cape Town


 1. Cape Film Supply


Cape Film Supply is a household name in the South African film photography community. With a reputation for swift turnaround times and a wide range of services, this lab is trusted by photographers across the country. Whether you're based in Bloemfontein, Pietermaritzburg, or Johannesburg, Cape Film Supply offers postal services to ensure your film is processed and returned to you promptly.


2. Orms Print Room

  • Location: 66 Roeland Street, Cape Town, 8000
  • Contact: 021 469 1987


Orms has been a leader in the South African photography industry for over 21 years. Known for its team of passionate and knowledgeable photography specialists, Orms provides film development, scanning, and printing services to meet both professional and hobbyist needs. Their staff offers expert advice, ensuring your photos are developed with the utmost care and precision.

3. Beneaway Photo

  • Location: 2 Hans Strijdom Avenue, Cape Town, 8001
  • Contact: 087 379 7255

 

Established at the turn of the millennium, Beneaway Photo has become a staple in Cape Town’s film photography scene. Located in the bustling city center, they’ve processed thousands of film rolls and expanded their services to include digital printing. Known for supporting local embassies and travelers with their photographic documentation, Beneaway continues to evolve while maintaining the nostalgic art of film development.


Where to Develop Film in Durban


1. FotoFirst – City View Centre

 

Located in the City View Centre, this FotoFirst branch offers reliable film development services with a focus on quick turnaround times and excellent customer service. Ideal for those in central Durban.


1. Fotomax

Fotomax is another trusted option for film development in Durban, providing a range of services from traditional film processing to more modern digital printing solutions. Their friendly staff and commitment to quality make them a top choice for photographers in the area.



In this blog post, we’ve covered the best places to develop film in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Whether you’re a local photographer or visiting one of these vibrant cities, these labs offer reliable, high-quality film processing that you can trust.

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