Where Can I Go to Develop my Disposable Camera?
There are actually a lot of options out there for developing disposable cameras. This blog post takes a look at those options and gives you an idea of what to look for when its time to develop your disposable cameras.
Finding a lab to develop your disposable camera can be stressful! Back before I was really into photography and way before I owned my own photo lab, I can remember worrying about just dropping my disposable camera from my latest adventures as a teen living in the 90’s in an envelope and leaving it with some 16 year old at the Walmart or CVS to develop. There’s a lot of stress and anxiety associated with trusting your memories to someone who doesn’t necessarily look like they care about their job.
But it doesn’t have to that stressful! There are a lot of labs and options out there that are professional and have great customer service! You just need to find the option that works best for you. That’s what this blog post is all about, giving you an idea of what options exist for getting your disposable camera / single use camera / throwaway camera developed!
The good news is that developing disposable cameras is a straightforward process, as they contain standard film that can be processed by most film-developing services. When choosing a service, consider factors such as cost, scan quality, print options, and whether negatives are returned.
Online Film Developing Services
Online mail-in services offer convenience and often provide higher-quality scans and prints. Here are some reputable options:
Shutter Junkies Photo Lab: Specializing in disposable cameras, Shutter Junkies offers processing and higher-resolution scans starting at $12. Prints can be ordered separately, and negatives are returned.
The Darkroom: A large online film lab with services starting at $16. They provide various scan sizes and return negatives.
Local Retailers Offering Film Development
Several national retailers provide film developing services for disposable cameras:
CVS Photo: Drop off your disposable camera at any CVS location; prints are typically ready in 7-10 days.
Walgreens Photo: Offers film roll processing with options for prints from disposable cameras.
Walmart Photo: Provides processing for disposable cameras, with prints available for pickup in approximately 6 days.
Considerations When Choosing a Service
Price: Compare costs, including any additional fees for scans or prints.
Scan Quality: Higher-resolution scans are preferable for printing and archiving.
Print Options: Determine if prints are included or if they can be ordered separately.
Negatives: Check if the service returns your negatives for future use.
By evaluating these factors, you can select a film-developing service that best fits your needs, ensuring your disposable camera photos are processed to your satisfaction.
Of course, we’d love to develop your disposable camera for you! You can always head over to our Film Developing Page to find out more. Or send us an email at info@shutterjunkies.org if you have any questions! Even if you don’t choose to send your cameras in to us for processing, we’d be happy to help you find the right lab for you!
Do Airport X-Rays Harm 35mm Film?
Do Airport X-Rays Damage 35mm Film? You might be surprised by the answer!
Yes unfortunately they do. We, at Shutter Junkies develop hundreds of rolls of film each day and have noticed damage on certain rolls of film that came from people who had obviously been traveling. We reached out to another company that builds up throwaway cameras from recycled disposables and they agreed with us. The good people at CustomCameraCollection have seen a lot of damage from x-rays at airports. With over 25 years in the disposable camera industry, we have learned a lot, and they wanted to help us pass on the information to the public.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises the following regarding film in disposable cameras.
Never place undeveloped film (disposable cameras) in checked baggage. Security equipment used for screening checked baggage will damage undeveloped film.
Place film in your carry-on baggage and request a hand inspection. You may be required to open the box, canister, or wrapper so a Security Officer can inspect it.
Carry-on baggage X-ray equipment also damages film, but it's a cumulative damage – a minor amount of damage each time it's X-rayed. The more times film is X-rayed, the more damage. Never allow the disposable camera to be X-rayed more than 5 times. It is preferable to prevent any X-raying at all.
The higher speed film, such as 800 speed, should NEVER be placed in checked baggage nor should it be processed through carry-on baggage X-rays. 800 speed film should always be hand-inspected.
Security personnel are required to heed your request to hand-check film in the U.S., and the inconvenience is minor.
When traveling to international locations it is recommended that you check their policies regarding film (disposable cameras) and hand-checking since their policies may differ from those at U.S. airports.
2025 Update
In recent months, many traveling film photographers have been refused hand checks for any film less than 800 ISO. The refusals have been inconsistent, some airports are happy to hand check all film and some are very strict and look at the ISO rating for each roll. But as stated above, x-ray damage is cumulative even on rolls rater less that ISO 800. So what are some solutions to this problem?
Relabel Your Film Rolls
A clever Redditor posted pictures of custom labels they had printed for their film rolls just in case. All of which were labeled ISO 800. Each label was affixed to the roll and then upon request, the TSA agent would have to hand check the rolls since they were all above the 800 ISO threshold.
Call Ahead and Speak with TSA Agents at the Airport You’re Traveling From
Many photographers have stated that they were able to call ahead and ask about the hand-check situation at various airports and have mostly gotten accurate information. They were then able to make other plans.
Buy Your Film at the Place Your Traveling To
Another option is to check the location you’re traveling to and find a local store that sells film. Once shot, you can go ahead and purchase processing and mail it from your destination to the photo lab. At Shutter Junkies, we got several rolls of film each week that have been mailed to us from various locations to avoid the x-ray machines at the TSA.
Conclusion
Damage from X-Rays is a real problem and can absolutely ruin your photos! Disposable cameras and very susceptible to this damage as they come loaded with 800 ISO film so you definitely want to take precautions before packing your throwaway cameras for a trip. But with a little bit of planning you can still take some amazing photos of your destination and avoid damage from airport scanning machines.
Where do I get Disposable Cameras Developed?
You’ve got options when it comes to disposable camera developing. Depending on your needs you can select from local shops, big box stores, and mail-in photo labs.
Last Updated: December 9, 2024
Even in 2025, disposable cameras are still so much fun to use and the photos turn out so great. But when the last picture is taken - where do you go to get a disposable camera developed? Most people end up just throwing their cameras in a draw for a few moths, or a few years, and some just never get them developed at all. How tragic is that!! In this blog post, we are going to focus on help you getting those images out of that camera and on to your phone, social media, or printed and in your photo album!
The good news is that a disposable camera is really just a plastic camera with a roll of film inside. Any place that can develop film can develop your disposable camera. There are a lot of options to get your disposable camera developed. There are few things to consider however when looking at your options, especially if you’re looking for the cheapest place to develop disposable cameras. Here’s a list of things you should check on before entrusting your images to someone.
The Price and what it includes
The Scans (what resolution and how are they delivered)
The Prints (are prints included and can you order prints after you get your images back)
The Negatives (do you get your negatives back or does the store dispose of them after scanning)
Where can I get my disposable camera developed online?
There are a lot of great places to get your disposable camera developed online. Typically, these photo labs are referred to as Mail-In, most offer great pricing and a relatively quick turn around, often times not much more than it takes to go through a local big-box retailer. Most online film processing companies offer more options and a better value for your money. Here are a few of my favorites:
Shutter Junkies Photo Lab - The Disposable Camera Experts
Total cost - $12 to $27 per Disposable Camera
Shutter Junkies specializes in Disposable Camera developing (also known as Single Use Cameras) For $12, we will process and scan your images in a higher resolution. You can purchase 4x6 prints at the time of your purchase for an additional $12. But if you would rather wait and see how your images turn out before you order prints, you can easily order them from your online gallery and have them delivered right to your door! Negatives are returned to you also!
A Lab Dedicated to Disposable Cameras, Single-Use, and Simple-Use Cameras
Only $12 for our Basic scan size
We return your negatives to you so you can scan and print from them as much as you like in the future
Shutter Junkies is a small business photo lab that focuses on quality and customer service. While we do develop all types of film, we work mostly with disposable cameras. Old disposable cameras are not a problem for us either. Underwater disposable cameras are also something we work with regularly. We can also handle any brand of disposable camera, from Kodak disposables to Fuji disposables. If it’s a disposable or a single-use or simple-use camera, we can develop it!
If you’re looking for great customer service and a personal touch, we’re the lab for you! Click the button below to order processing for your disposable camera!
The Darkroom
Total cost - $16 to $32 per Disposable Camera
The Darkroom is the largest online film lab and while they do develop disposable cameras, it isn’t their main focus. Their pricing starts at $15 and they will return your negatives to you. Here’s what you get as part of the basic package at The Darkroom:
Small Scans (good for web usage only) are included
Medium Scans (small prints only) add $3
Large Scans (large prints and good for archiving) add $8
Color Prints (4x6) add $9
Negatives returned
If you are going to use the Darkroom I would advise spending the extra $8 to get the large scans so you can print them on your own. There are also options for your prints such as borders and glossy or matte finish. The Darkroom does recycle your disposable camera as well. Click here to check out their page and get more information.
Richard Photo Lab
Total cost - $22 to $32 per Disposable Camera
Richard Photo Lab is another great lab that caters more to professionals. They have a lot of really detailed options to choose from, which can be a little overwhelming for some customers.
The prices are Richard Photo Lab are really reasonable and the quality of their work is amazing. Developing a roll of 35mm c-41 film is $10. From there, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Here’s a pricing breakdown:
Developing Only - $10
Small Scans (good for web usage only) add $12.98 ($22.98 Total)
Medium Scans (small prints only) add $14.98 ($24.98 Total)
Large Scans (large prints and good for archiving) add $21.98 ($31.98 Total)
Color Prints (4x6) add $5.40
Negatives returned
You’ve also got options to push and pull your film (over or underdevelop) and you can choose if you want your negatives cut or returned in a roll. Check out Richard Photo Lab by CLICKING HERE!
Process One
Total cost - $10 to $22 per Disposable Camera
Process one is another great lab with really great rates! Developing your Disposable camera starts at $4.99 per roll and 4x6 prints can be added for $0.40 each. Digital scans are all an additional $4.99. Process One’s options are a little more compartmentalized when it comes to ordering, but if you’re shopping for something very specific or aren’t concerned with scans, they are a good option to consider!
MPIX
Total cost - $14 and up per Disposable Camera
While MPIX primarily works as a photo prints business, they do develop 35mm film and scan as well. For $13.95, MPIX will develop your disposable camera, scan it, and upload your images to an online gallery. There’s an option to get advanced scans also for an additional fee. MPIX also returns your negatives, which is a plus.
What’s the Process for Developing my Disposable Camera online?
While there are several different online photo labs you can choose from, the process for each is almost the same. Here’s how to develop your disposable camera online:
Purchase developing from the companies website.
Mail in your film to the specified address - usually instructions are included when you purchase processing and will be emailed to you. If you’re worried about your film, make sure and get a tracking number so you can make sure it arrives safely. We recommend using USPS Ground Advantage as it is the most affordable way to ship with a tracking number, but you might want to check with the lab you are mailing you cameras into to see what works for them.
Wait…. This is the hard part. Most labs do not email you to confirm that you order has arrived, but Shutter Junkies will send you an email to let you know that your order has arrived and is ready for processing. The wait time to get your film back can vary for a lot of reasons, but normally it takes between 2 to 6 weeks to get your film back from an online photo lab.
Check your email! Once your images are developed almost all online film labs will send you an email with the link to your online gallery. Usually a tracking number is also mailed out for prints.
Check your mail for your prints order!
Where Can I get My Disposable Camera Developed Near Me?
If you’re looking for some place local to get your film developed, there are plenty of options out there and one of these stores is probably close to you. Know what you’re wanting when you go in and ask questions if they do not have information posted about packages and pricing. You definitely need to ask if you will get your negatives back. Negatives are your originals and you can actually scan and print from them infinitely. As a professional, I always want my negatives back and I avoid certain stores because they do not return your negatives. If the negatives aren’t really important to you, then this won’t be an issue.
Here are some stores that have locations nation-wide that you can visit to get your film developed
Develop Disposable Cameras at Walmart
Walmart does still develop disposable cameras. You’ll have to drop off your cameras at the store and wait for the digital images to be emailed to you later. Walmart does not return your negatives to you, so you’ll just receive the scanned images in digital format for download from their site.
Once you arrive at your local Walmart, you’ll need to make your way to the electronics section. Disposable camera developing is something not everyone in the store knows how to do so you’ll need to find an electronics associate to help you. They can take down your information and take your camera from you. When your prints are ready, you’ll pick them up in the same location.
Cost to Develop Disposable Camera at Walmart
Walmart charges around $10.96 to develop a disposable camera with 27 exposures, which includes 4x6 prints. You can also select double prints for an additional fee. Walmarts pricing model is based on the number of exposures rather than a fee for processing like most other labs charge.
Develop Disposable Cameras at CVS
CVS is a very familiar and convenient stop for many! If CVS is a regular stop for you, then dropping your disposable camera off at CVS might be your best option. CVS develops color disposable cameras and color 35mm film. They do not return your negatives but the will upload your images to an online gallery for you and you’ll receive a set of prints.
Once you arrive at the store, you’ll need to make your way to the photo center. At our local CVS, there is almost never anyone even near the photo center, but usually if you just find an employee either they can help you or they can find someone who can.
Cost to Develop Disposable Cameras at CVS
CVS uses a similar method as Walmart and charges you according to the exposures on the camera. Since most disposable cameras have 27 exposures, the cost to develop is $14.99. This price includes a set of 4x6” prints and you’ll receive digital copies of your images in an online gallery. CVS does not return your negatives and often times they are quite slow to return your images to you. Their website advertises that it only takes 7 days to get your disposable camera images back, but many of our customers have reported that it often takes 2 to 4 weeks.
|
Store |
Website |
Price Per Camera |
Scans Included |
Digital Delivery |
Prints Included |
Negatives Returned |
|
Walmart |
$10.96 |
Yes |
CD |
Yes |
No |
|
|
CVS |
$14.99 |
Yes |
CD, DVD, Or USB |
Yes |
No |
|
|
Walgreens |
$15.99 |
Yes |
CD |
No |
No |
2025 Update on Using Big Chain Stores…
Since the beginning of 2021, I have been getting reports of ridiculously long lead times to get your film returned to you by both CVS and Walgreens. I’ve been hearing the prices are as high as $25 per camera and 12 weeks weeks to get your images back. CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart have also started using a 3rd party company to process their film, which means when you drop your film off, it gets shipped somewhere else. We’ve had many customers send us their disposable cameras and tell us that CVS and Walgreens just flat out refused to develop them. Save yourself lots of time and money and head over to our website and GET YOUR CAMERA DEVELOPED FOR LESS!
Several larger cities have film developing labs locally, a simple Google search will help you to locate any labs that might be nearby.
Don’t let those disposables just sit around!
There are a lot of great options out there for developing your disposable cameras! But letting them sit around can be a bad idea. Kodak and Fuji recommend getting your disposable cameras developed immediately after exposure. If you keep them in the fridge after using them, you could possibly wait up to 6 months, but the images will begin to deteriorate the longer they are not developed. If you’re wondering if you can develop old disposable cameras, then CLICK HERE to check out my article on the topic to get more information.
If you need more information about disposable cameras, like where to buy disposable cameras or which disposable camera is the best, check out our blog post with everything you need to know about disposable cameras by clicking HERE!