Do Airport X-Rays Harm 35mm Film?
Do Airport X-Rays Damage 35mm Film? You might be surprised by the answer!
Yes, say the experts from CustomCameraCollection. With over 25 years in the disposable camera industry, we have learned a lot, and want to 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
Where do I get Disposable Cameras Developed?
Where can I go to get my disposable camera developed? Who’s the cheapest, who has the best quality?
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. 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 under develop) 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 a list of stores that have locations nation-wide that you can visit to get your film developed:
|
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 |
2024 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!