Believe it or not, some people are still using film cameras despite there being digital cameras that are easier and more convenient to use.
The challenge facing most of these people is getting filmed developed. Luckily though, there are still a few shops around that offer this service.
If you’re looking at developing film at a store near you, then Walmart might be an option for you.
Let’s have a look at this in more detail.
Table of Contents
Does Walmart Develop Film?
Yes, Walmart develops 35mm color and black & white film at the Walmart Photo Center. This includes film used inside conventional film cameras as well as disposable cameras. Please note though that not all Walmart stores offer this service so it is best to phone your local store before heading there to drop off the film. If your local Walmart store has a Photo Center, then you can simply drop off your film together with an order form.
Be sure to indicate on the order form that you would like to have your negatives returned if you need them in the future.
How Much Does It Cost To Develop Film At Walmart?
Developing film at Walmart will cost you anything from $8 to $19, and in fact, it is the cheapest option when compared to Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.
Please see the pricing table below for a quick breakdown:
| Exposures | Single Prints | Double Prints |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | $8 | $10 |
| 24 | $10 | $13 |
| 27 | $11 | $15 |
| 36 | $14 | $19 |
How Long Does It Take To Get Film Developed At Walmart?
It does take a long time to develop film and you can expect to wait for anything from 2 to 3 weeks to get your prints. This is much longer when compared to other stores such as Walgreens and CVS. So, if you are on a tight deadline, Walmart might not be the best option for you.
Does Walmart Develop Film Well?
Unfortunately, the prints that you get from Walmart are not of the best quality. In addition to this, the prints that you get back are sometimes gloss and other times mat. The sub-standard quality of prints is the main reason people don’t get film developed at Walmart.
That said, if you don’t really care about the quality, and you’re on a tight budget, then you can give Walmart a try. Walmart will not return your negatives unless you specifically ask for them, so please make a note to request this when dropping off your film.
Does 35mm Film Expire?
Yes, 35mm film does expire 2 to 3 years after it has been manufactured, so it is best to make use of it before then. It is worth noting that color film will show signs of expiration before black and white film.
What Happens If You Don’t Develop Film?
As mentioned above, film will expire after 2 to 3 years and if you don’t develop film until this deadline is reached, then it will start to become foggy and dull, and the colors will start to fade. So, as you can see, it is best to have it developed as soon as you can.
Should I Put Film In The Fridge?
If you need to store color film for longer than 6 months, then you should consider storing it in a fridge. Black and white film, however, can safely be stored at room temperature. If you can, try to store the film in its original packaging.
Conclusion
As you can see, Walmart does develop film at a very reasonable price. However, if you expect high-quality prints then you might be disappointed. Despite the affordable costs of getting film developed at Walmart, the prints that you get are not the best quality.
If you’re looking for high-quality prints, then CVS will be a better option for you. They are more expensive, but the print quality is great and their turnaround time is quick.
