6 Film Labs In KL To Develop & Scan Your Vibey, Analogue Rolls

Film labs to develop photos in KL

Digicams and older phone models may be making their comeback with younger generation shutterbugs, but when it comes to timeless images, it’s hard to beat the allure of analogue film. Like the clickety-clack of typewriters and the scratches on vinyl records, film photography just hits differently.

Given the nature of film processing and the impracticality of developing film rolls at home, it’s hard to ignore the importance of having a good local film lab at your disposal. Hence, we rounded up these trusty 6 film labs in KL where you can develop your photos to finally see how those photos in the film roll you’ve been carrying around turned out.

What are the types of film rolls?

Like film cameras, there are several options of film rolls to choose from. To make it easier for beginners to navigate the world of analogue film, we’ve hashed out some of the most common ones used by contemporary film photographers:

Colour Negative Film

Image credit: @daylyfilmmood via Instagram

A good film roll for beginners to start with is Colour Negative film, which also goes by its standardised developing process name, C-41. It’s the most used film roll variety, with relatively cheap options available and stunning results.

Colour Transparency Film

Image credit: @lynne_warberg via Instagram

Colour Transparency film is also known as a slide film, or colour reversal film. The difference from colour negative film: the result of a transparency film is a correct positive image. While they may lack the exposure latitude that C-41 has, transparency films produce images that are sharper, less grainy, and more vivid, making them the preferred film choice for film enthusiasts chasing that classic National Geographic look.

Black & White Film

Image credit: @maxbe.etal via Instagram

Though Black & White films are rarely the first choice of film for newbies, these film rolls can churn out poetic and moody photographs that are both timeless and intriguing. It allows beginners to focus on basic techniques of capturing light and shadow.

Can I get my film scanned digitally?

Almost all film labs in Malaysia will develop and scan your film rolls as a bundled service. The process involves developing the film rolls and then scanning and converting them into digital files. You’ll receive the files via a download link on WhatsApp, Google Drive, or email.

If you want hard copies, this is usually at an additional cost – you may have to drop by a photo studio to get your film shots printed.

– Where to develop film in KL –

1. Darkroom8

Image credit: @darkroom8studio via Instagram

Darkroom8 is a top choice among shutterbugs in the city who are looking to send in their films to be processed with consistently sharp and vibrant results. The lab has regulars not just from Malaysia, but also from countries like Singapore and India. Patrons can conveniently courier their film rolls over and receive digital images through a WeTransfer link.

If you’re a local, they have film roll drop-off spots around the country beyond their physical store, at Spark Optics in Georgetown, The Coffee Jar in Melaka, and Filmgazing in Puchong. As for turnaround times, expect to receive your digital photos on the same day, typically within 4 hours.

Address: 62, Jalan Galian, Taman Miharja, 55200, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: Darkroom8 website | Instagram

2. Film Lab

Image credit: Film Lab

Film Lab is another go-to film processing expert in the city. You can mail your film rolls directly to them to be developed and scanned, with the process of sending over your film rolls, making a payment, receiving a download link, and having your negatives returned just clicks away on their website.

The lab also does same-day develops and scans for drop-offs before 2pm, with the exception of work on Black & White Negatives, which take 3-5 working days to complete. If you want to hold on to your negatives, you can pick them up from their store at no additional charge or opt for delivery with postage from RM10.

Address: Lot 9, Jalan 2/118B, Desa Tun Razak 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-5pm | Sat 9.30am-12.30pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-931 5270 | Film Lab website

3. Saujana Film Lab

Image credit: @saujanafilmlab via Instagram

They’ve racked up numerous 5-star reviews on Google, but Saujana Film Lab is most often praised for their top-notch service and short waiting times. They guarantee to return C-41 colour photos to you in under an hour – perfect for those who can’t wait to see how their analogue snaps turned out.

It’s a quick 1-day turnaround for black and white and ECN2 develops too. They also offer cheaper rates of RM10 if you’re coming by to just develop your films or opt for scans only.

Address: 16, Lorong 1/77a, lmbi, 2nd Floor, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 11am-8pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: 011-5934 8334 | Saujana Film Labs Instagram

4. Zontiga

Image credit: @the_lefty_barber via Instagram

Zontiga stands as a go-to for the film shutterbugs in Taman Paramount and beyond. The shop prides itself on using only Fujifilm chemicals to process C-41 photos, and having a convenient 24-hour drop-box at their PJ location, and one at KL’s GMBB.

All you have to do is fill in an order form after scanning a QR code, label your film rolls with your details, and place your rolls in the drop-box. You’ll receive payment details once they’ve processed your film rolls.

Image credit: Zontiga

Zontiga also scans their negatives in high resolution. Photo files are sent over WeTransfer in approximately 4000×6000 pixels, with each file size ranging between 3-5mb. The turnaround time for their services is around 7 days.

If you want to develop and have hard copies of your photos, you can hit two birds with one stone here. They offer professional standard lab prints on Fujifilm photo paper, in 4R (RM2/print), 6R (RM6/print), and 8R (from RM12/print) sizes.

Petaling Jaya branch
Address: 21A, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon & Tue 12pm-6pm | Fri 12pm-10pm | Sat & Sun 12pm-7pm

Kuala Lumpur branch
Address: GM-2-29, Level 2, GMBB, No.2, Jalan Robertson, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm-7pm

Zontiga website

5. Central Photo Inn

Image credit: Central Market

Central Photo Inn, also known among locals simply as Kodak Express, is an oldie but a goodie. This old-school camera shop has been around since 1986, operating inside KL’s bustling Central Market.

Its location makes it a convenient spot to pop by, especially if you’re not residing in KL. They can develop and scan your film rolls for RM30, and deliver the photos straight to your WhatsApp or Google Drive, even if you’re no longer in the city. Turnaround time is around 5 working days here.

Address: Shop 35, Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 010-203 2962

6. FilmNeverDie

Image credit: @filmneverdie.asia via Instagram

FilmNeverDie originates from Melbourne, and is helmed by a group of film enthusiasts with a strong passion for photography. They may be based in Johor, but they accept mail-in film developing and scanning orders for a variety of film formats. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of courier services, they have several drop-off points in KL too, at White Land Cafe, Andd Moments, and ParcelHub Cheras.

Image credit: @filmneverdie.asia via Instagram

Once they’ve processed your films, you’ll receive a payment link via email and a choice to keep or dispose of your negatives. Postback fees are RM10 for those in Peninsular Malaysia, and RM20 for East Malaysia. Colour C41 films are processed within 2-4 working days and Black & White within 5-7 days.

Address: 11, Jalan Jenang, Kampung Pegawai, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 014-619 7916 | FilmNeverDie website

Where to develop film in KL

Film photography is seeing a revival, and it does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Though digital photography is undoubtedly much more convenient, shooting with film allows you to capture moments with more intentionality, challenge your creativity, and birth sublime photographs that are satisfyingly timeless.

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Cover image adapted from: @darkroom8studio via Instagram, Leo Jh via Google Reviews