Melbourne has one of Australia's most active film photography scenes, and the city's lab options reflect it. With 12 labs across the metro area — from the CBD and South Melbourne to Brunswick and Thornbury — there's a lab for every workflow whether you're shooting colour negative, black and white, or slide film.
Prices for C-41 develop and scan start from A$13.50/roll, with most labs sitting in the A$16–$21 range. Turnaround varies from same-day to about a week depending on the lab and film type. Below is a detailed look at the top film labs currently operating in Melbourne.
Our Top Pick
Irohas Photo Film Lab
⭐ 4.9
📍 Melbourne
💰 From A$17/roll (C-41 dev+scan) · Hi-Res Default
🎞 C-41 · B&W · E-6 · 120
Irohas is the lab most Melbourne film photographers reach for first — and the pricing explains why. At A$17/roll, their C-41 bundle includes hi-res scanning as standard, while most competitors charge A$13–$20 for standard scans and then add extra for hi-res. With a 4.9-star rating, same-day C-41 processing, and support for B&W and E-6, it combines price, speed, and quality that no other Melbourne lab matches. The hi-res default means you never have to wonder whether you're getting the full resolution from your negatives.
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More Melbourne Film Labs
FilmNeverDie
⭐ 4.8
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$13.50/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
The most affordable lab in Melbourne at A$13.50/roll for C-41 develop and scan. FilmNeverDie has built a strong reputation in the community with a 4.8 rating and offers both standard and hi-res scan options. They also run a popular online store for film stock and accessories, making them a one-stop shop for analogue photographers.
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Open Lab
⭐ 5.0
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$17/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · E-6 · 120
A perfect 5.0-star rating makes Open Lab one of Melbourne's highest-rated film labs. At A$17/roll with both standard and hi-res scan options, they offer strong value. They handle the full range of processes including C-41, B&W, and E-6 slide film, plus 120 medium format.
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FSTOP8 FILMLAB
⭐ 5.0
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$17/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
Another perfect 5.0-star lab, FSTOP8 matches Irohas on price at A$17/roll for C-41 develop and scan. They focus on delivering clean, consistent scans and have earned a loyal following among Melbourne's film community. Standard scan resolution included in the base price.
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Good Time Film Lab
⭐ 5.0
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$16/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
Good Time Film Lab rounds out Melbourne's trio of 5.0-star labs and undercuts most on price at just A$16/roll for C-41 develop and scan. A smaller, community-focused operation that delivers reliable results with a personal touch. Standard scan resolution at the base price.
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Hillvale Photo
⭐ 4.9
📍 Brunswick
💰 A$19/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
A Brunswick institution, Hillvale has been a favourite among Melbourne's inner-north film community for years. At A$19/roll with both standard and hi-res scan options, they combine quality processing with a welcoming shop atmosphere. They also stock a curated range of film and darkroom supplies.
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Ikigai Film Lab
⭐ 4.9
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$18/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
Ikigai Film Lab brings a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to film processing. With a 4.9-star rating and A$18/roll for C-41 develop and scan, they sit in the mid-range on price while delivering consistently high scan quality. Standard resolution scans are included at the base price.
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Halide Supply
⭐ 4.8
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$18/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · E-6 · 120
More than just a lab, Halide Supply is a hub for Melbourne's film community. They stock a curated selection of film, cameras, and accessories alongside their developing services. At A$18/roll with a 4.8 rating, they handle C-41, B&W, and E-6 slide film. A great spot to browse gear and drop off rolls at the same time.
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Photo Barn
⭐ 4.8
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$20.95/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
Photo Barn offers reliable same-day service for C-41 and B&W with a 4.8-star rating. At A$20.95/roll they sit at the higher end of Melbourne's price range, but their commitment to quality and efficient turnaround makes them a popular choice for photographers who want dependable results. Standard scan resolution included.
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WALKENS House of Film
⭐ 4.7
📍 South Melbourne
💰 A$16/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · E-6 · 120
Located in South Melbourne, WALKENS is a dedicated film lab and shop with a 4.7-star rating. At A$16/roll they offer competitive pricing with both standard and hi-res scan tiers available. They handle C-41, B&W, and E-6 slide film, and the shop stocks a range of film and analogue photography gear.
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Photobee
⭐ 4.6
📍 Melbourne
💰 A$20/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · 120
Photobee offers C-41 and B&W processing at A$20/roll with both standard and hi-res scan options. With a 4.6-star rating they deliver solid, consistent results. A good option if you're looking for a lab with flexible scan resolution choices.
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Vanbar Imaging Thornbury
⭐ 4.3
📍 Thornbury
💰 A$14.91/roll · 🎞 C-41 · B&W · E-6 · 120
Vanbar is a well-known name in Australian photography retail, and their Thornbury location offers film processing at a competitive A$14.91/roll. They handle C-41, B&W, and E-6 with both standard and hi-res scan tiers. A practical choice if you're in the inner north and want to combine supply shopping with film drop-off.
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Quick Price Comparison
Why Irohas stands out on price: Their A$17/roll is a Hi-Res Default price — hi-res scanning is included as standard. Most other Melbourne labs charge A$13–$19 for standard scans, then add extra for hi-res upgrades. When comparing like-for-like (develop + hi-res scan), Irohas is one of the cheapest labs in the city.
Tips for Getting Film Developed in Melbourne
Best value: FilmNeverDie at A$13.50/roll is the cheapest in Melbourne for standard C-41 develop and scan. For hi-res included in the price, Irohas at A$17/roll is unbeatable.
Highest rated: Three labs share a perfect 5.0-star rating — Open Lab, FSTOP8 FILMLAB, and Good Time Film Lab.
E-6 slide film: Irohas, Halide Supply, WALKENS, Open Lab, and Vanbar Imaging all process E-6. Allow extra turnaround time (typically 5-7 business days).
Mail-in from outside Melbourne: Most labs accept mail-in orders from anywhere in Australia. Pack your rolls in a padded envelope with your name, email, and the process you need. Scans are returned digitally.
Medium format (120): All the top-rated labs handle 120 film. Pricing is usually the same as 35mm for developing, though hi-res scanning may cost more.
Prices and ratings were last verified in April 2026. See individual lab pages for the most current information.