New York City remains one of the strongest film photography markets in the US, and the lab scene here reflects it. The live directory currently tracks 28 New York film labs across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the wider five-borough market, so this article stays focused on an editorial shortlist rather than trying to duplicate the full directory.
Prices for C-41 develop and scan start from $13.99/roll, with most labs sitting in the $15–$20 range. Turnaround varies from same-day to about a week depending on the lab and film type. Below is an editorial shortlist of notable New York City film labs to consider; use the live New York film developing directory for the full current comparison.
Use This Editorial Shortlist vs the Live New York Directory
Use this article when you want a quick editorial read on notable NYC labs and why each one might fit a different photographer. It is not meant to replace the city page. For the current source-backed comparison — live lab coverage across the five boroughs, service badges, pricing evidence, turnaround signals, map context, and individual lab detail pages — start with the New York film developing directory. If you are still deciding what matters most, use the film lab selection checklist before comparing the live listings.
Our Top Pick
More NYC Film Labs
Quick Price Comparison
| Lab | C-41 Dev+Scan | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate Photoshop | $13.99/roll | ⭐ 4.9 | Brooklyn |
| Photo Mission Studios | $15.95/roll | ⭐ 4.7 | NYC |
| 5R Photo Lab | $15.95/roll | ⭐ 4.6 | NYC |
| Luster Photo & Digital Inc | $16.50/roll | ⭐ 4.6 | NYC |
| Bleeker Digital Solutions | $16.99/roll | ⭐ 4.8 | NYC |
| The Film Lab by Contact Photo | $17.50/roll | ⭐ 4.9 | NYC |
| picturehouse + thesmalldarkroom | $18/roll | ⭐ 4.9 | Brooklyn |
| NYC Film Lab | $18/roll | ⭐ 4.8 | NYC |
| CRC Color Resource Center | $18.90/roll | ⭐ 4.5 | NYC |
| Nice Film Club | $19.98/roll | ⭐ 4.8 | NYC |
Why Accurate Photoshop stands out on price: Their $13.99/roll is the lowest in the city — roughly $2 cheaper than the next most affordable labs (Photo Mission Studios and 5R Photo Lab at $15.95). Most NYC labs charge $17–$20 for C-41 develop and scan. Combined with a 4.9 rating and 30+ years of family ownership, Accurate delivers the best value in New York.
Tips for Getting Film Developed in NYC
Brooklyn vs Manhattan: Brooklyn has two of the three highest-rated labs in the city — Accurate Photoshop and picturehouse + thesmalldarkroom, both at 4.9 stars. Manhattan has more options overall, but Brooklyn's labs tend to offer a more personal, community-oriented experience.
Same-day processing: Accurate Photoshop offers same-day turnaround on C-41 colour film and next-day on B&W. Check with individual labs for their current turnaround — most Manhattan labs can turn around C-41 in 1–3 business days.
Best value: Accurate Photoshop at $13.99/roll is the clear price leader. Photo Mission Studios and 5R Photo Lab tie for second at $15.95/roll.
Mail-in options: Most NYC labs accept mail-in orders from anywhere in the US. Pack your rolls in a padded envelope with your name, email, and the process you need. Scans are returned digitally. This is a good option if you're in the outer boroughs or the tri-state area and don't want to make the trip into the city.
E-6 slide film: All ten labs featured here process E-6. Allow extra turnaround time (typically 5–7 business days) as slide film requires more careful processing.
Price range: NYC C-41 develop and scan prices range from $13.99 to about $20/roll. The sweet spot is $15–$18/roll, where you'll find several well-rated labs. Budget-conscious shooters should look at Accurate Photoshop, Photo Mission Studios, or 5R Photo Lab.
Medium format (120): All ten labs handle 120 film. Pricing is usually the same as 35mm for developing, though scanning may cost more depending on resolution.
Check the Live Details Before You Drop Off
This shortlist is a starting point, not the canonical live dataset for New York. Before you travel across boroughs or mail film in, confirm the current price, scan-size tier, E-6/B&W schedule, rush cutoff, opening hours, and drop-off or mail-in instructions on the live New York film developing directory and the lab's own website or order page.
If you spot a stale price, changed service, moved address, closed counter, or new mail-in option, send the correction through Submit a lab update. We review updates against lab-owned sources, Google Business Profile details, owner contact, or submitted evidence before changing the directory.
Prices and ratings were last verified in April 2026. See individual lab pages for the most current information.