Top 7 Best Photo Labs in London

London is a vibrant city bursting with creativity, and for photography enthusiasts, finding the right photo lab can make all the difference in preserving those perfect moments. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur shutterbug, choosing the best photo lab in London can enhance your work with quality prints and specialized services. In this guide, we’ve curated the top 7 best photo labs in London, ensuring you have access to the finest facilities for your photographic needs.

When selecting a photo lab, consider the following services and aspects:

  • Film Developing – From 35mm to medium format, ensure your lab offers comprehensive developing services.
  • High-Quality Printing – Look for labs that provide a range of print sizes and finishes, from glossy to matte.
  • Digital Services – Scanning, retouching, and digital archiving services can enhance your digital workflow.
  • Custom Framing – A professional finish with custom framing options can showcase your work beautifully.
  • Restoration Services – Preserve and restore old photographs with expert restoration services.
  • Turnaround Time – Consider how quickly you need your prints and services completed.
  • Pricing – Compare costs for developing, printing, and additional services, typically ranging from $10 to $100 or more, depending on the service.
  • Customer Reviews – Check reviews for insights into customer satisfaction and service quality.

Explore our guide to discover the top 7 best photo labs in London, each offering unique services tailored to bring your photographic visions to life.

7

Number of companies

1817

Verified reviews

4,63

Average rating

Argun Printers and Stationers
+442089857879

1. Argun Printers and Stationers

4,6/5
344 Mare St, E8 1HA, London
  • Photo lab
  • Art supply store
  • Digital printer
  • Graphic designer
  • Office supply store
  • Stationery store

Why we chose them

Argun Printers and Stationers stands out as a versatile one-stop shop catering to a wide range of customer needs. Offering services such as photo lab, art supply store, digital printing, graphic design, office supply store, and stationery store, the company ensures that both creative professionals and everyday users find what they need. From unique stationery items like silicone pencil cases and scented HB graphite pencils to essential office supplies and custom printing services, Argun provides an extensive selection that appeals to various interests and requirements.

Emphasizing both quality and creativity, the company offers specialized products like mini pastel highlighters and squishy gel pens, making it a favorite for school essentials and artistic endeavors. Their digital printing and graphic design services cater to businesses and individuals seeking professional solutions. By combining functionality with innovative design, Argun Printers and Stationers serves as a hub for those looking to enhance their workspace or explore their artistic side.

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Aperture Printing
+442075800857

2. Aperture Printing

4,6/5
27 Rathbone Pl, W1T 1JE, London
  • Photo lab

Why we chose them

Aperture Printing stands out as a premier destination for high-quality photographic processing, scanning, and printing services, catering to everyone from beginners to professional photographers. Located in Central London, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including C41 color negative processing for both 35mm and 120 film, hand-processed black and white film services, and E6 processing for transparency and slide film. They also provide digital scanning from developed negatives and transparencies, ensuring that all film scans are conveniently uploaded via ‘We Transfer’. With a commitment to quality, their standard print size for 35mm film is 7.5″x 5″ on a lustre finish paper, with additional options available upon request.

Beyond their exceptional processing services, the company boasts an impressive selection of camera films, ranging from Cine Still and Portra to Ilford and Lomography, appealing to both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their offerings are complemented by a unique in-store experience featuring a camera museum, adding a touch of nostalgia and inspiration for film photography lovers. Whether it’s processing Kodak Vision 3 color film with ECN2 processing or providing personalized service to manage high-volume periods, the company ensures a seamless and engaging experience for its clientele.

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Contrado Imaging

3. Contrado Imaging

4,4/5
Unit 6, Space Business Park Abbey Rd, NW10 7SU, London
  • Photo lab
  • Clothing store
  • Clothing supplier
  • Clothing wholesale market place
  • Digital printer
  • Fabric store
  • Gift shop
  • Digital printing service

Why we chose them

Contrado Imaging stands out as a versatile company offering a wide array of services, including photo lab, clothing store, and digital printing services. Their platform caters to creative individuals and businesses looking to create, buy, and sell custom products. With a focus on fabric printing, they provide various printing methods such as reactive, pigment, and sublimation printing. The company’s extensive range includes custom fabrics like cotton, satin, silk, and more, tailored for different uses such as upholstery, dressmaking, and outdoor applications. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of organic and vegan materials, all crafted ethically in London since 2002.

What sets this company apart is its dedication to empowering artists and designers through its print-on-demand services and artist marketplace. Customers can explore an extensive selection of products, from home decor and wall art to clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Additionally, the company offers wholesale options, allowing businesses to benefit from exclusive discounts and custom branding solutions. Their innovative online design tools enable users to create high-quality, unique items, fostering a community of creativity and collaboration. Rated highly by independent reviews, this company consistently delivers excellence and craftsmanship across all its offerings.

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Analogue Films
+442070590029

4. Analogue Films

4,5/5
58 Hanbury St, E1 5JL, London
  • Photo lab

Why we chose them

Analogue Films stands out for its expertise in analogue film processing, offering specialized services for both 35mm and 120 formats. Their proficient team ensures high-quality scans and prints, with options for color and black & white films. This company caters to enthusiasts and professionals alike who appreciate the authenticity of film photography, providing services that start at competitive rates. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in their detailed attention to each processing task, ensuring that every image captures the intended essence.

In addition to their in-store offerings, they also provide a convenient postal service, making it easy for clients to access their services from anywhere. Whether it’s developing a cherished roll of film or obtaining high-resolution scans for digital use, they prioritize quality and precision. Their commitment to film photography and customer service makes them a valuable addition to our directory, catering to the needs of film aficionados with both passion and professionalism.

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Prontaprint
+442078333005

5. Prontaprint

4,7/5
63 Coram St, WC1N 1HB, London
  • Photo lab
  • Bookbinder
  • Digital printing service
  • Pen store
  • Commercial printer
  • Print shop
  • Stationery store

Why we chose them

Prontaprint has been a cornerstone in the printing industry for over 25 years, catering to businesses, students, and local organizations with its comprehensive range of services. Specializing in fast turnaround, the company ensures that its customers receive what they need promptly, offering same-day printing in central London. From digital printing services and commercial printing to bookbinding and stationery, Prontaprint stands out for its versatility and commitment to quality. Their approach to custom orders means clients aren’t limited to standard formats, allowing for bespoke solutions that meet unique needs.

The company is particularly well-regarded for its student-friendly services, offering discounts and rapid turnaround on thesis and dissertation binding, which can be ready in as little as two hours. Located conveniently near major universities, Prontaprint is a go-to resource for students facing tight deadlines. Additionally, they provide a wide array of products, including business cards, leaflets, posters, and personalized items like photos and mugs, all crafted with precision and care. Their partnership with the charity Spread A Smile further highlights their dedication to community engagement and social responsibility.

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Rapid Eye
+442077299292

6. Rapid Eye

4,7/5
79 Leonard St, EC2A 4QS, London
  • Photo lab

Why we chose them

Rapid Eye, located in the vibrant creative hub of Shoreditch, London, stands out for its comprehensive offerings in photographic film development, scanning, and printing processes. Specializing as a photo lab, the company provides a wide range of services including film sales, processing, and darkroom rentals. They cater to both traditional photography enthusiasts and modern digital artists with services such as digital C-type printing and traditional hand printing. Their commitment to the craft is evident in their workshops and tailored one-to-one sessions, which aim to enhance skills in hand-printing techniques across color and black-and-white formats.

Beyond its technical services, Rapid Eye fosters a community of photographers, students, and amateurs through memberships and workshops. The company offers unique services like E-6 processing, private darkroom bookings, and specialized scanning options with equipment like the Imacon Flextight X5. Their retail offerings include a variety of photographic films and accessories, ensuring that photographers have everything they need for their projects. Additionally, their bookshop and zine printing services further support creative endeavors, making them a key player in London’s photographic scene since 1996.

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On8mil
+443301227326

7. On8mil

4,9/5
Unit 4A, 1, Kingfisher Place, Clarendon Rd, N22 6XF, London
  • Photo lab

Why we chose them

On8mil is a distinguished analogue motion picture film specialist based in London, UK, dedicated to preserving the art of film through comprehensive processing and high-resolution scanning services. With a focus on Super 8, 16mm, and 35mm film formats, the company offers a robust selection of services that include HD and UHD scanning, film sales, and various processing options such as ECN2 color negative and Black & White D96. Since its inception in 2014, On8mil has evolved from a modest one-man operation to a professional team occupying a spacious facility in Wood Green, London, marking a significant contribution to the revival of analogue film in the modern era.

Renowned for their competitive pricing and exceptional service, On8mil caters to a diverse clientele, predominantly young filmmakers who appreciate the unique aesthetic of analogue formats. The recent addition of their ECN2 and B&W lab, which opened in January 2023, underscores their commitment to this craft, making it the first new motion picture lab in London in nearly two decades. Additionally, the company excels in video tape transfers, offering high-quality conversions of various vintage formats to digital. This dedication to quality and innovation makes On8mil a valuable resource for both grassroots filmmakers and established production companies seeking the distinctive charm and authenticity of analogue film.

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FAQs

What services do photo labs in London typically offer?

Photo labs in London typically offer film developing, high-quality printing, digital services such as scanning and retouching, custom framing, and restoration services.

How much does it cost to develop film at a photo lab in London?

The cost to develop film in London can range from €10 to €30, depending on the format and the specific services you require.

What is the price range for high-quality printing services in London photo labs?

High-quality printing services in London usually range from €5 to €50 per print, depending on the size and finish you choose.

How long does it typically take to get prints from a photo lab in London?

Turnaround times can vary, but most photo labs in London offer services within 2 to 7 days, depending on the complexity of your order.

What should I look for when choosing a photo lab in London?

When choosing a photo lab, consider the range of services offered, quality of prints, customer reviews, pricing, and turnaround time.

Are digital services like scanning and retouching available at London photo labs?

Yes, many photo labs in London offer digital services such as scanning, retouching, and digital archiving to enhance your workflow.

What are the benefits of using a custom framing service at a photo lab?

Custom framing provides a professional finish that can beautifully showcase your work, adding a personal touch and protection to your prints.

How can I find customer reviews for photo labs in London?

You can find customer reviews for photo labs in London on various online platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and photography forums.

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