Where can you develop a disposable camera?

Top 5 places to get disposable cameras developed

Disposable cameras can be a lot of fun. But with physical cameras comes a disposable film you must develop, so where can you develop a disposable camera? Also, how much does it cost to develop a disposable camera?

CVS

Walgreens

Walmart

The Darkroom

Richard Photo Lab

You can get your disposable camera developed in brick-and-mortar stores such as CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. Online sources also develop your disposable film when you mail it to them. The Darkroom and Richard Photo Lab are two highly-rated online companies that develop film from disposable cameras. 

disposable cameras

Getting your disposable camera developed is easy! So pass out those waterproof disposable cameras at your next big event!

In the rest of this article, I will be breaking down these top five spots to get your disposable camera developed.

In Store option: CVS

CVS is one of the last remaining stores that develop film. All you have to do is walk in and drop off your negatives. 

Here are some things to know about CVS Photo Centers:

  • Not all CVS locations have photo centers.
  • It costs around $25.00 to develop one roll of disposable camera film.
  • CVS uses a third-party printing service to develop film.
  • You can only get prints in the standard 4×6 size.
  • It will take at least 7-10 days to receive photos. 
  • CVS does not return your negative film.

While CVS may not be the most affordable option, it is a convenient location to drop off film since many towns have one. 

darkroom worker

In-Store option: Walgreens

Similar to CVS, some Walgreens Pharmacies also have stations for developing film. 

Things to know about developing film at Walgreens:

  • The cost is $14.99 for 24 exposures printed as 4×6.
  • Walgreens includes a free CD of your photos along with the prints. 
  • You can choose to get both 4×6 and 6×8 sizes.
  • It takes about 3-5 days to get your images. 
  • Walgreens does not return negatives.

There are many Walgreens nationwide, making it a convenient location to drop off your photos on your way to work. 

In-Store option: Walmart

Any Walmart with a photo center will be able to develop your disposable camera. To develop your camera at Walmart, you must fill out an order form and drop your camera off at the photo center. 

tiny camera

Some things to keep in mind if considering Walmart:

  • Walmart generally only develops disposable film as standard-size prints (4×6).
  • Walmart does not return negatives. 
  • It costs about $11.00 to get disposable camera film developed. 
  • You can choose to order double prints for only a few dollars more.
  • If you want larger images, you must pay an additional fee beforehand. 

Mail-in option: The Darkroom

In a post-covid world, the internet has become key to getting things done. Where can you develop a disposable camera online? There are many options! The Darkroom is a great mail-in option for developing your photos. 

Using a paid postage envelope that they send you, drop your disposable camera or film in the mail, and they will develop the film, make prints and upload digital files of your photos to you.

darkroom

Things to know when considering The Darkroom:

  • You will get your digital uploads in approximately 3-6 business days. 
  • Shipping is free. 
  • The cost of developing a disposable camera starts at $15.
  • The Darkroom returns negatives.
  • Physical prints will be shipped back to you in roughly 3-7 business days. 

This option is best if you want your negatives returned to you. 

Mail-in option: Richard Photo Lab

Richard Photo Lab is another online mail-in photo company that has been around since the 1970s. 

Things to know if considering Richard Photo Lab:

  • Shipping is not free.
  • Digital scans are a separate fee.
  • A roll of film developed costs around $9.00
  • Prints are an additional fee. 
  • Their website is not as user-friendly for novice photographers.

Richard Photo Lab does exceptional work with your film. If you are hoping to get professional-level scans or prints of your photos for an affordable price, then they are the best place for you. 

However, for a newbie, their website is not as user-friendly. If you want your photos developed without figuring out specifics, they might not be the best place for you. 

Conclusion

After you have used your disposable camera there are many great places to get camera film developed, but it is essential to remember that none of them do so instantly. With the information in this article, I hope you can make the best decision for you on where to get your disposable camera developed. Once you have your photos developed you can transfer them onto your smartphone and share them all your friends and family.