Best Resources for Film Photographers in Auckland
I could nerd-out on film photography chat for hourrrrrs. When I’m cooking dinner, I usually have my noise-cancelling headphones on, consuming some film photography YouTube channel. Film photo walks, camera gear, film processing….all of those topics will forever have my heart and chill me out at the end of a stressful day. SO, the nerdy side of me wanted to highlight my favorite NZ spots for all things film photography! Moving here from Chicago, I had to ask a few friends where they went….and it honestly felt a bit overwhelming. I wish I had a list back then. That’s why I’m here to make a list now for those of you who might need it!
Below are my favorite labs for film processing, darkroom printing, and vintage cameras in Auckland!
Read on for some New Zealand film photography goodnesssssss
The Black & White Box - 127B Newton Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010
Ohhh, The Black & White Box! Whenever I see their name in my inbox, I know I can expect some beautiful scans. These guys & gals are making some seriously amazing work, often with only a few days turnaround time. You can mail your film in (just make sure to print and include the Order Form with your film). Or if you’re in Auckland they have a super convenient 24/7 Dropbox with order forms available at all times! Oh, and they have a darkroom you can rent out!! SO. FUN.
They also have drop-off points at Vixen on K Road or Snapshot in Hamilton.
All the details are spelled out on their website HERE!
Red Dragon Film Lab - 49b John Davis Rd, Mount Roskill, Auckland
Red Dragon is an independent film lab located in Auckland. It’s made up of 5 creatives, passionate about analogue photography. They process in-house and scan using a Noritsu scanner. Just make sure you print and fill out your order form and send it in with your rolls!
They also have a dropbox location at Junktion.
The Film Lab - 60 Karangahape Road, Auckland
A cute little film lab in the city! They are a full service in-house film lab for both B&W and Colour/C-41 films. In most cases, they can turn around the same day which is sooooo impressive! So if you’re in a rush to get your film scans back, The Film Lab might just be the best choice for you.
Junktion - St. Kevin’s Arcade Shop 20/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland
THE BEST little shop for all your film camera needs. They have SLRs, rangefinders, point and shoots….and everything in between. The staff is always super helpful and they offer a 30 day refund if there are any defects. This is such great peace-of-mind when purchasing an old film camera. If you’re near St Kevin’s Arcade in Auckland, definitely hit them up. It’s fun to browse and even more fun to splurge ;)
Not in Auckland? Here are a few spots around New Zealand for you film photography lovers:
Splendid - 85 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Film lab with the cutest little name in Wellington! Their website says that each film development service has three turn around time options: 1 Week, 3 Day and FAST (same/next day.) Pretty amazing to have the option to have your scans the same day/next day! They also have a line of products that look absolutely adorable. I feel like I need a Splendid Stubby Holder for summertime.
Ferrymead Film - 1010E Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch
Ferrymead uses Kodak Flexicolor chemistry with a Noritsu film processor, producing beautiful scans. If you’re in Christchurch and need some amazing film scans, Ferrymead is the lab for you!