Start simple.
Pick up a camera.
We can help you find the right one, whether you're looking for your first film camera, something simple and automatic, or a camera with a little more to explore. And if you have your grandfather's old camera sitting in a drawer, bring it in. We'd be happy to help you figure it out.
Load a roll.
We're here to help you find a film you'll love. With more than 200 films to choose from, there's plenty to explore—from classic color and black & white to unusual and experimental films.
Go make some photographs.
You don't need to know everything before you begin. Try something, see what happens, and learn as you go. And if you get stuck along the way, we're here to help.
Finished with your roll? Now what?
First, make sure your film is safely wound back into its cassette before you open the camera. Never open the back of your camera until you're sure the film has been rewound. Otherwise, that carefully made roll of photographs could be exposed to light.
Not sure how to rewind or unload your film? That's why we're here. Bring your camera into the shop and we'll walk you through it.
Bring us your film.
Once your roll is safely out of the camera, bring it into Essential for processing. We develop C-41 color, black & white, and E-6 slide film, with scanning and printing options available.
Drop your film off at the shop or mail it to us from anywhere. We'll take care of the rest. When your photographs are ready, we'll send you an email with a link to your digital scans. If you'd like prints made or your negatives mailed back to you, we can do that, too.
A few questions we get a lot
How long does processing take?
C-41 color film typically takes 3–5 days. Black & white and E-6 slide film can take a little longer.
What happens to my negatives?
You can have us recycle your negatives at no charge, have us hold onto them for 30 days, or have them mailed back to you for $9.99.
What size scans should I choose?
Most people choose our Regular Scans. They're easy to share on social media and can be printed up to 8×10. If you plan to make larger prints, choose Large Scans.
Can I mail my film to you?
Yes! Just complete our online processing form, choose your services, and pay online. Then place your film in a padded envelope and mail it to:
Essential Photo Supply
959 East 900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
->> Please include your name, email address, and phone number with your film. This helps us match your film to your order and gives us a way to contact you if we have any questions about your film or order.
Do you process disposable cameras?
All the time! Disposable cameras (also called single-use cameras) contain regular 35mm film. They cost the same as a standard color or black & white roll to process and scan.