11-03-2023
Best Lab ❤️
Honestly, I can’t think of any other lab which beats my experience with Film Speed Lab - excellent communication, super fast delivery, nice people! Looking forward to the next time :)
Black and White Film Developing / 35mm, 120, 110
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At Film Speed Lab, we offer professional black and white film developing for all formats. With our Flash JPG option, your scans are ready in just 1 day — no rush fee.
Here you’ll find prices and services for 35mm, 110, and 120.
How to get your BW film developed with us:
- make an online order and mail us your film, or just stop by with your rolls
- we develop & scan it (super fast, as always)
- check your inbox for the results
- pick up your negatives or have them shipped to you
Which Black and White Films and Formats Do We Develop?
We develop all kinds of black and white film, including:
- Infrared film
- Chromogenic black and white film
- Orthochromatic film
- X-ray film
Our black and white film developing service covers:
- 35mm black and white film developing
- 120 film developing
- 110 film developing
- Large format film developing
If the film doesn’t match the label — for example, a Kodak Gold canister with Kentmere Pan inside or a mystery roll with an unfamiliar name — let us know what’s inside so we can use the correct development time.
Ilford XP2
Ilford XP2 is processed like color film. If you’re sending Ilford XP2, place your order through our C-41 developing and scanning page.
What Is Black and White Film Developing?
Black and white film developing is the chemical process that turns exposed black and white film into negatives that can be scanned or printed.
How We Develop Black and White Film
Developing BW film requires control of four main factors:
- Developer type
- Processing time
- Temperature
- Agitation method and frequency
Processing with Ilford Ilfotec HC
For our black and white film processing, we use Ilford Ilfotec HC. It is particularly suitable for consistent black and white development and delivers clean, reliable results.
Because black and white development is a manual process, using one developer isn’t enough to ensure consistent results. We also needed equipment we could trust, like the Konica we already use for C-41.
When we received a spare machine, we tested it extensively to make it work for black and white film.
Custom Development Times
We use custom development times for each black and white film.
Stages of Black and White Film Developing
Black and white film developing has five main stages:
- Development
- Stop bath
- Fixing bath
- Washing
- Drying
Once your roll is loaded, it moves through each chemical bath with the correct timing, temperature and agitation.
The result is clean, balanced negatives that are ready for high-quality scanning.
Push and Pull Processing
We offer Push and Pull processing for black and white film at no extra cost.
To push your film, set your camera to a higher ISO than the film’s box speed. For example, you can shoot Ilford HP5 Plus 400 at ISO 800.
To pull your film, set your camera to a lower ISO. For example, you can shoot Ilford Delta 3200 at ISO 1600.
Pushing produces more contrast and grain, while pulling softens the contrast.
When placing your order, let us know the ISO you used and how many stops you want the film pushed or pulled.
BW Film Developing Turnaround Times
Our standard turnaround times are:
- Development only: next working day
- Development and Flash scan: next working day
- Development and Biggie scan: three working days
Black and White Film Scanning with the Noritsu HS-1800
After development, we scan your film with the Noritsu HS-1800.
The scanner has Digital ICE technology, but it doesn’t work with black and white negatives. Therefore, we manually clean visible flaws and rotate your photos so they are ready to use.
Flash vs. Biggie Scan Size
Flash is fast, flexible and suitable for quick edits and everyday use.
- 35mm: 3130 × 2075 px
- 120 film (6 × 4.5): 2412 × 1766 px
Biggie is suitable if you want to print your photographs in a large format, use them for an exhibition or gift, or retain more detail for editing.
- 35mm: 6774 × 4492 px
- 120 film (6 × 4.5): 4824 × 3533 px
The resolution of 120 film scans depends on the frame format. Check the FAQ page to view all available 120 format sizes.
JPG or TIFF?
We offer two file formats:
- JPG — ready-to-post scans that remain flexible enough for additional adjustments.
- TIFF — flat, untouched scans designed for post-processing.
Drop-Off Your Film in Berlin or Send It by Mail for Black and White Film Developing
Shipping Checklist
Before sending your film, make sure that:
- You have placed an online order.
- Your order number is written clearly on the package.
- Your film is packed securely in bubble mailer.
- The parcel is addressed directly to Film Speed Lab UG rather than a post office branch.
Send your film to:
Film Speed Lab UG
Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Str. 32
10407 Berlin
+49 176 84786140
Scan Delivery and Negative Return
We send your scans directly to your inbox. Scan links are active for three days. If you miss the download period, just click "re-upload my scans" button in your email from us. A new link will be in your inbox within 24 hours.
We keep your negatives for one month. If you need more time to collect them, let us know and we’ll hold them for longer.
You can pick up your negatives or have them returned by post for the regular shipping cost.
FAQ
Do you develop b&w disposable cameras?
Every camera is a disposable camera (if you throw it away). So yeah, sure.
Same price, same turnaround.
What if I have a blank roll of film?
Oh, it’s the worst, we feel you.
We’ll refund the scan and just charge for the development. This also applies if your film is fogged or has damaged / transparent perforation.
Do you scan half-frames?
Yes! We can scan them in pairs or one by one — whatever works best for you. Just give us the heads-up when you order.
Do you offer scan-only service for already developed black and white negatives?
Yes! We scan B&W negatives on professional equipment: Noritsu HS-1800 or Imacon Flextight 646. Note that neither has Digital ICE, so while we clean negatives by hand before scanning, some dust or scratches may still show up depending on the negative's condition.
Can you develop expired black and white film?
Yes, and it usually holds up well. If the film is very old, though, expect some fog, extra grain, or a loss of contrast.
Do you develop black and white slide film as a positive?
No, unfortunately. We can only develop it as a regular B&W negative film.
Can I request a specific contrast or look for my scans?
Yes, just let us know your preferences when you drop off the film and we'll do our best to match them.
Do you return negatives cut into strips or uncut?
By default, we cut negatives into strips of 6 and pack them into sleeves for easier storage. If you'd rather keep them uncut, just let us know in advance.
I didn’t quite like the results…
Then let’s improve them! Scanning is all about your personal style, so let’s tweak it until it’s just right for you.