When I say supporting a film lab is like supporting a football team, I’m not suggesting you blindly follow in your old man’s footsteps. That corner pharmacy shut up shop decades ago. What I mean to say is, we put our faith in photo labs, week in, week out. We know the team, perhaps too well. And sometimes turn a blind eye when they drop the ball. That's what fans do, no?
Words: Morgan Rudolph
As I boot it up the East Coast of Australia to my new home, I thought what better time to size up film labs, both in my rear-view and on my horizon. Presenting five Aussie film labs worthy of your time and spend. By all means, shop around. Just don't swap football team... that's kinda whack.
Lazarus Lab
Operating with love, craftsmanship and comradery, Goldy's go-to film boutique Lazarus Lab was resurrected by former Shibui Film employees Morgan and Blake. Bankrolled by a cosmetic surgery loan and the sale of a car, the pair have just celebrated five years in business, wryly noting it's the only anniversary they share. Equipped with a Noritsu V30 and Jobo ATL processor, alongside Noritsu LS-600, Fuji Frontier SP-500 and SP-3000 scanners, Lazarus Lab will lovingly handle your 35mm and 120 format film as if it were their own. Extra credit for the sleek space!
Address: Unit 15/49 Leda Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Website: lazaruslab.com.au
Socials: @lazaruslab
Hillvale
Arguably Melbourne's premier film lab, the veterans at Hillvale have been pushing film (and pulling, for that matter) since 2013. From their humble Black street hole-in-the-wall, to their purpose-designed facility on Edward street, the team have truly mastered their craft. Accommodating Australia's only dip-and-dunk processor offering full service colour C41, black and white, E-6 processing across all formats. Between the analogue photo booth and gallery space, you're going to want to stay a while.
Address: 43-45 Edward Street, Brunswick VIC 3056
Website: hillvale.com.au
Socials: @hillvalephoto
FilmNeverDie
Home to our first pop-up activation, FilmNeverDie holds a warm place in our heart. Inspired by a string of Polaroid cameras, co-founders Gary and Wei Wei set up shop near Southern Cross/Spencer Street Station, servicing the Melbourne CBD since 2018. Now fit with a Fuji FP363SC processor, Paterson Tanks and a swarm of Fuji Frontier SP-500 and SP-3000 scanners, expect swift turn arounds on colour C41, and black and white stocks. We can attest to the quality.
Address: 6 Watertank Way, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: filmneverdie.com
Socials: @filmneverdie
Silver Halide Studios
Perth based grassroots project that grew, and grew, and grew. "The most rewarding part is seeing people fall in love with analogue photography," says Founder Aimee. Silver Halide Studios prides itself on quality, care, and community, and it shows! Two Noritsu V30 processors (one modded for black and white), a Jobo ATL-2500, along with Fuji Frontier and Noritsu scanners are taking care of business. Ask about the 1850s wet plate portraits, upcycled silver jewellery, and events while you wait. Best in the West.
Address: 5/37 Railway Parade, Mount Lawley WA 6050
Website: silverhalidestudios.com.au
Socials: @silverhalidestudios
ProAm Lab
From negative to framed print, new kids on the block Anné and Maddy, along with frame maker Natasha are leading the charge in Adamstown, Newcastle. In the engine room, you'll find a Fuji Frontier 340 minilab and Noritsu V30 processor, along with an Epson V800 scanner and Canon Pro-4600 printer. Dust off your old folks' negs, the team pride itself on memory preservation and restoration, also offering VHS tape digitisation. Epitome of one-stop shop.
Address: 289 Brunker Road, Adamstown NSW 2289
Website: proamlab.com.au
Socials: @proamlab
