Chemistry Film Lab is a photo lab and camera shop at 19 Preston St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HN. It describes itself as Brighton’s only community film lab, and its focus is clearly on helping people keep shooting film without making the process complicated. The team, including owner Alex and Dylan, is known for being friendly, knowledgeable and willing to explain the options. The lab has processed more than 10,000 rolls and holds a 4.9/5 Google rating from 53 reviews, although those figures can change over time.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Brighton and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The main services cover 35mm and 120 film processing, including colour and black-and-white developing. You can choose develop-only, digital images as JPEG or TIFF files, printed photographs, and the return of your negatives. Black-and-white film is processed by hand, while colour work includes Noritsu HS-1800 scanning. Scans are available as Medium or High JPEG files, or as true 16-bit TIFFs. The lab also produces C-Type prints on Fuji photographic paper using a Noritsu wet lab and traditional RA-4 chemistry. Disposable cameras from Kodak, Fujifilm and Agfa are accepted too.
Prices depend on the service, but the published mail-order rates start at £9.95 for 35mm and £13.95 for 120 film. A monthly membership offers film development for £5, and gift cards are available for £25, £50, £100, £150 and £200, as well as other amounts; they do not expire. Film is sold in-store too, including Ilford Delta 400 35mm for £11, Harmen Azure for £13, and expired Kodak ColorPlus 200 35mm for £8. The lab also offers free sprocket scans, which is a useful detail for anyone who wants the full frame captured.
Reviews often mention quick turnaround, fair prices and the community feel, though a few customers have reported waits of more than five working days or occasional sprocket-hole issues. Alex is noted for sorting out problems when they arise. Opening hours are not included in the available information, so it is sensible to check the current details before heading to Preston Street. Chemistry Film Lab’s website is chemistryfilmlab.com.
Published Date
20 September 2026
