Current Lab Options in Osaka

[silvergelatin]

Going to Japan again, but haven't used a lab there in a while. I noticed that many Tokyo labs have closed or some no longer develop film.

Is the Horiuchi in Osaka still developing film? That will be the last stop on this trip, so it is the ideal location to develop. Tokyo is at the beginning this time.

Any other options in Osaka? I'm also visiting Nagoya, so same question for there.

 

[mooseontheloose]

It looks like Horiuchi Color no longer processes film, they're all digital now. I'm sorry I can't help you with Osaka or Nagoya as I'm stuck in the middle in Kyoto, but whenever I need slide film developed I just bring it to Yodobashi Camera. I don't know if they do it themselves or send it out, but I don't have any complaints. The only thing is the turnaround - can be a couple days up to week, depending on when you go (weekends and holidays will extend things a bit) and what you are getting done (film, size, mounts/prints, etc). The Yodobashi in Osaka might be faster, but you never know. When I lived in Kumamoto a few years ago, I could get slides done in 2-3 hours (35mm or 120) and B&W film done in 24 hours. I haven't found any place like that yet here in Kyoto.

 

[silvergelatin]

It looks like Horiuchi Color no longer processes film, they're all digital now. I'm sorry I can't help you with Osaka or Nagoya as I'm stuck in the middle in Kyoto, but whenever I need slide film developed I just bring it to Yodobashi Camera. I don't know if they do it themselves or send it out, but I don't have any complaints. The only thing is the turnaround - can be a couple days up to week, depending on when you go (weekends and holidays will extend things a bit) and what you are getting done (film, size, mounts/prints, etc). The Yodobashi in Osaka might be faster, but you never know. When I lived in Kumamoto a few years ago, I could get slides done in 2-3 hours (35mm or 120) and B&W film done in 24 hours. I haven't found any place like that yet here in Kyoto.

That is really painful! I was in Kyoto for a month three years ago, and would go to Horiuchi in Osaka to develop. That's really bad news that that happened. I never felt comfortable using a store service, since I don't know where they're sending it, but maybe that's unnecessary. Still probably better than a pro lab in the states.

 

[mooseontheloose]

I wouldn't worry about the quality at all (at Yodobashi and probably most other stores that offer this service) - film developing is taken pretty seriously here. Whenever I go to pick up my film they often will pull out the sleeves so I can check the quality of the negs/slides before I pay for them. The counters on either sides of the tills are full-on light boxes (they'll turn on the lights for you) and they often have loupes for you to use too, if you need them.

 

[silvergelatin]

I wouldn't worry about the quality at all (at Yodobashi and probably most other stores that offer this service) - film developing is taken pretty seriously here. Whenever I go to pick up my film they often will pull out the sleeves so I can check the quality of the negs/slides before I pay for them. The counters on either sides of the tills are full-on light boxes (they'll turn on the lights for you) and they often have loupes for you to use too, if you need them.

Thanks. I'll give them a try so long as the turnaround is 5 days or under.