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Black & White Film Processing, Scanning & Custom Darkroom Printing

Comprehensive B&W Film Processing, Scanning, and Printing Services

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The Icon’s Unmatched True Black & White Film Development

Black and white photography is a craft that demands precision, patience, and deep understanding of chemistry and tone compared to standardized automated processes like C-41. At The Icon, we develop every roll and sheet of B&W film with the precise, individual attention to tone, contrast, and sharpness.
We use traditional black and white film development techniques and adjust the process based on your specific film stock like Kodak Tri-X, or Ilford HP5 and your desired results. This ensures your negatives achieve their optimal density and clarity.

Why Choose the Icon for B&W Film

Customized Timing

Every black and white film is processed using traditional manual techniques to ensure perfect tonal range, contrast, and sharpness.

Push/Pull Services

Our B&W film developing experts adjust for under- or overexposed film (e.g., shooting ISO 400 film at EI 1600), delivering the best possible negative.

Formats We Handle

We are experts in all formats, including 35mm, 120 and large Sheet Film (up to 8×10).

Our chemical hand processing approach gives your images the authentic texture, detail, and tonal richness that digital systems can’t replicate, making us a trusted name for Los Angeles darkroom services and professional B&W labs nationwide.

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Black and White Film Printing for Monochromatic Excellence

The black and white film photography does not stop at the development stage. After B&W film processing and scanning of your film, we bring your images to life by printing your images in black and white film. We guarantee that all the steps of the process, including processing, scanning, and printing, are as high-quality as possible in order to guarantee the shine of your monochromatic images at The Icon in Los Angeles, California.

The process will look like the following:

Processing B&W film

Professional development of your black and white film with the zone system.

Scanning B&W film

Scans with high resolution in TIFF 300DPI or JPG 72DPI with all the details and shades of gray.

Printing B&W film

Printing on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, with a choice of minimum white border or no finish.

We use Fuji Crystal Archive papers to make sure that your prints have the volume and contrast characteristic of black and white photography. Whether you want shiny or matte, the artwork will be imbued with the quality and richness of your print.
Every detail matters, from the tonal quality captured during processing to the clarity and resolution maintained in scanning and finally, the print’s visual impact achieved through printing. Our goal is to deliver print that reflects the same craftsmanship found in our traditional darkroom film processing.
We aim to provide magnificent black and white prints which actually make your work shine. The Icon is located in Los Angeles, California and offers a smooth experience throughout, every step of the process makes your black and white film printing outstanding.

Which Printing Path Is Right for Your Black & White Images?

At The Icon, we have two professional printing services, where you will get your monochrome images printed.

Traditional Darkroom Prints

  • To achieve the most genuine and archival output our darkroom prints are hand printed on professional photographic stock.
    RC Paper: Ideal to use in 20×24 inch prints, provides sharp contrast and high tonal range.
  • Fiber-Based Paper: This is the gallery-grade paper used by collectors and exhibitions, with rich and deep tones and long life.

Digital C-Prints (Fuji Crystal Archive)

To have a modern workflow, black and white file scans are then printed on Noritsu or LightJet machines. Select either glossy or matte on Fuji Crystal Archive paper-best on sharp, long lasting and consistent tonal effects.

Available B&W Print sizes

120

  • 4×6
  • 5×5
  • 6×6
  • 6×7
  • 6×8
  • 6×9

35 mm

  • 4×6
  • 5×7
  • 6×8

220

  • 4×6
  • 5×5
  • 6×6
  • 6×7
  • 6×8
  • 6×9

Mastering the Art of Black and White Film Developing

Our B&W film processing combines precision and attention to each roll of film which makes 35mm and 120 formatresults outstanding. By mail, online, or in our Los Angeles studio, we have a procedure that is customized to a process that makes the most out of your black and white photography. Our zone system is incorporated in our black and white negative development, which makes all the details of film exposure, development, and printing optimized. The chemical baths of each type and size of film are carefully measured and calibrated using standardized 21-step density tablets. This ensures each negative; whether street photography or fine art is developed with outstanding tonal structure, grain quality, and emulsion integrity.
Black and white films require a tailor-made process as compared to the uniform timing employed in C-41 and E6 processes. Such important attributes as grain structure, quality of acetate, and integrity of gelatin emulsion coating are taken into account. This individual care will enable us to emphasize the classical textures and tones that makes black and white film unique.
We also offer Fuji Crystal Archive paper scanning and black and white printing services in order to complete the entire process. The tonal range and archival quality of this high-end paper are known to be outstanding and your prints are as beautiful as the original negatives. As an analog-lover or a professional photographer, you can count on us to provide unrivalled services in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. To have all your negative development requirements, whether black and white 35mm roll development, or 120, come to our Los Angeles, California studio, or send us your mail. Be there when it matters, feel the passion, care, and consideration that bring every frame of your film to life.

Key Service Detail

The Icon’s Professional Offering

Development Service

True Black & White (Custom Chemistry/Timing)

Film Formats

35mm, 120, Sheet Film (4×5, 5×7, 8×10)

Turnaround Time

Standard: 2 Business Days / Value: 5 Business Days

Premium Scanners

Noritsu HS-1800, Imacon Flextight X5, Crosfield Drum Scan

Darkroom Printing

Traditional RC (Resin Coated) & Fiber-Based Papers (Up to 20×24 inches)

Advanced Services

Advanced Services

Push/Pull Processing (Available)

FAQ

How do I send my black and white film for processing?
You may order online and send your film to The Icon via mail or come to our Los Angeles studio (5450 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036) and drop your film personally. We guarantee professional handling and accurate processing of all types of films and this makes it easy for both the local and the mail-in customers.
Do you process any black and white film?
Yes, we process black and white film development in different formats, e.g. 35mm up to 120. Our development process is very careful to ensure high quality output and support a wide range of film stocks. All our formats are optimally tonally-ranged and contrasted as well.
Is it possible to have my prints in glossy or matte?
Yes, we provide black and white prints on any types of papers including Fuji Crystal Archive, IIford Multigrade fiber, IIford MG art paper, and IIford Multigrade Warm tone Fiber. The types of papers are what add to the overall appearance of your final prints, be it a smooth, glossy feel or a reduced, matte feel.
What is the turnaround time on processing black and white film?
We often have a standard turnaround time of 3-5 business days after the film has been received before the black and white film processing is conducted. There can also be rush or same-day service based on current workload and volume of orders.
Will I be able to receive digital files as a replacement for the physical prints?
Absolutely! You have the option of having only the digital scans that were produced in high quality and no hardcopy. The files are sent through email or downloading links and hence it is simple to store, edit and share your black and white pictures online.

About The Icon

The Icon opened its doors in the sunny Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles over 25 years ago. Since its inception, The Icon has grown from a local photo lab into an international destination for photographers that seek high-quality services.

 

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