Professional Darkroom Printing Services in Los Angeles

Optical Prints, Made to Last a Lifetime

Darkroom Printing Services

The Icon provides excellent traditional darkroom printing services to photographers,
collectors, and everyone who want to create real optical prints from their negatives. Unlike
digital inkjet prints, we use optical enlargers, light-sensitive photographic paper and archival
chemical development to create prints with amazing tonal range, sharpness, and depth.

We work with 35mm, medium format, and large format negatives and provide both black-and
white and color printing options. For color negatives, prints are available on archival Fuji Color
papers, while black-and-white art is printed on Ilford resin-coated or fiber-based papers. Each
print is meticulously made to expert darkroom standards, ensuring long-term quality that bring
out the finest in your film.

As one of the remaining full-service darkroom photography labs in Los Angeles, we pride ourselves on combining old-school artistry and expert perfection. The result is a finished print that not only safeguards your negatives, but raises them to gallery-quality, collectible masterpieces that can be framed, exhibited, and left to future generations.

Darkroom Print Types (B&W+ Color)

The quality of the print impacts how accurately the story is kept and perceived. At The Icon, we specialize in black-and-white and color film darkroom printing. We use traditional optical techniques to ensure that your images are reproduced with depth and precision. The end result is a print that allows you to relive the event.

B&W photo prints from negatives

Neutral tones, deep contrast, and those signature rich blacks you can only get from the darkroom.

Color negative prints

Beautiful, natural color that keeps skin tones lifelike and hues balanced.

Film negatives (B&W or color)

Using optical enlargers we offer genuine analog prints.

Film sizes

From 35mm and 120 negatives with tonal contrast, edge-to-edge sharpness, and a classic darkroom appearance.

Our role is to make sure your images come alive on paper, whether you’re looking that classic darkroom look or bold, modern tones.

Print Option Examples

Color / Cool

Color / Neutral

Color / Warm

B&W / Full Frame

B&W / Keyline

Color / Sloppy Border

From Your Negatives (Formats & Sizes)

Whether you’ve shot on a classic camera or preserved archival negatives, The Icon is one of the few remaining photo labs offering custom darkroom printing across all major film formats. Our clients most often request the following film options:

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Film Formats to Print Form

Custom darkroom films support 35mm to medium format 120 (includes 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, 6×8, 6×9, etc.) and large format sheet film up to 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 on archival photographic paper.

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Options

Edge-to-edge, borders, reprints, duplicate prints, straight prints, or cropped enlargements.

Contact Sheets & Proofs

If you want to review a complete roll of film at once, we can print contact sheets and proof prints directly from your negatives. These alternatives are perfect for editing sessions, project planning, or client presentations, since they provide a clear and organized perspective of each frame before selecting your final prints.

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35mm and 120 contact sheets.

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Consistent enlarger settings for true-to-negative exposure.

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Frame selection and labeling for easy indexing.

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Test strip printing to find the best exposure.

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Proof sheets that help you evaluate the accuracy of contrast, tonality, and sequence of enlarging.

Darkroom Photo Printing Processing

At The Icon, we use the traditional optical printing process, in which each stage is completed by hand with precision and care. From negative preparation to exposure, development, washing, and drying, our printers handle your film with the utmost care. The ultimate product is not simply a snapshot, but a handcrafted darkroom prints with enduring character, tonal depth, and detail, a piece you’ll enjoy every time you see it.

Our Processing: Step-by-Step

Negative Preparation:

We carefully clean and examine your negatives to ensure every detail is ready for printing.

Optical Enlargement:

Using traditional enlargers, light passes through your negative onto silver halide photographic paper.

Exposure & Contrast Control:

Our master printers adjust light, exposure time, and contrast filters to bring out the best tones.

Chemical Development:

The exposed paper is developed in darkroom chemistry, revealing your image with rich depth.

Washing & Drying:

Finally, the print goes for quality check before it’s ready to be dispatched.

We never use shortcuts or digital substitutions, only authentic handcrafted analog prints generated in our darkroom using traditional methods.

Scans & Digital Add-ons

At The Icon, we offer a seamless print and scan procedure that allows you to experience the timeless quality of handcrafted prints while also having high-resolution digital copies available for sharing or publishing.

Here’s how we work:

High-Resolution Film Scans:

Save your negatives with crisp, perfect for storing and sharing online.

Print + Scan Bundles:

Get your handmade darkroom prints along with digital files in one package.

Hybrid Workflow:

Suitable for photographers who prefer film but require digital flexibility for clients, portfolios, and social media.

The best of both worlds:

You’ll get gallery-quality darkroom prints for exhibition, as well as digital copies for backup and convenience.

Pricing & Orders

Getting your darkroom prints is easy.

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Drop your negatives at our Los Angeles Photo Lab or mail them from anywhere.

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Choose from variety of sizes, finishes, and turnaround time.

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We will share your beautiful darkroom prints right back along with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Don’t worry, every order includes proper care of your film, protective packaging, and our satisfaction guarantee. Your negatives deserve nothing less.

FAQs

What is darkroom printing?

It is the traditional method of producing prints from film utilizing enlargers, light, and chemistry. It’s all analog, with no digital in between.

Do you print in both B&W and color?

Yes. Whether you need a silver gelatin black and white print or a color enlargement, we have you covered.

Can you print from older negatives?

As long as the film is in decent shape, we can. We love bringing old rolls, family archives, and personal projects back to life.

Will I receive my negatives back?

Of course. We take care of them while printing and safely return them with your order.

What size can you print?

Our print capability: 5×7 up to 20×24. The standard sizes you can choose from 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, and 20×24.

What types of fiber prints are available?

We have variety of fiber print options to suit our customers, including, Ilford MultiGrade Fiber, Ilford MultiGrade Warm tone Fiber, Ilford MG Art Paper, and Glossy & Matter surfaces available.

Do you provide scanning services?

Yes, we can only scan prints up to 11×14 inches using Epson expression XL Flatbed scanner.

What is your turnaround time?

The specified turnaround times begin when we receive your film and end when we ship your order back. For rush requests, customers must email or call us directly.