Does CVS Sell 35mm Film? A Guide for Analog Photographers
Hey friend! So you’re interested in shooting 35mm film and want to know if you can pick some up at your local CVS pharmacy.
As someone who loves all things vintage photography, let me walk you through what to expect when looking for 35mm film at CVS.
The short answer is – yes, many CVS locations do sell 35mm photographic film! However, selection and availability can vary between stores.
A Quick Intro to 35mm Film
Before we dive into where to find it, let’s do a quick overview of 35mm film for anyone unfamiliar.
35mm film has been around since the early 20th century. It gets its name from the width of the film strip, which measures 35 millimeters.
35mm is by far the most common film format used in analog, old-school film photography.
It comes in a metal canister that you load into your 35mm camera.
When you snap photos, the film captures your images through a chemical process. Then you get the roll processed and printed.
Many classic 35mm cameras are still widely used today by photographers seeking that vintage aesthetic – grain, colors, etc.
Think brands like Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, Pentax K1000, etc. I love shooting with them!
There are different types of 35mm film like color negative, black and white, and slide film. More on that later. But first, let’s find out where to score some…
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Checking If Your Local CVS Sells 35mm Film
The best way to check if a particular CVS pharmacy sells 35mm film is to simply call and ask them.
A quick phone call to the store avoids wasting a trip if they don’t stock it.
You can say something like: “Hi there, I was wondering if your CVS location sells 35mm camera film? And if so, could you tell me what types you have in stock? Thanks!”
The pharmacy staff should be able to look or transfer you to the photo department to check availability.
In general, CVS is more likely to have 35mm color print film from brands like Kodak and Fujifilm.
Some locations also carry specialty black and white film. But selection really varies store to store.
You can also browse their photo department in person to see if 35mm film is on the shelves. Look near where disposable cameras are displayed.
Common Brands of 35mm Film Sold at CVS
If you call and confirm your local CVS does sell 35mm photographic film, here are some of the specific brands and types you’ll likely find:
- Kodak ColorPlus 35mm – This is one of the most common color print films found at CVS. It produces nice saturated colors perfect for general shooting.
- Fujicolor Superia 35mm – Fujifilm’s color negative film. Provides sharp, vivid color prints. One of my personal favorites!
- Kodak Tri-X 35mm – A popular black and white film good for both outdoor and low light. Has a classic grainy B&W look.
- Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm – An ISO 400 black and white film that’s easy to work with. Produces crisp monochrome images.
- Kodak Portra 35mm – If they have any pro films, Portra is a higher quality color negative option. Subtle and natural color rendition.
- Fuji Provia 35mm – One of the few slide films CVS may stock. Provia is a vibrant color reversal film great for landscapes.
Those should give you an idea of what to look for on the shelves. There may be other specialized films too like infrared or sepia toned depending on location.
How to Buy 35mm Film at CVS
Purchasing 35mm film at CVS is quick and easy. Just take your film canister(s) to the register in the photo department or pharmacy counter.
A single roll of 35mm film usually costs $5-12 at CVS depending on the type. Color negative films tend to be the most affordable options.
You can pay with any standard payment method – cash, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, etc. No ID or age restrictions.
Pro tip: Sign up for the CVS ExtraCare rewards program to earn 2% back in ExtraBucks on all your 35mm film purchases!
Once you check out, you’re all set to load up your camera and start shooting. Just remember to finish the entire roll before getting it processed.
Finding a Place to Process 35mm Film
So you bought film – awesome! Now you’ll need to drop it off to get developed once you finish the roll.
Unfortunately CVS no longer processes 35mm film in-store.
But don’t worry, you have plenty of processing options:
- Mail-in services like Dwayne’s Photo or The Darkroom
- Local camera stores and photo labs
- DIY home development kits
- Apps like Photobox that offer free mailers and return shipping
I’d recommend calling around to a few nearby photoshops to compare rates and services.
Many do quality film scanning so you get high res digital files.
Processing does add to the cost, but it’s part of the classic film experience! For me, waiting to see those finished prints is all part of the fun.
Time to Shoot!
The world of 35mm film photography opens up such a rewarding creative outlet.
I hope this article helps you easily find 35mm film at your neighborhood CVS store.
With film in hand, you can load up that vintage camera of yours and start capturing artistic shots.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
As you get into analog photography, feel free to reach out with any film-related questions. I’m always happy to help share tips and inspiration.
Now get out there and shoot some magical 35mm images! Be sure to share your photos with me – would love to see what you create. Happy shooting, friend!