There’s a film photography revival sweeping through the photo-sphere, with new labs popping up in cities around the world, and Lisbon is no different. Whether you’re looking for film, analog cameras, or places to print, there are now several stores in the city to choose from.
We’ve put together a list of some of the top spots for analog film in Lisbon, as well as some personal suggestions of where to go.
Analog photography stores in Lisbon
Some are dedicated shops, some just offer film, most are a mix of old and new.
Colorfoto
Services: film, developing, scanning, printing, camera sales
Website: https://www.colorfoto.pt/
Address: Av. da Igreja 39 D E, 1700-233 Lisboa
Carmencita Film Lab
Services: film, developing, scanning, printing (in Spain)
Website: https://carmencitafilmlab.com/pt-pt/
Addresses:
LX Factory (Edificio I, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103 Piso 1, Loja 1.22, 1300-472 Lisboa)
Avenida Rovisco Pais 14B 1000-268 Lisboa Portugal
Vintage Dream Cameras (temporarily closed)
Services: film, darkroom, workshops, camera sales, camera repairs
Website: https://www.instagram.com/vintagedreamcameras/
Address: Av. Alm. Reis 256E, 1000-058 Lisboa
The Lisbon Frame
Services: workshops, tours, film, camera sales
Website: https://thelisbonframe.pt/
Address: R. dos Remédios 84, 1100-405 Lisboa
Bazar do Vídeo
Services: film
Website: https://www.bazardovideo.biz/
Address: Rua da Glória 2A, 1250-116 Lisboa
J.A Coelho da Silva
Services: camera repair
Website: http://www.jacoelhodasilva.com/
Address: Rua do Loreto 61 2°Esq, 1200-241 Lisboa
Instanta
Services: film, camera sales, printing
Website: https://www.instanta.pt/
Address: Various locations
Lx_aomilimetro
Services: film, camera sales, developing
Website: https://lxaomilimetro.com/pt/
Address: R. Leitão de Barros 10A, 1500-384 Lisboa
Where to buy film in Lisbon?
There are plenty of options for buying film in Lisbon, but prices vary substantially, so shop around for the best deal. Also, we’ve found that buying online and picking up in-store can save you as much as €20 on a box of five rolls (we’re looking at you, Colorfoto).
For the widest variety at relatively similar prices, start with Colorfoto, Bazar do Video, and Carmencita Film Lab. They all stock color and black-and-white film in 35mm, 120 and Super 8 formats. If you’re looking for funky films, including all of Lomo’s offerings, go to Colorfoto.
One place to avoid is Fnac. The prices are some of the least competitive in the city.
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Where to develop film in Lisbon?
If you’re looking to get your holiday snaps developed, Colorfoto is a great option for color and black-and-white films. They offer scanning and printing and turn things around in a day or two for a relatively reasonable price. It’s the perfect option for those looking to just get old-school prints in their hand.
For professional work, take your rolls to Carmencita Film Lab in LX Factory. They currently have a five- to eight-day turnaround (unless you pay for express) and offer good results. However, their customer service leaves something to be desired, and expect to pay professional prices for professional results.
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Also, Carmencita Film Lab only develops color film onsite. Black-and-white film is sent to Spain, so turnaround times can drag.
If you want to develop black-and-white film yourself but aren’t willing to spring for the kit at home, Vintage Dream Cameras [temporarily closed] offers by-the-hour darkroom services, so you can DIY develop. If you’ve never done it before, there are also workshops, so keep an eye out on their socials.
Those looking to develop Super 8 in Lisbon are out of luck, but Sagrada Pelicula, based in Sever do Vouga, accepts mail-ins, which means you don’t have to send your precious cartridges across international borders.
Where to print film photography in Lisbon?
If you’re looking to recapture the heady days of the ’90s by dropping off your film and picking up prints, go to Colorfoto.
Until recently, Carmencita only offered printing in Spain, but as of this year, they have “proof prints” in Lisbon.
If you’re looking to print yourself, Vintage Dream Cameras [temporarily closed] offers by-the-hour darkroom services. They currently have three enlargers with holders for 35mm and medium format up to 6×6. All printing is black-and-white only, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, there are workshops throughout the year.
Where to buy film cameras in Lisbon?
There are more places to buy an analog camera in Lisbon than there are to buy film, develop, and print put together. The quality of those cameras, however, is hard to judge.
OLX.pt is many people’s first choice, but it’s the Wild West, and you’re more likely to pick up a lemon than a Leica. If you want to gamble in person, try your luck at Feira da Ladra.
If you want to trust what you buy, Vintage Dream Cameras [temporarily closed] is a solid choice. Colorfoto also has a selection of second-hand film cameras with the reassurance of a reputable store and high prices to match.
Related: Getting Thrifty: The Second-Hand Stores of Lisbon
More recently, analog camera shops have also opened in 8 Marvila and near Jardin Zoológico. The various Instanta locations around the city also stock a somewhat random selection of second-hand cameras.
For an all-you-can-eat buffet of vintage cameras (and analog photography in general), attend the Festival de Fotografia Analógica, organized by ADAO.
Where to repair film camera in Lisbon?
If you need a camera repaired, there are two places to consider. First, J.A Coelho da Silva on Rua do Loreto. Don’t be put off by the minimalist website and small storefront, these guys know what they’re doing.
Alternatively, go and have a chat with Vintage Dream Cameras [temporarily closed]. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
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