As someone who knows next to nothing about film, I'm glad I found my way to Flats. Recently I had some photos "developed" at Walgreens, which was my first mistake. Weeks went by and I received a roll back, with no prints. I brought the roll to Flats thinking it was likely ruined, only for the amazing person who helped me (I wish I had asked her name!) to kindly explain there's was hope for my photos as Walgreens has developed the film, but not yet scanned it. I paid roughly ~$14 for a scan, which was a bit higher because I had half frames. I was informed that in the future when I bring a roll that needs to be developed too, that cost will cover the whole process. Really looking forward to getting my scans back, but already super pleased with the help I got here. Big thanks! :) read more

I had a very disappointing experience here. When we arrived, we rang the bell for assistance and had to wait for awhile before anyone came to help us. This was our first time developing film, so we weren't familiar with the process or the different scan options. We were excited to try it and asked a couple of questions to better understand. I apologized and mentioned that it was our first time, and her response was, "Well, there's a lot of information out there," while pointing outside toward the drop-off box. This came across as dismissive rather than helpful, especially as first-time customers who were genuinely trying to learn. After my friend completed her transaction, we left the store feeling frustrated. As I was walking out through the exit doors, I made a comment to my friend saying "f that b" out of frustration that was likely still within hearing distance (even though that wasn't my intent). The employee then came outside, approached my car, and confronted us. During the confrontation, she mentioned that she had been dealing with customers like that all week. She was the one who denied continuing with our transaction and insisted on issuing a refund. I explained why I was frustrated and agreed to the refund, but she continued arguing even after we had accepted it. As first-time customers, we were hoping for patience and basic customer service. Instead, the interaction felt unwelcoming and escalated unnecessarily. I hope management can address this and ensure customers--especially beginners--are treated with respect and professionalism. read more

I love Flats! They are the only place in town that I trust to develop my film. They have quick turnaround times and the results always look fantastic. Very reasonable prices as well. Only thing to be wary about is that the parking situation is quite bad. I always dread coming here and praying that there's an open spot that's easy to get into. But other than that, definitely consider supporting this small business for your film needs! read more

See all

My go-to place for film developing/scanning in Houston! Flats has a very straightforward system. Basically they have a 24 hour drop box location. you fill out a form and deposit your film roll into the mailbox. They respond very promptly with an invoice to pay! Logistics -- parking at the drop off building is a little tight but it has always been empty when I have gone. I really love the no-contact drop off system they have. Turnaround time can be a bit long - but they are very upfront about it. During a regular week - I got my scans back in like 4 days...holidays it was like 10. Pricing is great. I usually do their $12 a roll scanning/developing. Highly recommend - great local service for scanning and developing here :) as a fun and final note...they are super active on super media and often feature customer film shots on their Instagram! Definitely a nice touch read more

FLATS - Film drop off - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Houston, Texas

The best and quickest results for film developing! I am able to develop my film at home, but I still make the 1 hr + drive to Flats when I have really special rolls that I need to be handled with great care (which they always do!). They even have a community darkroom for those who want to learn how to process, print, and scan film. I can't recommend enough. read more

See all

I've always loved photography and the process it takes to develop, however never had the money to do it. Now that I do, I can honestly say I wouldn't want anyone else developing my film. 24/7 no contact drop off, easy to pay email invoices and A1 customer service. Parking is tight, but it's in Montrose so it is what it is. Turn around is pretty quick and my first two drop offs have been about 4-7 rolls so that's saying something in my mind. They also have their own film stock and even teach/hold different classes relating to film/photography, I haven't been to one yet personally, but I bet they're great classes to take and learn from. They are very up-front about their system, which can be found on their website, in the invoice they send you, and in the notification messages they send you. Contact them for any questions. The flats IG is @flatspresents My Photo IG is @eltigreoffical Definitely check out their work! This Place is Definitely a H-Town Gem! read more

I am very new in the film photography sphere and I made a mistake at checkout due to my novice. When I went to drop my film rolls off for development, Cass was working and she was super kind and helpful! She walked me through how to properly place my order and was so patient with me the whole time. She made sure that I understood particular phrasing and made recommendations for future orders I might have. She taught me how I could potentially save some money as well which is always a huge plus. This was one of the best customer service experiences anywhere that I've had in a really long time. I will absolutely be a returning customer and I highly recommend them! read more

I was referred to this establishment by a classmate after bringing up the old camera that my grandad gave me that he got when going off to the Korean War. My knowledge of analogue cameras is extremely limited/ pretty much non existent and finding anything about this camera has proven difficult not even YouTube could fully help me out. After purchasing a roll of film from flats and speaking to the person there i had a better idea of what I needed to do to get the camera working/ where I would need to go if I couldn't get it working, and now have a place to get film developed in the future. Just to clarify though this isn't a repair shop or anything but they were still very helpful read more

First time developing a disposable camera and I loved this place!! The Dropbox was very convenient, the turnaround occurred within the time window they said it would take (5-9 business days), and I love how the quality of the scans turned out. It was so nice to have digital files that I could then choose to print on my own and the ability to receive my film negatives back if I wanted them. Highly recommend this place regardless of your level of camera/film knowledge :) read more

The staff is so helpful and loved how this is a local film store. i feel good leaving my film with locals vs cvs or walgreens.

I have used FLATS lab for development of disposal camera photos. The drop-off system is great and allows you to specify what you are looking for. As someone who is NOT adept in camera-speak, the people at FLATS were very patient as I learned which boxes to check and what to ask for. The photos do take 7-10 business days to be developed, compiled, and sent, but considering the quality, the WeTransfer (SO CONVENIENT!) method of sending photos, and the kind service, the wait is no issue for my photos. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone looking to develop film. :) read more