In 2010, when I decided to ditch my compact digital camera for a Canon EOS Kiss III – a contemporary analog model also known as the Rebel or 300 in other markets – film photography was on its deathbed.
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Kodak Gold, priced at 80 baht a roll at that time, could still be found gathering dust on the shelves of long-standing photo studios around Bangkok, but many of these places had shed their film processing capabilities completely, converting to digital services.
Whenever I finished a roll of film, I’d take it to one of the last remaining businesses who were still operating for it to be developed, always wondering when they might draw their last breath. Then I’d have to wait impatiently for about two weeks to see what I had shot.
Photos: Xanap, Sweet Film Bar
Fast-forward 15 years later, and all of this has changed – and is still evolving.
First of all, analog photography has made a U-turn from the brink of extinction. From wedding photographers to social media influencers, film has become part of the modern arsenal for capturing still images. Unfortunately, with this newfound demand, limited supply and inflation, the price of film has gone up just as drastically. Kodak Gold now retails for 300 to 400 baht a roll – ouch!
That said, the good news is that getting your films developed has never been more convenient.
Today, film processing studios can be found all over Bangkok. They typically charge somewhere between 100 to 200 baht for developing and digital format scanning, so you get your photos Google-Drived to you on the same day – usually within one to three hours.
For me, the most exciting part is that a new generation of photo studios has entered the game with a fresh take on what a film lab looks like.
Photos: Xanap
Multi-concept destinations
One place that epitomises this modern era is Sweet Film Bar. Located on Samsen 4 Alley in Bangkok’s Old Town area, it combines analog creativity with the city’s thirst for nightlife. This is more than a place to pick up and drop off your negatives – it’s both a film processing outlet and a craft beer bar, which goes by the name Apron Bar.
“The concept I was going for was something sweet that had a film lab and a bar,” says owner Champ Wanithanont.
Sweet Film Bar periodically plays host to workshops and photo walks too, creating opportunities for the community to connect.
“It’s a chance for those who have experience with film cameras to meet up with those who don’t. The aim is to get people to meet in person,” Champ explains.
“These events are not only for Thais – it’s a mixed community. I think it’s great that tourists sometimes discover that there’s a photo walk happening during their visit, and can come hang out with locals and exchange perspectives.”
For travellers with special requests, this is the ideal spot. “I take care of the business personally, so it’s usually me replying to messages. When we receive requests from people who are transient and maybe need their film developed very quickly and mailed to a specific location – perhaps even another country – I try to be as flexible and helpful as possible,” Champ says.
Photos: Tanguy Rattanapantowong, Sweet Film Bar
Retro reboot
Another new-generation film lab is Xanap in Siam Square, a hotspot in Bangkok for youth and tourists. It’s run by five former employees, including Tanguy Rattanapantowong, who took over the business from the original founders when they decided to throw in the towel some years ago.
The 29-year-old says one of the biggest strengths of Xanap is that it’s run by a passionate group of people who have worked there for years and know the job inside out: “The five of us develop, scan, answer questions, and do everything ourselves. This kind of hands-on experience makes a big difference in quality and efficiency.”
Most of the lab’s customers are Thai teens who love the old-school vibe of film, and holidaymakers. Tanguy doesn’t distinguish between them.
“My favourite type of customer is the one who’s curious and really wants to learn more about film,” he says.
Powered by passion
Because the rising costs of shooting on film have made it difficult for the average Thai person to shoot casually, the medium is now often saved for special events, travel or important life moments.
But this focus has also helped build a tight and vibrant community, centred around these young lab operators, which gives travellers a unique way to plug into the Thai capital.
So the next time you’re in Bangkok, look them up. Send your rolls in to be developed, have a drink, mingle with fellow film buffs. Passion revived film photography once – and just watching it play out here, at one of these new-generation studios, gives you a sense that it will always keep going.
