35mm vs 120 Film Developing: Mail Order Options Compared
By Harrison Cameras | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Comparisons
Compare 35mm and 120 colour film developing by post, including scans and prints, quantity limits, and how to choose the right service for your format.
Quick answer
Choose the 35mm service for 35mm colour film and the 120 service for medium format colour film. Both are mail order services with scanning and print options, but the 120 service costs more per film and requires you to match the order quantity to the number of films you send.
The real difference is the format, not the process
Both services develop colour film and let you choose scanning or prints. The key difference is the film format they accept: 35mm film for the 35mm service and 120 medium format film for the 120 service. Sending the wrong format will delay your order, so check the film canister or backing paper before you post.
Cost per film: 120 costs more, and that is expected
The 120 service is priced higher per film than the 35mm service. That reflects the larger film area and the different handling medium format requires. If you shoot both formats, budget separately rather than assuming a single price covers both.
Scans and prints work the same way, but check your order quantity
Both services offer scanning and prints as options. The important step is to set the order quantity to match the number of films you are sending. If you send three rolls of 35mm and order quantity one, you may only receive one film's worth of service.
One postal address, two services: keep your order number visible
Both services use the same mail order process: place your order online, then post your films to Harrison Cameras at 112-114 London Road, Sheffield, S2 4LR with a note of your order number and contact details. If you are sending both 35mm and 120 film, place separate orders for each service so the lab can match films to the correct service.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 35mm service: lower cost per film, smaller negatives: Choose this for 35mm colour film if you want a lower-cost developing service with scanning or prints. The trade-off is that 35mm negatives are smaller than 120, so scans may show less fine detail when enlarged.
- 120 service: larger format, higher cost per film: Choose this for 120 colour film if you want the benefit of medium format negatives. The trade-off is a higher price per film and the need to order the correct quantity for each roll. Check the film format on the backing paper before posting.
- Mail order process: convenient but requires correct paperwork: Both services are mail order: order online, post to the Sheffield address, and include your order number and contact details. The trade-off is that missing paperwork can delay your order, so write the order number clearly. Keep a note of your order number before sealing the envelope.
Product facts
- 120 Medium Format Colour Film Developing | Mail Order Scans & Prints: 120 Medium Format Colour Film Developing offers scanning and print options and requires you to set order quantity to the number of films sent. Use this service for 120 colour film and order one unit per film to avoid under-ordering.
120 Medium Format Colour Film Developing | Mail Order Scans & Prints - 35mm Colour Film Developing | Mail Order Scans & Prints: 35mm Colour Film Developing offers scanning and print options and requires you to set order quantity to the number of films sent. Use this service for 35mm colour film and order one unit per film so every roll is processed.
35mm Colour Film Developing | Mail Order Scans & Prints
Which service fits your film?
Best for
- Photographers shooting 35mm colour film who want a lower-cost developing service with scans or prints
- Medium format shooters who need 120 colour film developed with scanning or print options
Not for
- Black and white film, which requires a different developing service
- Anyone who needs in-person drop-off, as both services are mail order only
