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Film lab
CSW Film Systems
215 N Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661
A dedicated lab that develops photographic film.
Fast and affordable film developer offering same-day processing for C41 negatives.
Film developing at CSW Film Systems
The things film shooters actually ask before handing over a roll. A blank line means the lab hasn't published it — not that the answer is no. Always confirm before a special trip.
| Developed in-house | Not stated on their site |
|---|---|
| Returns your negatives | Not stated on their site |
| Scanner | Not stated on their site |
| Turnaround | Not stated on their site |
| Cheapest develop price found | No price published |
What CSW Film Systems offers
Every line is evidence-backed — pulled from what customers wrote in their reviews, or from the lab's own website.
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C-41 color 3 mentions
“Get your C41 negatives to Oson in the morning (earlier the better) and usually they're ready same-day.”
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Same-day 3 mentions
“Get your film there before the afternoon and it'll be done before 5pm same day.”
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Black & white 2 mentions
“they send black and white to another developer, but it’s still cheaper and faster than if I were to send it off myself.”
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E-6 / slide 2 mentions
“E6 processing is done Thursdays, I believe.”
What film shooters highlight
The themes that come up again and again in reviews of CSW Film Systems.
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Fast turnaround 6 mentions
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Fair prices 5 mentions
“High-quality, fast, affordable, excellent customer service - nothing but positive things to say about CSW!”
What customers say
Osan is a legend. His turnaround is crazy fast and great quality. His lab is the only in Chicago that develops on-site, I believe. He was closed for several months due to health issues but is now back open! 🙌
Osan is very talented and reliable and the best in Chicago for high quality processing! I heard that Latitude does processing now, but why go to the community college and let kids fumble with your precious art when you have access to a master!
Get your film there before the afternoon and it'll be done before 5pm same day. Never had a bad experience here! Film always comes out looking great and clean, prices are fantastic, service is great, and turnover for rolls is fast. Can't speak highly enough of this place.
affordable and very quick turn-around on color developing. they send black and white to another developer, but it’s still cheaper and faster than if I were to send it off myself. great resource
Hours & location
Opening hours
| Monday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Getting there
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