In an age of instant images and digital saturation, the resurgence of analog photography has sparked renewed interest in the spaces that keep this craft alive, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
Tothills/Miriam Kimvangu
There is something quietly reassuring about the ritual of shooting film. The careful selection of a frame. The wait for development. The tactile pleasure of holding a printed photograph.
Tothills
Few camera shops in South Africa can match the history of Tothills, one of the country’s most respected photography havens. For those seeking authentic analog experiences, Tothills offers both technical services and a tangible connection to photographic heritage. Film processing and printing remain central to its offerings, supporting those who continue to embrace traditional methods.
Orms
If photography had a hometown hero in Cape Town, Orms would be it. Established in 1996, this iconic store has grown into one of South Africa’s best known photography hubs while continuing to champion analog processes.
Orms is a one stop shop. You can pick up fresh rolls of film, have them developed and walk away with beautifully printed images of your adventures. The lab handles various formats including 35mm and medium format, with high quality scanning for those who want both physical prints and digital copies.
Beyond its services, Orms has the feel of a creative meeting place. Workshops, and knowledgeable staff create an environment where film photography feels both timeless and contemporary. For visitors documenting their Cape Town experience on film, it is a natural stop.
FotoFirst
For accessibility and convenience, few brands match FotoFirst. With branches in shopping centres and urban hubs across the country, it is often the easiest place to find dependable film processing while travelling.
For visitors exploring multiple destinations, the convenience of finding a FotoFirst branch in different cities can be invaluable. Services typically include film development, printing and passport photography, making it a practical option for those seeking straightforward processing without specialist pricing.
While specialist labs may attract enthusiasts, FotoFirst keeps film processing approachable and affordable. Its wide footprint makes analog photography easier to sustain, especially for first time film shooters or travellers looking for straightforward service without fuss.
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Beneway
Beneway represents another longstanding presence in South Africa’s photographic landscape. Serving photographers since 1999, the shop has built a reputation for dependable equipment, processing services and steady expertise.
Beneway Photo/Miriam Kimvangu
For those moving through the Cape Town CBD, Beneway offers dependable film development and printing. The shop’s longevity speaks to sustained demand for analog photography, even as digital imaging became dominant. Its continued operation illustrates how legacy businesses adapt while preserving core services.
Cameraland
Cameraland has long been a trusted name among South African photographers. Founded in 1958, the business built its reputation on knowledgeable service and a deep understanding of photographic equipment and processes.
For travellers interested in film, Cameraland offers both equipment and development services. The staff’s technical expertise can be especially helpful for those experimenting with different film stocks or camera systems while travelling. This level of personalised guidance is part of what distinguishes legacy camera shops from modern electronics retailers. In a rapidly changing technological landscape, spaces like Cameraland provide continuity and technical knowledge that might otherwise be lost.
A new generation driving the analog revival
The continued relevance of these legacy stores is closely tied to a broader cultural shift. Younger travellers and photographers are increasingly embracing analog photography as part of a wider return to tactile and nostalgic experiences. In a digital world defined by speed and constant image production, film offers something more deliberate and tangible.
Legacy camera stores, many of which opened long before the year 2000, carry a sense of permanence and credibility that newer retailers often cannot replicate. Their long histories, specialist knowledge and established reputations make them destinations in their own right, making them part of the travel experience instead of just a practical stop for film processing.
Social media, somewhat ironically, has helped fuel this analog revival. Film’s distinctive aesthetic has become a visual shorthand for authenticity.
This renewed interest has contributed to the survival and gradual resurgence of legacy camera stores. Rather than fading into obscurity, many have adapted by expanding film services, offering workshops and supporting growing creative communities. Their continued operation reflects both cultural demand and the enduring appeal of trusted expertise.
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