AG Photolab

AG Photolab, analogue photo lab in North Shields

AG Photolab is a photo lab based in North Shields, United Kingdom, dedicated to film processing, scanning and printing, as well as the sale of analogue photography supplies. The company presents itself as a service aimed at both professionals and enthusiasts, with the premise of keeping film alive since 1949.

Since December 2024 it has been part of the Digitalab group, a business with more than 75 years of experience in the photography sector. The company describes itself as a third-generation family business led by its managing director, Jill Fountain, and notes that film processing has been the core of its activity since its beginnings in the post-war era.

Film processing in multiple formats

The processing service covers different formats and types of film:

• 35mm film
• 120 film
• Disposable cameras
• 110 film
• 126 film
• 127 film
• APS film

As for chemical processes, the company works with C41, black and white, E6 and special films. The firm states that its processing services have been trusted by photographers nationwide for over 75 years.

Scanning, printing and framing

In addition to processing, AG Photolab offers negative scanning and a printing catalogue that includes photo prints, fine art printing, large format, panoramic, square formats, montages, personalised prints and A size prints. It also offers a print from negatives service.

The company sells frames under its own names: Clyde, Medway, Tay, Thames Narrow and Tyne.

Sale of film and darkroom supplies

The lab's shop sells photographic film, film bundles, gift cards and darkroom supplies. AG Photolab states that it maintains a wide range of film, paper, chemistry and lab products from brands such as Ilford, Kodak and Fujifilm, including both the most popular products and niche references. The company states that it holds one of the largest stocks of traditional black and white paper.

Team and technical experience

The team combines professionals with decades of experience and a new generation of film photography enthusiasts. Among the names mentioned are Jack Bramley, film department supervisor, with a university education in photography and five years of experience in the lab; Peter Gaffney, from Metro Colour Lab, which became part of AG in 2012; and Peter, an E6 specialist. The team is completed by film technicians, image analysts, customer service and marketing.

The company notes that its staff have extensive knowledge of traditional darkroom work and analogue photography, acquired both through the operation of its own lab and through personal experience and academic study.

Services and resources for the customer

The lab's website includes information on delivery, contact, fulfilment, blog, ICC profiles and sustainability. The company indicates that those dropping film off in person must place their order online first.

Location and contact

Unit 2 Cumberland Road, North Shields, NE29 8RD, UK · Telephone: 0121 366 0016 · Email: sales@ag-photolab.co.uk