Hong Kong is one of my favourite ‘photography countries’ so I am blessed to be back again this year! Previously I blog about where to develop film in Hong Kong.
Over there, I listed a few labs I had tried and also some input from readers. For this trip I got to try a new lab: SHOWA!
SHOWA Hong Kong
SHOWA has an exclusive and delicate website about all their services and products. Hence, in this blog, let me share about my experience with them as a consumer π
First, I love their convenient locations. They currently have 2 branches in Hong Kong. One in Causeway Bay, another one in Mongkok. Both are easily accessible and super easy to find amidst the crowded buildings and signboards.
If you are looking for cameras, I suggest you visit the Mongkok branch as they have wider varieties and more accessories such as analogue flashes and antique camera bags.
Turnaround time
I super love their short turnaround times. I sent my C-41 films in the afternoon at Mongkok branch and in less than 2 hours later, I received my scanned images via Google Drive while still sight-seeing. Shiok! (Singlish for very awesome). Thereafter, you’re free to collect your negative.
However, it’s not as fast for ECN2 and E6 processes. When they say it takes 1-2 weeks, they mean it.
Friendly
If you have been to DotWell HK in Tim Sha Tsui and felt intimidated by the lady, then perhaps you will love the service of SHOWA staff. I was greeted warmly (Mongkok branch) when I stepped into the shop and I felt very at ease while looking around the stores.
And there’s a cute cat in the Mongkok store, very photogenic.
Films
Besides good scanning services, they also sell a large varieties of the usual films. Some special films that are not common in Singapore includes: Hillvale Sunny 16, Fujifilm premium (Japan version), Fujicolor Industrial, many kinds of Rollei B&W films, Cinestill, Lomography, motion films etc.
Sample photos
Okay, let’s take a look at some of the photos scanned by SHOWA Hong Kong.
Fujifilm Pro400H
Mido Cafe (2017)
η«εΊιΏ (2017)
Tin can maker (2017)
Kodak Portra 400
Don’t fool with me (2017)
Choi Hung Estate HK (2017)
The cat in SHOWA (2017)
Central, HK (2017)
Fujicolor Industrial 400
Dragon’s back mountain HK (2017)
Paragliding (2017)
Hong Kong taxi (2017)
Ferris wheel (2017)
SX-70 (2017)
Hillvale Sunny 16
Asian Beatles (2017)
Chess (2017)
Conclusion
I love their scan! If you want to entrust your films to someone who knows what they’re doing, SHOWA is the place you should definitely try!
Hi Nicole.
I loved seeing your photos from the different films you used.
For me, the Fuji Pro 400 H gives very nice skin tones and a nice, soft colour palette which I really like.
Do you have a preference for a particular film used in this blog?
P.S. My Rollei CN200 arrived from Camera Film Photo this week and can’t wait to try it out. They will be my ‘go to’ place for film from now on, so thank you for the recommendation.
Hello Ian, Thanks for reading my blog π My favourite film is Fuji Pro400 H, I agree with u that it gives a nice soft colours. Glad to hear that your CN200 arrived safely, have fun! π
We might have been at the same place last week. @.@