Blog

With the launch of our new E6 developing machine, Hillvale is now officially the only lab in Australia offering dip-and-dunk development for all three major film processes: C-41, B&W, and E6. So what does that actually mean, and why should it matter to you? There are countless variables that go into creating a great image: the film stock, your camera, the scanner, the person scanning and of course, how the film is developed. If a scan doesn’t come out quite right, it can usually be redone or edited in post. But if a roll is developed incorrectly, there's not much...

We’ve been cooking up something special here at Hillvale HQ. Since day one, our slide film customers have patiently waited, sometimes weeks, for their E6 development, which we previously outsourced to other labs. But no longer - we’re excited to announce that our in-house E6 developing machine is now up and running. That makes us the only lab in Victoria (in the world?) offering C41, B&W, and E6 development, all processed in dip and dunk machines. As the name suggests, dip and dunk processing involves your film being clipped to racks, then carefully dipped through a series of chemical baths....

Happy New Year to our extended Hillvale community, we hope you’ve all had a restful break and made time to take some photos. Thursday the 9th will be our first day open to the public after nearly 3 weeks of closure, so it goes without saying we have some catching up to do.  The developing machines have had a full service, retanked with fresh chemistry, the scanners are being calibrated and we are beginning to process your rolls.  January is our busiest month of the year and we appreciate your patience during this time. Due to this, we do have...

It’s been roughly two decades since any of the major powerhouses in photography have released a new film camera (aside from the cheap refillable types). This is why Hillvale Photo is stoked to host the official Australian launch of the highly anticipated Pentax 17: a half-frame camera that combines the best of Pentax's legacy with modern advancements.  The Pentax 17's half-frame format is its most distinct feature: twice as many exposures per roll of film. On a standard 36-exposure roll, you can capture approximately 72 images, making it great for travelling (less film to carry!) and perfect for those shooting...