Welcome to Karmir Film Lab in Yerevan!

Note from the editor: Constantine approached me with this article as a sponsorship opportunity for Kashmir Film Lab on Analog.Cafe. I am happy to publish this piece free of charge, as I usually do for all community submissions on this website (even those that promote projects and personal businesses). However, I feel it’s important that I clarify the nature of this post due to these specific circumstances. — Dmitri.

In recent years, Yerevan has quietly become a compelling destination for analog photographers. Its sun-soaked streets, pink-tinted tuff architecture, and long stretches of golden-hour light, the Armenian capital provides a distinctive environment for creative exploration.

What makes Yerevan particularly suitable for analog work is its relaxed atmosphere. Street photography is generally accepted—residents are often curious rather than guarded—and film stocks remain accessible through local stores and labs. For those seeking a quieter setting with a sense of community, the city offers an appealing combination.

But what truly sets the Armenian capital apart is the presence of Karmir Film Lab — a place that does more than process rolls. It builds community, fosters dialogue, and elevates film photography into a shared creative pursuit.

Founded in 2020 by Levon Badikyan, Karmir began inside a film production studio, serving a small circle of cinematographer friends. In 2022, the lab opened its doors to the public under the co-direction of cinematographer Alexey Komoza. Both Levon and Alexey share a background in analog filmmaking and a deep respect for the craft — a perspective that now shapes everything Karmir offers.

From the start, the lab was conceived not merely as a technical service but as a space for reflection and collaboration. At Karmir, scanning isn’t a faceless transaction — it’s a conversation. Clients are often involved in the process, choosing between Noritsu, Frontier, or high-resolution Imacon scans based on project needs. Staff are quick to offer film stock suggestions, colour correction advice, or even talk through the narrative goals of a project. In an industry where labs often feel transactional, Karmir is refreshingly invested.

What Karmir Film Lab offers.

Development: C-41, B&W, E6, and ECN-2 processing — all done in-house, with attention to archival quality and consistency.

Scanning: Choose from standard Noritsu and Frontier scans or premium, single-frame Imacon X5 scans for maximum tonal depth and control.

Printing: Museum-grade fine art printing is available for exhibitions or portfolio production — something rare in the region.

Custom Services: Push/pull processing, personalized colour profiles, TIFF delivery options, and client-assisted scan sessions.

Gear & Film: Curated selection of 35mm and medium format film, including their in-house film stock, Karmir 160 — a custom-made colour negative film developed to suit the region’s unique lighting conditions and aesthetic preferences. Cameras like the Mamiya RZ67 and Mu-II are also available for rent — ideal for visitors or those testing new formats.

A lab that builds community.

Karmir functions as a creative and cultural platform. Regular programming includes: guided photo walks through Yerevan’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, artist talks featuring local and international photographers, scanning and workflow workshops, and group exhibitions and open calls (often in partnership with Yerevan Photo Festival).

This community-first approach has turned Karmir into more than a film lab — it’s a meeting ground for Armenia’s growing creative class.

For visiting photographers.

If you’re shooting in Yerevan, Karmir is more than a convenient lab — it’s a valuable guidepost. Our staff are generous with tips, offering suggestions for both locations and gear. Here are some highlights they often recommend:

Kond district for weathered walls and steep alleys with character, GUM Market / Petak for vivid life and detail, perfect for colour stock, Hrazdan night flower market for film-friendly lighting and mood, Soviet-era architecture for brutalist gems hiding in plain sight, and Ararat Valley and Lori Region for perfect for day trips and landscape work.

Light in Armenia is intense — ideal for ISO 50 and 100 film stocks — and varies drastically with the seasons. ND filters are useful in summer, while autumn brings a soft, diffused palette.

Why Karmir Lab stands out.

In a city where other labs operate quietly and functionally, Karmir offers something more: care, curiosity, and craft. Scans come with thoughtful handling. Communication is direct and generous. And for many photographers, the lab becomes a second home.

“One of the best labs I’ve used, anywhere in the world. The scans were beautiful, and the staff clearly cares about the craft.”

Whether you’re passing through the Caucasus or settling in for a long-term project, Karmir Film Lab is an anchor point for analog creators — a place where your work is not just developed, but understood.