Manual Photo Lab Is Nyc Chinatown's New Kid On The Block

Summary

Manual, the New York camera lifestyle label, just opened its first permanent store, Manual Photo Lab, in ChinatownAt 85A Allen Street, the space is designed as a hangout, film lab, equipment store, stocked with cameras, film, books, zines, and moreOpening doors with an exhibition by Leon Xu, founder Malcom Dia says more shows, zine launches, DJ sets, and workshops are in the works

New York loves Manual, and Manual loves New York. Since its founding nearly a decade ago, the label has stayed true to its core creative community, ranging from photo buffs to photo-curious, with a steady flow of pop-ups, parties, and shows cropping up around the city. Now, with the opening of Manual Photo Lab, its first permanent foothold, day-ones and first-timers have a permanent hangout.

The 400-square-foot setup in Chinatown was inspired by the mom-and-pop camera stores founder Malcolm Dia grew up around, places that not only specialized in equipment, but served as meeting spots for like-minded artists immersed in their craft. "They were where people met, traded tips, and got their film back. We think there's a real appetite for that kind of place, especially among younger people picking up cameras again," he said.

On the shelves, alongside the brand's digital and disposable cameras — both arriving in a slew of colorways — are Kodak film stocks, books, zines, and merch from local and international publishers, like Loose Joints, Super Labo, Pomegranate Press, Monolith Editions, and Dobedo UK. It also offers film processing with 35mm color development starting at $15 and a two- to three-business-day turnaround.

The space launched with an exhibition presented alongside Silvertooth Agency, featuring an original painting by Leon Xu and work by emerging artists. More exhibitions, zine launches, DJ sets, and workshops are soon to come.

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As for the design itself, it comes courtesy of Protean Practice, made to resemble the see-through “HOLO” digicams: clear panels in the front keep the building’s original facade and 19th-century brickwork intact, while a semi-sheer curtain lets light in through the film lab in the book. Raw steel and roughened plywood make for stylish industrial touches, alongside the custom speaker system and reading bench flanking the side of the store.

Manual has come a long way since its pop-up coffee counter and film drop-off window in summer 2019, just a short walk away from its new home. But even then, too, it knew how to draw a crowd.

Chinatown was a deliberate choice, given the neighborhood’s history of family-run businesses, photo studios, and print shops. "We're new here, so our job is to be a good neighbor," said Dia. "That means being open to everyone, pricing the lab so people can actually use it, and making space for local photographers and artists."

Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 7 PM, check out the store for yourself

Manual Photo Lab
85A Allen Street,
New York, NY 10002

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