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Metro Manila / Shopping / Photo Material

The prices for photo products have changed greatly during the last few years. In late 1983, after the Aquino assassination, an ordinary 100 Asa, 36 shot film for color prints cost slightly more than 5 dollars at the official exchange rate and 4 dollars at the black market rate. Now, in mid-1988, the same film costs less than 2 dollars (36 pesos). That is much cheaper than in most western countries.

Development and printing of ordinary color film is available everywhere. In the tourist belt of Manila, along Mabini St and inside Harrison Plaza, there are several shops with on site development and printing. Many photo stores in the tourist belt, but also in major provincial cities, develop and print in around one hour.

Developing a color film depends on the brand and the number of exposures per roll. Colored prints cost 1.50 to 2.50 pesos each for album size and 3.50 to 7.50 for post card size.

For photographic equipment, accessories, products and articles, one of the best stores is Manilafoto, 92 C. Palanca St, in Quiapo. Almost every store in nearby Hidalgo St is connected with photography in one way or another.

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