How to Develop Black & White Film at Home PT.1
Image done by Andrew Konstantinov @konstandy
Developing black-and-white film at home lets you control your creative process and deepen your appreciation for film photography. With practice, patience, and the right tools, you can turn exposed film into beautiful negatives, saving both time and money. Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully for your chemicals to ensure the best results and safe handling during development.
Supplies
Film Changing Bag or Dark Room: To safely load film onto the reels without exposing it to light, you'll need a completely dark space. A film-changing bag provides a portable dark environment, while a dedicated dark room offers a more spacious setup for handling film.
Scissors and Can Opener: Essential tools for opening the film canister and cutting the film leader. A traditional can opener is often best for popping open 35mm film canisters with minimal risk of damaging the film.
Film Developing Tank and Reels: These allow you to develop film without direct light. The reels securely hold the film and are placed in the tank, then sealed to prevent light exposure. Adjustable reels are useful for different film formats, while stainless steel or plastic reels are both good choices based on preference.
Film Developer: The primary chemical that brings your latent images to life. Film developers vary in type and effect on contrast, grain, and sharpness, so choose one that suits your artistic vision.
Stop Bath: A chemical solution that halts the development process immediately, ensuring that the image remains stable and preventing overdevelopment.
Fixer: This chemical makes the image on the film permanent by dissolving any remaining light-sensitive silver. Fixer is crucial for stabilizing the film and preparing it for safe viewing under light.
Thermometer: Precise temperature control is key to consistent results. A thermometer will help you monitor and maintain the correct temperature for each chemical bath, as this can significantly impact development.
Measuring Containers: Accurate measuring is essential for consistent chemical mixing. Have separate measuring containers for each solution to avoid cross-contamination and ensure precise quantities.
Storage Bottles for Chemicals: Use air-tight bottles to store mixed chemicals safely for future use. Dark or opaque bottles are ideal for protecting your chemicals from light and prolonging their effectiveness.
Film Clips: These are used to hang your film strips for drying after development. Clips that minimize contact with the film help prevent dust and streaks.
Bathroom or Drying Space: A clean, dust-free area with a way to hang film for drying is crucial. Many people find that a bathroom works well, as it often provides ample ventilation and humidity control.
Sink or Water Supply: A source of running water is necessary for rinsing film after development, which helps to remove all remaining chemical residues. A sink or tub with easy access to clean, temperature-controlled water is ideal.
Funnels for Chemicals: Funnels make pouring chemicals back into their storage bottles easy and mess-free, minimizing spills and preserving your workspace.
With these tools and supplies, you’ll have everything you need to develop film at home, from loading the film to drying the developed film all in the comfort of your bathroom.
Chemistry
Mixing the Chemistry: It is important to note that you should also view the back of all your chemistry as it may have different instructions on how to mix its product.
Prepare Developer:
For powder developers, measure water (e.g., 800 ml) in a beaker.
Mix parts A and B of the developer, then add water to reach your desired level.
Adjust for dilution if needed.
Check Temperature:
Let the solution cool to around 20°C (68°F), the typical temperature for black-and-white film.
Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
Prepare Liquid Solutions:
Dilute liquid developer and fixer as per instructions.
Measure the exact solution amount needed (e.g., 375 ml for 35mm film) based on your tank’s specifications.
Mixing film chemicals requires careful handling, as developers, stop baths, and fixers can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves and safety glasses, and avoid direct contact with chemicals. Follow the instructions on measuring and mixing to prevent harmful reactions and ensure good film quality. Dispose of chemicals properly, as many can’t go down regular drains and need special handling to protect the environment. Following these safety steps helps create a safe workspace and reliable results.
