Editing Film development | Photography Wiki

= Film development =

Definition:

== Process overview & basic theory ==

== Used materials ==

These assume a 500 ml tank is being used to develop a single roll of film (either 135 or 120). Adjustments for other situations should be straightforward, except maybe for sheet film.

=== Non-consumable ===

==== Required ====
* 1 big water container, sufficient to put all the materials in with slack space
* 1 thermometer (not the clinical type)
* 1 daylight developing tank
* spiral(s) (must match tank if using a plastic one)
* 1 liquid measure (measuring graduate), at least 1 litre capacity
* 1 container for each chemical you will use (600ml capacity or more)
* 1 pair of film weights per film being developed

The big water container serves to stabilize the temperature of all the components. A temperature shock might damage the film being processed.

You will use at least developer and fixer, so you will need at least 2 containers, more if you use optional chemicals. Label your chemicals clearly in a way that it won't go off with water; don't mismatch the containers and chemicals.

Film weights are a a must, but the don't need to be "official". Clothes pegs will do the job with no side-effects.

==== Optional ====
* funnel(s) to pour liquids
* stirrer(s) to mix them
* medicine syringe(s) (5-10ml)
* 1 dark changing bag
* 1 canister opener or bottle opener
* 1 film retriever (if you don't want to open the canisters)
* stopwatch (there are some specialized for photography too)

=== Consumable ===

==== Required ====
* developer
* fixer

Both in enough quantity to fill your tank (it's good practice to prepare a little more, just in case some of it leaks).

A note on hardening fixers: they are usually not needed for most films. They have also a downside: it's much harder to wash them off your film after use (see procedure below).

==== Optional ====
A note on "optional" chemicals: they are part of the development process. The fact that you can develop film without them (or their official formula - see [[chemicals]]) doesn't mean they are not needed. Good, consistent results are harder to achieve without them, or archivability issues may arise. You've been warned.

* stopper
* washing aid (hypo remover)
* wetting agent (surfactant)

== Step-by-step procedure ==

== Sources ==
* [http://photo-utopia.blogspot.com/2008/05/developing-your-first-b-film.html Developing your first B&W film] - Photo Utopia weblog
* [http://www.fecalface.com/SF/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=344&Itemid=92 How to process B+W film] - Fecal Face
* [http://silverbased.org/101-bw-dev/ 101: What do I need to develop film?] - Silverbased weblog

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[[Category:Film photography]]
[[Category:DIY]]