How to Develop Color Film

Developing color film parallels the process of developing black-and-white film in many respects, but it takes less time and is a prelude to an entirely different printing experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Negative Storage Files
• C-41 Kits
• Thermometers
• Storage Bottles
• Darkroom Timers
• Developing Tank And Reels
• Film-hanging Clips
• Plastic Graduates

Loading the Film

1. Take film, bottle opener, scissors, developing tank and reels into a lightproof room.
2. Organize materials on a table.
3. Turn off the light.
4. Open the film canister at either end with the bottle opener.
5. Take the film out of the canister and cut off the tab at the end to create a straight edge.
6. Insert the edge into the clip at the center of the reel.
7. Thread the film between the wire spiral on the top and bottom of the reel.
8. Pull the end of the film off the spool and remove the tape.
9. Drop the loaded reel into the developing tank and secure the lid.
10. Turn the light back on.
11. Remove the lid from the opening in the tank lid.

Developing the Film

12. Mix chemicals according to the manufacturer's directions. Store chemicals in storage containers.
13. Pour 8 oz. developer into the top of the tank when using an 8-oz. developing tank.
14. Tap the tank against the counter to dislodge bubbles.
15. Agitate the tank by slowly inverting it and turning it back over for the first 15 seconds.
16. Repeat every 30 seconds for the recommended time (3 1/2 to 17 1/2 minutes depending on the temperature of the developer).
17. Pour the developer back into the storage container and replace it with bleach/fix.
18. Agitate the bleach/fix for 10 seconds, then for 5 seconds once every 30 seconds.
19. Leave the bleach/fix in the tank for 6 1/2 to 8 minutes depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
20. Remove the tank lid after completing the bleach/fix stage.
21. Run water in the tank for 3 minutes.
22. Pour out the water and add fixer for approximately 6 1/2 minutes.
23. Agitate as instructed.
24. Air out the fixer and wash again for 3 minutes.
25. Pour out the water and add stabilizer.
26. Agitate the stabilizer for the first 15 seconds.
27. Pour out the stabilizer after 1 minute.
28. Attach a clip to the end of the film, pull the film off the reel and attach another clip to the opposite end.
29. Hang film in a dry, dust-free area or a drying cabinet.
30. Cut film into segments and store in plastic, negative storage files.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice loading discarded film onto reels before loading unexposed film in the dark.
• Keep materials in a lightproof room close at hand.
• Plastic tanks with easy-load reels are an alternative to stainless-steel tanks and reels.
• Measure the developer temperature carefully, because the temperature determines the amount of time the developer remains in the tank. The temperature cannot deviate more than 1/4 of a degree without risking incorrect exposure.
• Color film can be pushed, meaning development time can be extended to achieve more contrast and density, but it does not respond well to pulling - or shortening - development time to correct for overexposed negatives.
• Stand chemicals in water at the recommended temperature for consistent results.
• Begin timing each step as you pour chemicals into the developing tank, and start draining chemicals 10 seconds before the time is up.

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