How to Develop Black and White Film With Coffee

You don't have to take your black and white film to a professional to be developed anymore. You can do the developing in the comfort of your own home with coffee. The quality may not be as good, but it can definitely be a fun project to do alone or with children. Go on down to your local store, buy some instant coffee and get started developing your own black and white film.

Things You'll Need

• Black and white film
• 8 ounces of water
• 4 tsp. of instant coffee granules
• 2 tsp. of washing soda
• Developing tank
• Chemical fixer
• Dishwashing liquid

Instructions

1. Head to your local grocery store and buy instant coffee granules and washing soda.

2. Pour the water, instant coffee crystals and washing soda in a bowl. Stir together until uniform or for approximately 5 minutes. The mixture will make a half pint of developer.

3. Load the film into the developing tank.

4. Add the coffee developer into the tank and develop for 25 minutes, agitating every 30 seconds.

5. Fix the film for approximately 3 minutes in a chemical fixer.

6. Wash the film for 5 minutes with fresh water and dishwashing liquid.

7. Hang up the film and spray with distilled water, then let it dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy baking soda. Make sure that you purchase washing soda which can be found in chain grocery stores with the laundry materials.