How to Develop 4X5 Film
Unlike the more traditional 120mm and 35mm films, 4X5 film is a large-format sheet-fed film. Each frame of 4x5 film is a sheet inserted into the back of a camera. Processing this kind of film is tricky, as it is prone to developing streaks while being mixed with the chemicals. While many professional photographers suggest Jobo processors for 4x5 film, they can be costly. Another method, using dip-and-dunk processing tanks, is a more affordable way to obtain results that are just as good.
Things You'll Need
- A completely dark room
- Thermometer
- Developer
- Stop bath
- Fixer
- Water
- 3 dip-and-dunk tanks
- Larger tray to hold tanks
- Timer for use in the dark
- Photo-Flo negative cleaner
Instructions
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1
Mix your developer, stop bath and fixer. Check your chemicals' packaging for directions on developing them. You will need at least 1 liter of developer to develop your 4x5 film. Make sure your chemicals are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter or colder will affect the processing of your film.
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2
Set up your dip-and-dunk tanks --- one filled with developer, another with stop bath and a third with fixer --- and place them on top of the larger tray. See the Resources section for a retailer. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for setting them up.
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3
Place your sheet film into the film holder included in the dip-and-dunk tanks. Each dip-and-dunk tank will hold a certain number of negatives, usually six or 12. In a totally dark room, feel around and place your 4x5 film into the slots on the dip-and-dunk tanks. They should be held in place by a few pieces of plastic bordering the edge of the negative.
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4
Set up your timer. Since you have to be in complete darkness, you can also count off or have a friend holding a stop watch outside your room. Pull your film holder out of the developing tank every 30 seconds for the amount of time your film indicates to keep it in the developer.
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5
Move it through the stop bath for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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6
Place the film holder in the last tub, the fixer tub, for about 5 minutes.
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7
Take your film holder out of the fixer tub, and leave your negative in running water for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also use Photo-Flo negative cleaner in this step.
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8
Place your negatives to dry in a dust-free, dry place.
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Tips & Warnings
Each film is different, so make sure to read your film's instructions to ensure correct development. There are alternative ways to develop sheet film. See the Resources section for some detailed explanations of alternatives to 4x5 film developing. If you want to avoid the dip-and-dunk tanks, you can also purchase a film holder and use deep plastic containers, such as Tupperware tubs, and use those instead.
