How to Develop Slide Film at Home

Process slide film at home for a fraction of the cost compared to commercial outlets.

Developing slide film at home uses the same equipment that you would use to develop any other type of film. Slide film, also known as “E6” film is different from negative film, in that the final product is an image you can view normally without having to print it. Slide film is known for its rich and accurate color reproduction and was used by many professional photographers for these reasons. The chemicals need to process E6 film can be purchased at most photography retailers or ordered off of the Internet.

Instructions

Developing slide film at home.

1. Premix the required solutions to develop your E6 film and store in reusable containers. It is critical to prepare these solutions at the temperatures stated in the instructions. Number the bottles 1 through 7 to identify the solution needed for the next step. Mix only the amount of chemical needed for the size of processing tank you are using.

2. In a light-tight room or using a changing bag remove the slide film from its canister and load onto the developing reels. This step takes some practice to get it right. It has to be done in 100 percent darkness and requires a fair amount of dexterity. It is a good idea to practice loading the reels in regular light with a unused roll of film until you become proficient in this step.

3. Pour the “first developer” into the tank; set the timer for six minutes. Agitate the tank by holding the tank in your hand and rotating your wrist a quarter turn. Do this continuously for the first 30 seconds; then tap the tank on the counter to release any air bubbles on the film. Let the tank sit for 25 seconds, then agitate again for five seconds. Repeat this process for the entire six minutes. Pour out and discard the chemical.

4. Wash the film inside the tank with fresh water at 100 degrees for two minutes. Pour out the water.

5. Pour the “reversal bath” solution in the tank, set your timer for two minutes, agitate for 15 seconds, tap the tank to remove air bubbles and let the tank sit for the remainder of the time. Pour out and discard the used chemical.

6. Pour the “color developer” into the tank, set the timer for six minutes and follow same agitation procedures, continuous for the first 30 seconds, then for five seconds each half minute for the entire six minutes. Pour out and discard the used chemical.

7. Pour the “pre-bleach” solution into the tank; set your timer for two minutes. Agitate for the first 30 seconds, then for five seconds every half minute for the remaining time. Pour out and discard the chemical.

8. Pour the “bleach” solution into the tank, set the timer for six minutes, agitate as before and pour out and discard the used chemical.

9. Pour the “fixer” solution into the tank, set the timer for four minutes, agitate as before and pour out and discard used chemical.

10. Wash the film still inside the tank with room temperature fresh water. Do this for six minutes; then empty the water from the tank.

11. Pour the “final rinse” solution into the tank, set the timer for one minute and gently agitate the entire time and then pour out.

12. Remove the reels from the tank and the film from the reels. Do this in a dust free room or as dust-free as possible. Hang the film to dry for two hours, using film clips or clothesline pegs to hold the film.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you follow the time and temperatures required to develop slide film. Varying either will effect the outcome of the process.

References

• Light Catchers: E6 Processing
• Yarki.net: DIY-Developing E6 Slide Film
• Kodak.com: Process E6