DIY Photo Processing
Most photography is now done with digital cameras; so much so that DIY film photo processing would seem to be a dying art. That is no reason not to plunge into film processing as a hobby, however. Like the audiophile who collects vinyl records, the photography aficionado who never attempts DIY photo processing is missing out on an esoteric pleasure which can add an entire new dimension to the photography hobby.
The good news in DIY film processing is that, with the light-proof developing tanks and changing bags now available, access to a darkroom is no longer necessary.
Because most people prefer color photography, that is a good place for the beginner to start processing; adding black and white film and its associated processing chemicals at a later date.
Things You'll Need
- Exposed film
- Changing bag
- Kitchen sink
- Water jug, one gallon
- Digital thermometer
- Bottle opener
- Scissors
- Developing tank and reel
- Color developing chemical kit, 3-bath
- Chemical bottles, 4, one liter
- Stop watch
- Clips for hanging the film
Instructions
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1
Place the exposed film canister, bottle opener, scissors, developing tank, and reel into the changing bag and seal the bag. Place your arms into the sleeves of the bag and, using the bottle opener, pry the flat end off the canister. Pull the spool out of the canister and use the scissors to cut the leader from the film, leaving a square end.
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2
Feed the film carefully onto the reel, cut end first, following the instructions that came with the reel. When you reach the end of the film, cut the leader off in the same manner as you did the beginning of the film.
Place the reel into the developing tank, and seal the lid on the tank.
Open the changing bag and remove everything from it.
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3
Fill the sink with hot tap water. The water should be 38 degrees Celsius, or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
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4
Mix the chemical according to the directions in the kit. Place the first developer, color developer, Blix and stabilizer in clean one-liter bottles and set the bottles in the water to heat. Fill the gallon jug with hot water and place it in the sink as well. Wait one to two hours for the temperature to stabilize at 38 degrees C. The water in the sink and in the gallon jug, and the first developer should all be 38 degrees C. Do not open any of the other bottles at this time. Add hot water to the sink occasionally, to keep it at 38 C.
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5
Place the developing tank in the hot water bath, and pour the first developer into the spout of the tank. Start the stop watch. Agitate the tank according to the directions supplied with the kit. Just before the specified time is up, pour the developer back into its bottle. At exactly the specified time, pour 38-degree Celsius water from the jug into the tank, and agitate for two-and-a-half to three minutes. Refill the jug with 38-degree Celsius water, and pour the rinse water out of the tank.
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6
Pour the color developer into the tank and process in the same manner as the first developer. Pour the color developer back into its bottle and rinse the film with 38-degree Celsius water for two-and-a-half to three minutes, then pour the water out.
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7
Pour the Blix into the tank and process according to directions, then pour the Blix back into its bottle. Pour 38-degree Celsius water into the tank, and agitate for four minutes, then pour the water out.
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8
Pour the stabilizer solution into the tank and agitate for one minute, or according to the supplied directions. At this point, you may open the tank and remove the reel.
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9
Carefully remove the film from the reel and hang it on a clip to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not touch the film with your fingers until it is completely dry.
References
- Photo Credit filmstrip image by Mitarart from Fotolia.com
