Developing Film at Home
A beginner's guide to developing your own black and white film at home, including equipment needed and step-by-step process.
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What You Need
- Developing tank and reels
- Developer, stop bath, fixer, wetting agent
- Measuring cylinders and thermometer
- Film changing bag or darkroom
- Timer and clips for drying
The Process Overview
Load film in tank (darkness required), develop at specific time/temperature, stop bath, fix, wash, dry. Most black and white development takes about an hour start to finish.
Start with Black and White
Black and white is more forgiving than color and can be done at room temperature. Color (C-41) requires precise temperature control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home development difficult?
Black and white development is surprisingly easy! The key is following times and temperatures carefully. Start with a forgiving film like HP5.
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