Developing 35 mm black and white film

The first step is preparation

PREPARATION

Materials - Be sure you are organized with everything you need at hand before you begin. This includes the required equipment and a sufficient quantity of properly-mixed processing chemicals. It also includes having some know-how. Before starting to develop film, you should become familiar with our sections on Loading film onto a reel and Development tank agitation.

Chemical temperatures - Use the thermometer to measure the temperature of your chemicals. Preferably, they will all be the same temperature, ideally 68F (20C). However, a common temperature within the range of 65 to 75F (18 - 24C) is acceptable and will provide good results. But, all chemical temperatures should be within 5 degrees F (3 degrees C) of each other.

Information on timing - You will also need specific information on how long the film should be in contact with the particular developer you will be using. This information is almost always printed on the interior of the films package or on an information sheet included in the package. Sometimes, the information also shows a recommended fixing time and other helpful information. If not, the times needed for other chemicals are shown on the chemicals packaging, on the actual containers or on instruction sheets included with the package.

Match the developer temperature with the time needed - Look up the recommended development time for the temperature of the developer you are using. You may find, for example, that a particular film may require eight minutes of development time if the developer temperature is 68F (20C), but needs only five-and-a-half minutes of development time is the developer temperature is 75F (24C).

You need total blackness to load the film in a developing tank - In the darkroom, close the door, lock it to avoid accidental entry by someone, place everything you will need close at hand on a counter top, and take the time to think about and remember where you place everything. Turn off all the lights, including the safe light. Take a few moments to look around when it is dark to ensure there are no light leakages. You should be in total darkness, unable to see anything at all. If you are at all unsure, wait a full minute to allow your eyes to adjust, and look for the slightest amount of light. If you can see anything, so will your film. Completely block the light leak before you go any further.

Take your time - Plan to work carefully and methodically. If you rush things, you may accidentally bump something off the counter or - horrors! - drop your film on the floor.

Such accidents do happen every now and then. If this should occur, don't panic, and don't turn on the lights. Keep your feet in the same place so you don't accidentally step on the film. Carefully bend down, taking care that your forehead or nose don't collide with the countertop or an open drawer, and gently feel around the floor for the dropped film in a methodical manner, going completely over one small area with your fingertips before moving to another - carefully and slowly. You will soon find the film and can continue on where you left off.

If you are so flustered after finding the film that you don't remember where everything is in the darkness and you need to turn on the lights, use the dry processing tank as a light-tight film safe first. Simply place the film in it and firmly put the lightproof cover on. Once the film is protected from light and you have no other photosensitive material out in the open, it is safe to turn on the lights to get re-oriented.

Okay. Let's do it!

You should now be ready to develop your own 35mm black and white film.

Click here or on the "Step-by-step development" link below for a detailed description of how to do it.