developing film

The process of developing your own camera films can be a difficult technique to master but once you know how it will give you the ability to control more to do with the out come of your final photograph. It is easier if you learn the technique for developing black and white film first as it's an easier process to master before going on to learn the process of coloured film.

How to develop your own black and white camera film

Before processing a film into photographs you need to process the film in to negatives, below are some simple instructions to follow when processing a black and white film:

  • First you need to ensure the room you are going to attempt to process the film in is completely blacked out and no natural light can get into the room. Make sure the light in the room is also off before exposing the camera film.
  • You will need to ensure you have all the correct equipment before starting preparing the film in the dark. You will require scissors, bottle opener, reels and a developing tank. Its best at this point to prepare the developing tank as well you will have to mix the chemicals in the tank as directed by the instructions you will be given with them.
  • When you have laid out all the equipment on the table in your dark room switch off the light and then you can open the film canister using the bottle opener. Remove the film from its holder.
  • You then need to use the scissors to cut the tab off the end of the film so the end is straight.
  • Then insert the edge of the film you have just cut into the clip in the centre of the reel.
  • Ensure the film is thread between the wire that goes along the bottom and top of the reel.
  • When all the film is thread onto the reel you simply have to remove the last part of the film from its spool and remove the tab of tape that is attached to the end of it.
  • Then you simply have to put the film into the developing tank and secure the lid. When you have the film in the tank with the correct mix of chemicals you then need to turn the tank upside down and back round again for around 10 seconds do this every 30 seconds or so for around 7 minutes. Then drain the fluid out back into its container and add the stop bath mix, turn this upside down and back round again in the tank then let it stand for around 60 seconds. Drain this then add fixer do the same turning action as with the developing mix before do this for 15 seconds every minute for the length of time in your instructions where it states the development time. Pour the fixer into its container from the tank and put the tank under a running tap for about 10 minutes then add a wetting solution to the water, this helping speed up the dry time.
  • When this is completed all that is left to do is remove the film from the reel by attaching a clip, or use tweezers then add the clip, to the end of the film pulling it off the reel then putting another clip on the other end and hanging it in an area with no dust for it to dry.

Once they are dry they are prepared as negatives and can be used in your process of developing them into photographs. There are many places that can help you develop these into photos either photo shops or even online you will be able to find simple instructions on how to complete the process.