How to Develop Black and White Film

Christopher Barlow






Preparation
o Materials
o Set-up
o Practice
o Film transfer
Chemical Mix
o Materials
o Set-up
o Soak
o Developer
o Stop Bath
o Fixer
o Soak
o Clearing Agent
o Rinse
o Dry








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1 | P a g e

Materials The materials needed for this first process include the following (see Figure 1):

1. Light tight film canister
2. Film reel
3. Can opener
4. Scissors
5. Black and white film


Set-up

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Figure 1: Arrange your materials in an open workspace


Before you begin processing your film, it is important to first set up all of the necessary
materials in a manner that is easily accessible. This means that you should reduce as
much clutter as possible. Ideally, only the five items listed above should be within your
reach. This also means that the items should be laid out in a logical, sequential manner.
Figure 1 shows an example of a proper set-up for a right-handed person. If you are left-
handed, you may want to consider mirroring this set-up. Remember, for this first part
of the process, you will be working in total darkness. Therefore, you will want to be as
comfortable as possible with your set-up before you begin. Memorize where you have
placed everything before turning out the lights.

Practice
(optional)
Or better yet, practice the following step with a roll of dead film before using your own.


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2
3 4

5
Preparation
2 | P a g e

Film
Transfer










































Once you have found a comfortable set-up, first turn off or remove all electronic
devices in the room that may produce light. This includes cellphones, pagers, watches,
etc. Then, turn off all of the lights in the darkroom. Allow a few minutes to pass for your
eyes to attempt to adjust. If anything comes into focus, check the perimeters of the
room for any light that may be sneaking in. You should not be able to see your own
fingers held in front of your face.


Now you will begin extracting your film. Using your
memory, grab the film from the counter in front of
you and the can opener. Feel for the ridge of the cap
along the top or bottom of the film. Pry with the can
opener in the manner as depicted in Figure 2. You will
need to apply ample force. Rotate the film if
necessary. Eventually, the canister will open and you
will be able to remove your film. Toss the canister to
the side so that it will not get in your way.
ii
Figure 2

Next, you will need to attach the film to the film reel. This will be the most difficult step
of this process. With your film in one hand, reach for the film reel with the other.
Carefully, insert the end of the film into the starter tabs of the film reel. Make sure that
it catches into the ball bearings on either side of the reel. Do not panic if you are not
able to establish this connection on your first try. See Figure 3 for a reference of what
you should have after completing this step.


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Figure 3: Begin installing the film into the film reel in the manner shown above
WARNING: The following steps involve working in total darkness. You will want
to minimize your movement around the room to avoid an accident. Also,
remember that you have scissors on the counter. Avoid reaching for these until
they are needed.
3 | P a g e

Film
Transfer
(cont.)









































To finish installing the film into the reel, you will need to use both hands. Place the film
reel vertically on the workspace in front of you. Make sure that your film does not roll
onto the ground when you do so; though it may be necessary to rest it on the counter.


Grasp either side of the reel
with your fingers spread
widely apart along each of
the two circles. Now, rotate
your wrists in opposite
directions, twisting the film
reel back and forth (see
Figure 4). This will cause
the film to load into the film
reel. Each twisting motion
will pull more film into the
track that spirals around
the inside of the film reel.

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Figure 4: Twist in opposite directions to load the film

When you reach the end of your film, you will need to cut
the end of the strip with your scissors. Carefully, pick up
the scissors and snip the end of the film strip. Toss the
excess material to the side.


Lastly, the film must be placed
inside the light tight canister
and sealed before the lights can
be turned back on. To do this,
take the tall rod piece of the
light tight canister and insert it
into the film reel (see Figure 5).
Allow the film reel to slide to
the bottom of the rod. If you
are developing multiple strips
of film, slide these on top.



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Figure 5: Slide the film reel onto the cylinder

Next, take the rod and place it inside the canister. Without taking your hand off of the
canister, reach for the funnel cap. Insert the cylinder located on the bottom of the
funnel cap into the top of the rod. Rotate the funnel cap until you hear a click. The
canister should now be light tight.


After properly completing each of the previous steps, you can now turn the lights
back on without damaging your film.

WARNING: Be careful
when reaching for and
using the scissors.
4 | P a g e


Materials








The materials needed for this next process include the following (see Figure 6):

1. Chemicals
a) Developer
b) Stop Bath
c) Fixer
d) Hypo Clearing Agent
2. Four measuring cups
3. Light tight film canister with film
4. Funnel
5. Thermometer
6. Timer or clock with a second hand
7. Clothes Pins
8. Sink


Set-up


















































i, iii, iv
Figure 6: Arrange your materials near a sink

WARNING: Many of the materials listed below are toxic. Always use caution when mixing and
pouring photographic chemical solutions into processing tanks. Avoid direct contact with eyes
and mouth.
Additionally, check that the room you are working in is properly ventilated. If at any point during
the process you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous, exit the room immediately and seek assistance.
Chemical Mix


1a 1b 1c 1d



2 3

4

5 6 8

7



For this next
process, it is
important
that you have
access to
running water
and a drain.
5 | P a g e

Set-up
(cont.)


Use your thermometer to check the temperatures of each chemical. The
solutions should be at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24
degrees Celsius). If necessary, you can cool or warm these solutions by placing
each container in a pan of cold or hot water. Re-take the temperature with the
thermometer until the correct temperature is achieved.








































Figure 7: Pour solutions into measuring cups over sink



Measure out each chemical into four separate measuring cups (see Figure 7). It is
important that you have enough of each solution to completely cover your film reel
inside of the light tight canister. This amount will vary depending on the volumetric size
of your canister. Most canisters will have a chart printed on the bottom with the
recommended amount of chemicals. Typically, 20 fl. oz. (590 mL) is adequate for one
roll of 35mm film.

Align each chemical in a sequential manner on the counter (see Figure 8). The
remainder of this process will require fast movement. As soon as one chemical is
discarded, it should be replaced immediately by the next.


Figure 8: Line up your solutions in the order shown above





Developer Stop Fixer Clearing
Bath Agent
6 | P a g e


Soak


Begin by completely filling your canister with water. Allow your negatives to
soak for 1 minute.


After 1 full minute, pour out the water into the sink and pick up the developer.



Developer








Pour the developer into the canister. When the last of it has disappeared
through the funnel, immediately begin agitating the solution by shaking the
canister vigorously. Continue to shake for 30 seconds, then stop. Place the
canister down in the sink and allow it to sit for 25 seconds. Agitate again for 5
seconds. Rest in the sink for 25 seconds. Repeat this process until a full 7
minutes has elapsed.






















Stop Bath








































Discard the developer by pouring it down the sink. Pick up the stop bath.



Pour the stop bath solution into the container. Agitate for 30 seconds.

Pour the stop bath down the drain.
7 | P a g e


Fixer





Pour the fixer into the canister. Agitate for 15 seconds. Rest for 45 seconds. Repeat
this process for a minimum of 3 minutes and 30 seconds. If the fixer you are using
has been used previously and recycled, it may require up to 8 minutes to work
properly.

After completing this step, it is safe to open your canister and look at your
negatives. Pick up the cylinder and observe the end of your strand of negatives. If
your negatives appear purple and thick, replace them in the light tight canister with
the fixer and continue the process above for another minute.

Once your negatives resemble the color
and texture of the example shown in
Figure 9, pour the fixer back into its
original container by using a plastic funnel.



Soak





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Figure 9: Check that your negatives are
translucent with a purple hue

Replace your negatives in the container and fill the container with water. Allow
your negatives to soak for 1 minute.

After 1 full minute, pour out the water into the sink and pick up the Clearing Agent.


Clearing
Agent






Pour the Clearing Agent into the container. Shake vigorously for 1 minute.

Pour the Clearing Agent back into its original container by using a plastic funnel.


Rinse












Place the canister in the sink, below the faucet, and remove the lid. Turn both the
cold and hot water handles equally and allow warm water to pour directly onto
your negatives for 5 minutes.




8 | P a g e

Dry

























Congratulations! You have finished developing your film!




i
Adapted from: http://blurdotblog.com/2010/11/developing-film-part-1-loading-the-tank/
ii
Adapted from: http://flatbrokebride.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/20130404-194432.jpg
iii
Adapted from: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/laundry/dryingRacksAccessories?productId=10030116
iv
Adapted from: http://rhettsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/05064-large-funnel.jpg
v
http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/step-by-step-guide-to-developing-black-and-white-t-max-film--photo-
2580
vi
http://mrmarcmorel.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/film-paper-drying-rack.jpg

When your negatives have finished rinsing, carefully
take the film reel out of the canister. Lightly shake
off any excess water. Twist the reel clockwise until
the top half of the reel comes apart from the
bottom half. Gently remove your negatives.


Use a clothes pin to hang your negatives in a
safe place. Avoid dusty areas. Attach two more
clothespins to the bottom of the strip to prevent
the film from coiling (see Figure 10).


Allow your negatives to dry for a
minimum of 2 hours before handling.




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Figure 10: Hang your negatives to dry






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Figure 10: Hang your negatives to dry
in a safe place. Avoid dusty areas.