15 Film processing (Developing film)
SNAPSHOT
Film developing:
- The importance of the negative
- Loading film onto developing reels
- What you will need
- Film processing step by step
- Identifying errors in film developing
The importance of a good negative
It is critical you understand the negative is the master image. It is the intermediate between what you photographed and the print you want to make. Anything degrading the image through improper developing, carelessness in handling, or poor storage will affect the final print.
It is paramount for correct film development to follow procedures and be consistent.
Temperature, developing time, and correct inversions for agitation are the most important.
A poorly developed negative complicates the makes the printing process. Some of the problems caused by poor negatives are: prints that are either too low or too high in contrast, unwanted grain, streaks, scratches, dust, uneven tones and over dense edges of the film.
How it works
What you need
- A darkroom or a film-changing bag
- Film developing tank
- Two reels
- Can opener
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Beakers or measuring containers
- Timer
- Chemicals
- Clear plastic envelopes to hold entire an entire roll of film
Below is a short description of some of the items on the list you may not be familiar with.
Darkroom – A darkroom is a space where no light can enter. Usually equipped with light trapping entrance or a revolving door. It is easy to transform any small room into a darkroom. You could find details online.
Film-changing bag – A film-changing bag is a bag constructed with double dark fabric preventing any light to enter it. You could buy a film-changing bag at a photography supplies store or online if you plan to develop film at home.
Film developing tank (plastic) – We know by now that the film is light-sensitive. This means you need to take the film out of the metal canister and into the developing tank in total darkness. DO NOT TURN THE LIGHTS ON until the film is loaded safely into the tank with the lid securely locked. The light-tight tank is constructed in such a way that light cannot reach the film. The critical component to keeping light out is the center tube that the reels slide on to. DON’T LEAVE IT OUT.
Film loading reels – The reels allow you to load the film in a way that none of the film touches, allowing all surfaces of the film to receive the chemicals evenly.
Loading film on the film reel
Watch and read the instruction on how to load film onto the reel until you understand the process but only practice will get you there. Practice with a dummy roll and the lights on first. Then turn the lights off and continue practicing. When confident, start with real film.
These videos explain every step that you need to do to successfully load your film.
Open the film canister inside a darkroom with the door closed and without any safe lights on
Loading film into the film reel
How to develop your film
At this point, your film is succe