A film tank with multiple reels adjustable for 35mm film.
Among the various film formats that exist, 35mm is the simplest to develop. You only need a sink and a completely dark closet to develop a roll of 35mm film, aside from the chemicals that you can purchase at a photo store. Use black and white film when learning to develop, as color involves the timing and temperature precision of a mechanical processor.
Instructions
1. Open the film canister with the can opener in complete darkness. Cut off the film's leader, the portion of the film that is narrower than the rest, using your scissors. Try to handle the film only by its edges, and take care to cut the leader off in between the sprocket holes.
2. Load the film onto the reel by pushing it through the entry point with the ball bearings, and then twisting the reel back and forth until all the film is wound around the reel. Cut off the remaining plastic core from the film canister once the film is wound.
3. Insert the column into the tank and place the reel inside. Top the reel with the funnel that will either screw in or snap in place. At this point, the film is protected from the light. Bring the tank into a lighted sink area.
4. Rinse the film by filling the tank with water, applying the lid, and agitating it constantly for 30 seconds. A reliable agitation method involves inverting and twisting the tank at the same time, making sure the water thoroughly washes the film. Discard this water down the drain.
5. Measure out the developer chemistry, taking note of its temperature with a thermometer. The amount of time necessary to develop the film depends on the film brand, its speed, the temperature of the developer, and the dilution of the developer. Consulting both your box of film and the instructions with the developer is necessary. Agitate for five seconds every 30 seconds, and tap the tank to release air bubbles. When done, discard the developer down the drain.
6. Add water to the tank, and agitate constantly for 30 seconds. Discard water down drain.
7. Add fixer chemistry to the tank and agitate once every minute for five seconds. Repeat this process for five minutes. Do not pour fixer down the drain, as it contains silver. Collecting it and bringing it to a lab for disposal is highly recommended.
8. After another water bath, add hypoclear chemistry. Agitate constantly for two minutes. Discard hypoclear down the drain when finished. Pour constantly running water into tank for five minutes to rinse.
9. Find a place to hang film to dry where it won't be disturbed. Use clothespins to attach the film to the clothes hanger, and place a clothespin at the bottom of the roll so it will dry straight.
Tags: down drain, 35mm film, constantly seconds, film canister, film wound, five minutes, five seconds