Developing your own film is a dying art. It is a process that requires practice, as it is a delicate and time-sensitive process. You should practice on unimportant rolls before you attempt to develop a roll that is of importance. In the long run, developing your own film can save you money if you still use a film camera. You will need to purchase some specialized materials from an art or photography shop.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Rinse the developing tank with hot water. Ensure there are no dried chemical spots. Allow the tank to dry.
2. Place the center column into your tank.
3. Unhook your reel from the tank by twisting it.
4. Set the tab on the reel to the appropriate groove for your film size. The first groove should be for 35mm, the next for 127 versions and the last for 120.
5. Reattach the reel onto the tank.
Loading the Film
6. Turn off all lights.
7. Open the film canister using a bottle opener.
8. Pull out the film while being careful to touch only the edges.
9. Cut off the leader portion of the roll.
10. Feed the film into the reel a few centimeters.
11. Twist the reel until all of the film is inside. Cut the end off so it is detached from the spindle.
12. Put the reel into the tank.
13. Attach the lid of the tank
14. Turn on the lights.
Developing the Film
15. Add water to the tank. Let it sit for one minute if you have 35mm film or five minutes for 120. Pour the water out.
16. Check the back of your developer to find the dilution ratio and time needed to develop the film.
17.Create your dilution of developer by adding water to dilute it. If the dilution ratio is "1+4", add 4 parts of water for every 1 part of developer.
18. Add the developer solution to your tank, and attach the push cap onto the tank.
19. Set your timer to the time indicted by your developer solution container. Shake the tank for ten seconds every minute.
20. Pour your developer solution out once the time is up.
21. Fill your tank with water. Agitate it a few times. Pour the water out.
22. Repeat Step 7.
23. Dilute your fixer solution to the indicated dilution. Add the solution to your tank. Agitate it for 10 seconds for every minute it sits in the tank. Leave it in the tank for 5 to 10 minutes.
24. Repeat Step 9.
25. Remove the top of the tank, and slide out the reel. Look at your film to ensure that everything went to plan. Do not remove it from the reel yet. The film will look slightly purple. If the film looks too purple, repeat Step 9.
26
Fill your tank halfway with water. Agitate it fiercely for 30 seconds. Pour the water out. Do this for 10 minutes.
27
Add a small amount of wetting agent to the bottom of the tank. Fill the rest of the tank with water until you have covered your reel. Let it sit for 30 seconds. Pour the solution out.
28
Twist the reel apart.
29
Pull up one end of film and lift it from the reel. Clip your film into a dry, clean space. Put the weighted clip on the bottom.
30
Leave your film for four to eight hours to dry.
Tags: your film, your tank, with water, developer solution, Pour water, tank with