The self -development of films is a fascinating process that enables you to get a deeper connection to your craft. It may be intimidating at first, but with the right basics and instructions you can master this process. In this blog post, the basics of film development and step-by-step instructions for the development of black and white and color film are presented.
Basics of film development
equipment
You need some basic equipment for film development:
- Extent tent or dark chamber: For loading the film into the development tank coils.
- Development tank and coils: Container for recording and developing the film.
- Chemicals: developer, Stoppad and Fixer for black and white film; Additional chemicals for color film.
- Measurement cup and thermometer: To measure and monitor the chemical temperatures.
- Tangles or film clips: To hang the film to dry.
- Gloves and safety glasses: To protect against chemicals.
Chemicals
The three main chemicals for film development are the developer, the stop bath and the fixer. The developer transforms the exposed silver halide in the film into metallic silver. The stop bath is used to stop the development and thus avoid an overdevelopment. To remove the undeveloped silver halide and make the image light -resistant, the fixer is then used.
Step-by-step instructions for black and white film
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Film discharge: Download the film in complete darkness or in a transition tent into the development tank coils. As soon as the film is in the coils, you can close the tank.
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Prepare chemicals: Measure the required amount of developers, stop baths and fixers and bring it to the right temperature (usually around 20 ° C). Read the instructions from the chemical manufacturer. These often indicate how much solution is required for a certain number of films. Typically, the amount of chemicals in liters or milliliters per film role is given.
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Develop: Pour the developer into the tank and start the timer. The development time can vary depending on the film and developer. Swivel the tank regularly to distribute the chemicals evenly.
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Stoppad: After the development period has expired, pour out the developer and fill the tank with the stop bath. Swing the tank for about a minute.
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Fix: Pour out the stop bath and add the fixer. Leave the fixer for the prescribed time in the tank and swirl it regularly.
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Wash: Remove the fixer and rinse the film with water. A final rinsing with distilled water or a special rinsing aid prevents water stains.
- Dry: Hang the film in a dust -free area for drying. Use pliers or film brackets to keep the film smooth.
Step-by-step instructions for color film
The development of color film is quite more complex and requires additional chemicals and more precise temperature controls. However, the basic steps are similar:
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Film discharge: Download the film as with black and white film into the development tank.
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Prepare chemicals: Prepare the color chemicals (developers, bleaching bath, fixer and stabilizer) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and bring them to the exact temperature (usually by 38 ° C).
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Develop: Pour the color developer into the tank and follow the instructions for the development time and the regular swivel.
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bleaching: After developing, the bleaching bath follows, which turns back the exposed silver in silver halide.
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Fix: The fixer removes the silver halide and makes the image light -resistant.
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Wash: Rinse the film thoroughly with water.
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Stabilize: A final stabilization bath protects the film from aging and chemical reactions.
- Dry: Hang up the color film like the black and white film to dry.
The self -development of film is a worthwhile process that enables you to fully control your photographs. With the right equipment and an understanding of the basics, you can successfully develop both black and white and color films at home. Experiment with various films and developers to expand their photographic skills and creative opportunities. Good luck and joy in developing!