Black and White Film Processing

posted by mihow on April 11th, 2005

For those of you who have emailed me asking what you need to develop black and white film at home, Toby and I have made a list for you. Please feel free to ask any questions here or send an email. I hope this helps!

  • changing bag or tent
  • bottle of Agfa Rodinal
  • 500ml (or larger) graduated cylinder
  • 100ml skinny little test tube graduated
  • thermometer
  • 1 jobo plastic tank (or metal ones if you’re a traditionalist)
  • 1 jobo plastic reel (or metal)
  • scissors
  • bottle opener
  • 1 bottle of Photo-Flo (Kodak)
  • a gallon of a rapid, hardening fixer

This should run you about 60 bucks. You can check out B and H for prices and Adorama. I think That’s it! We’re around if you have questions!

10 Responses to “Black and White Film Processing”

  1. Lana Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 11:58 AM

    So the changing bag / tent replaces the need for a pitch dark room?

    woo. thanks!

  2. mihow Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 12:01 PM

    yeah. the changing bags are pretty cheap. The tents are not. if you get the tent, that’s probably a couple hundred dollars. the bag works just fine, tho. :]

  3. Lana Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 12:03 PM

    If I can’t camp in it, I’ll just get the bag.

  4. tobyjoe Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 12:43 PM

    Also, it ain’t just jobo tanks. I use Paterson plastic tanks (one 3-reel and one single-reel). Dunno where jobo came from.

  5. tobyjoe Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 12:44 PM

    Also, obviously, you can only process real bw film this way. No XP2, etc. Nothing that says “Process c-41” on it.

    Start with Tri-X. It’s so nice with Rodinal, and is very, very forgiving.

  6. tobyjoe Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 12:44 PM

    Also, also.

    Just wanted to say “also” again.

  7. Meshbetty Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 01:03 PM

    Thanks for the list guys. Maybe someday, when I have time again, (in about 15 years from now…) when my daughter is no longer being sick every two weeks…I will start developing again. My dad used to develop film in the basement when I was little. I fell into it in middle school and high school. Then we moved to Florida and my school had no clue what I was talking about when I asked if they had a darkroom…..that was, what, about 18 years ago!

  8. mihow Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 01:10 PM

    Seriously, meshbetty, it takes less than 30 minutes to do. You figure about 5 to load the film in the bag. Then about 10 – 12 for developing (Depending on what film you’re developing). Another 2 for washing (stop bath). 5 to 7 for fixer and then five more for the wash cycle. Then, you’re done. Surely, you can fit it in. :] I mean, if you really want to. Then again, taking the pictures might be tough. hehe

  9. Meshbetty Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 04:27 PM

    yeah, I could do it. It would have to be scheduled in when Belly is at school or in bed. A project like this would attract her like a magnet. This is not a bad thing but mixing chemicals with a three year old around can be a recipe for disaster…..

  10. mihow Says:
    April 11th, 2005 at 05:11 PM

    Very true, my dear. Very very true.

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