Mihow

Black and White Film Processing

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by

Mihow
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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!

Comments

10 responses to “Black and White Film Processing”

  1. Lana Avatar
    Lana

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

    woo. thanks!

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  2. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    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. :]

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  3. Lana Avatar
    Lana

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

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  4. tobyjoe Avatar
    tobyjoe

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

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  5. tobyjoe Avatar
    tobyjoe

    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.

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  6. tobyjoe Avatar
    tobyjoe

    Also, also.

    Just wanted to say “also” again.

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  7. Meshbetty Avatar
    Meshbetty

    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!

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  8. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    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

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  9. Meshbetty Avatar
    Meshbetty

    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…..

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  10. mihow Avatar
    mihow

    Very true, my dear. Very very true.

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