Film photography has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with more and more photographers embracing the charm and unpredictability of analog shooting. While the process of developing film may seem intimidating or mysterious to newcomers, it's actually a fascinating and rewarding experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the art of photography. In this step-by-step guide, we'll demystify the process of developing film, walking you through the essential steps to transform your exposed film into tangible, physical negatives. By learning to develop your own film, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of photographic principles but also have the freedom to experiment and fine-tune your images according to your personal style and preferences. So, let's embark on this exciting journey into the world of film development and discover the magic that lies within those rolls of film!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

• Film developer, Stop Bath, and Fixer

• Developing tank with reels

• Graduated cylinders or measuring cups

• Bottle opener, can opener, or film leader retriever

• Thermometer

• Timer

• Scissors

• Film squeegee or clean cloth

• Film clips or clothespins

• Wetting agent (optional, but recommended)

• Darkroom changing bag (optional)

Step 2: Load the Film onto the Reel and into the Developing Tank

Loading the film onto the reel and into the developing tank is a crucial step that requires a lot of patience and practice. It's essential to work in complete darkness or use a changing bag to prevent light from exposing the film, (and yes that includes red light in the development process). Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Prepare your workspace: Make sure you have a clean and organized workspace in a dark room or a changing bag. Lay out your film canister, scissors, reel, and developing tank within easy reach.

2. Open the film canister: To open the film canister, use a bottle opener, can opener, or a special film leader retriever. Carefully remove the film from the canister without touching the emulsion side (the side with the images).

3. Cut the leader: With your scissors, trim the leader (the tapered end of the film) to create a straight edge. This will make it easier to thread the film onto the reel.

4. Load the film onto the reel: Hold the reel in one hand and the film in the other, with the emulsion side facing inward. Gently slide the film's straight edge into the reel's entry point, making sure it catches on the reel's teeth or ball bearings. Slowly and carefully wind the film onto the reel, ensuring that it remains evenly spaced and does not overlap. If the film gets stuck or starts to overlap, gently back it up and try again.

5. Secure the end of the film: Once you've reached the end of the film, cut off any remaining film attached to the canister and secure the loose end to the reel. Some reels have a clip or mechanism to hold the film in place.

6. Place the reel in the developing tank: Carefully lower the loaded reel into the developing tank. If you're using a tank with multiple reels, ensure they're appropriately spaced apart to prevent the film from touching.

7. Seal the developing tank: Place the center column (if applicable) and lid onto the tank, making sure it's tightly sealed and light-tight. At this point, you can safely turn on the lights or remove the tank from the changing bag, as your film is now protected from light exposure.

Remember that practice makes perfect, and loading film onto a reel can be challenging at first. Over time, you'll develop the muscle memory and finesse needed to complete this step with confidence.

Step 3: Pre-Wash (Optional)

A pre-wash is an optional step that involves rinsing the film with water before developing. This can help remove the anti-halation layer and improve the consistency of development. Fill the tank with water at the recommended temperature (usually around 68°F or 20°C) and agitate for about 30 seconds. Drain the water and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Developing the Film

Developing the film is a crucial stage in the process, as it's when your latent images come to life. Before beginning, ensure that you've chosen the right developer for your film type and mixed it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

1. Pour the developer: Start by pouring the pre-mixed developer solution into the developing tank. Make sure to do this gently and steadily to avoid air bubbles or uneven distribution.

2. Agitate the film: Once the developer is inside the tank, agitate the film by gently tapping the tank against a flat surface to dislodge any air bubbles. Following this, give the tank a few inversions to ensure the developer covers the film evenly. This will help prevent streaks or uneven development.

3. Continuous agitation: For the first minute of development, continuously invert the tank to ensure the film is evenly exposed to the developer. Be cautious not to over-agitate, as this may cause uneven development or increased grain.

4. Intermittent agitation: After the first minute, agitate the film less frequently. Depending on the developer and film type, you'll need to invert the tank 3-4 times every minute. Make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific agitation pattern and timing.

5. Monitor the time and temperature: Development times and temperatures vary depending on the film and developer used. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific combination to achieve optimal results. Keep a timer handy and ensure the developer's temperature remains consistent throughout the process.

6. Complete the development: Once the development time is up, carefully pour the developer back into its container (if reusable) or dispose of it according to local regulations.

Developing the film is a delicate balance between time, temperature, and agitation. By understanding the variables and being attentive to the details, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautifully developed negatives that capture the essence of your photographic vision.

Step 5: Stop the Development

After the developer has done its job, it's crucial to halt the development process immediately to prevent overdevelopment and ensure consistent results. This is where the stop bath comes into play. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to stop the development process effectively:

1. Prepare the stop bath solution: The stop bath is typically an acidic solution, such as acetic acid or citric acid, diluted with water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific stop bath you're using to prepare the correct dilution. Alternatively, you can use plain water as a stop bath, but it will take longer to halt the development process.

2. Pour out the developer: After the allotted development time has passed, promptly pour the developer out of the developing tank. Make sure to do this quickly and carefully to minimize any residual developer remaining in the tank.

3. Add the stop bath: Immediately after pouring out the developer, pour the prepared stop bath solution into the developing tank. This will neutralize the developer and halt the development process. Ensure that the entire film is submerged in the stop bath solution.

4. Agitate the stop bath: As with the developer, agitate the stop bath solution gently and consistently to ensure even coverage of the film. The stop bath typically requires less agitation time than the developer; usually, 15-30 seconds of continuous agitation is sufficient.

5. Drain the stop bath: Once the film has been adequately agitated in the stop bath solution, drain it from the developing tank. This ensures that no residual stop bath remains in the tank, which could interfere with the fixing process in the next step.

By following these steps, you will effectively stop the development process and ensure consistent, predictable results. Remember, stopping the development is critical in preventing overdevelopment, which could lead to increased contrast, grain, and loss of detail in your negatives.

Step 6: Fixing the Film

Fixing the film is a critical step in the development process, as it stabilizes the image by removing any unexposed silver halides and preventing further chemical reactions. This ensures your negatives will be permanent and resistant to fading or discoloration over time.

1. Prepare the fixer: First, mix the fixer solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to use a separate container and measuring tools for the fixer to avoid cross-contamination with other chemicals.

2. Pour the fixer into the tank: After draining the stop bath from the developing tank, gently and steadily pour the fixer solution into the tank. Be cautious while handling the fixer, as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes.

3. Agitate the film: Just like with the developer, you'll need to agitate the film to ensure even coverage. Start by tapping the tank against a flat surface to dislodge any air bubbles, and then invert the tank several times.

4. Continuous agitation: For the first minute of the fixing process, continuously invert the tank to make sure the film is evenly exposed to the fixer. This will help avoid uneven fixing and ensure a consistent result.

5. Intermittent agitation: After the first minute, reduce the agitation frequency. Invert the tank 3-4 times every minute or follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific fixer solution.

6. Monitor the time: Fixing times vary depending on the fixer type and film, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep a timer handy to track the fixing duration.

7. Complete the fixing process: Once the fixing time is up, carefully pour the fixer back into its container for future use or dispose of it according to local regulations.

8. Final wash: Thoroughly rinse the film with water to remove any residual fixer. This step is crucial to prevent long-term damage to your negatives. Some photographers prefer to use a hypo clearing agent to speed up the washing process, but this is optional.

Fixing the film is essential in ensuring that your images remain stable and preserved for years to come. By carefully following the manufacturer's instructions and paying close attention to each step, you'll be able to produce long-lasting, high-quality negatives to enjoy and share.

Step 7: Washing the Film

Washing the film is an essential step in the film development process, as it removes residual chemicals from the film, ensuring the longevity and stability of your negatives. Properly washing your film will help prevent staining, discoloration, and deterioration over time.

1. Initial rinse: After draining the fixer from the developing tank, fill the tank with water at the same temperature as the developer and stop bath. Gently agitate the tank for a minute before draining the water. This initial rinse helps to remove the majority of the fixer from the film.

2. Multiple washes: To thoroughly remove all traces of chemicals, perform a series of water washes. Fill the tank with fresh water, agitate for 30 seconds to a minute, and then drain. Repeat this process at least three times to ensure all residual chemicals are removed.

3. Use a film washing aid (optional): Some photographers use a washing aid, such as a hypo clearing agent, to further eliminate residual chemicals and speed up the washing process. If you choose to use a washing aid, mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions and follow their guidelines for agitation and duration.

4. Final rinse: After completing the water washes and, if applicable, using a washing aid, give the film one final rinse with water. This will ensure any remaining chemicals or washing aid are completely removed from the film.

5. Wetting agent (optional): To prevent water spots and promote even drying, you can use a wetting agent, such as Photo-Flo, in the final rinse. Mix the wetting agent according to the manufacturer's instructions and immerse the film in the solution for the recommended duration. Be sure to gently agitate the film while it's in the wetting agent.

Step 8: Drying the Film

Drying the film is the final step in the development process, and proper handling during this stage is crucial for preventing damage, dust, and water spots on your negatives. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively dry your film:

1. Prepare the drying area: Choose a dust-free, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to dry your film. If possible, use a dedicated film drying cabinet or a clean bathroom with the door closed to minimize airborne dust. Ensure the area is free from strong odors or chemicals, as these can affect the film.

2. Remove excess water: Before removing the film from the developing tank, gently run your fingers or a film squeegee along the length of the film to remove excess water. Be careful not to touch the emulsion side of the film, as this can cause scratches or other damage.

3. Hang the film to dry: Carefully remove the film from the reel and attach a film clip or clothespin to one end of the film. Hang the film vertically, with the emulsion side facing inward. Attach a weighted film clip or another clothespin to the bottom end of the film to help it dry straight and minimize curling. Ensure the film is not touching any surfaces, and leave enough space between multiple strips of film to allow for proper air circulation.

4. Allow time for drying: Depending on the humidity and temperature of your drying area, film can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to dry completely. Be patient and avoid touching the film during the drying process, as this can cause smudges, fingerprints, or other damage.

5. Inspect the film: Once the film is completely dry, carefully examine it for any dust, water spots, or streaks. If you notice any issues, you may need to re-wash and dry the film, following the appropriate steps.

6. Store the film: After the film is dry and free of any issues, cut it into strips and place it in archival-quality negative sleeves for long-term storage. Store the negatives in a cool, dry, and dark place to preserve their quality.

Properly drying your film is essential to ensure it is ready for scanning, printing, or archiving. By following these steps, you'll protect your negatives from damage and maintain their quality for years to come.

Step 9: Storing Your Negatives and Scanning Them

Once you've completed the process of developing, fixing, washing, and drying your film, it's essential to store your negatives properly and scan them for digital use.

1. Store your negatives: To protect your negatives from dust, scratches, and other damage, it's essential to store them in archival storage sleeves or sheets. These storage solutions are typically made from acid-free, inert materials like polyethylene or Mylar, ensuring long-term protection for your film. Place the negatives in the sleeves or sheets in their proper order, ensuring that they lay flat and are not touching each other.

2. Label your storage: Properly label your storage sleeves or sheets with relevant information, such as the date, location, subject matter, and film type. This will help you quickly locate specific negatives when needed and keep your archive organized.

3. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your negatives in a cool, dry, and dark environment, ideally in a storage box or cabinet. This will help prevent damage from humidity, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure.

4. Scan your negatives (optional): To digitize your images and make them accessible for editing, sharing, and inkjet printing, you'll need to scan your negatives using a film scanner or flatbed scanner with a film adapter. Ensure that your scanner is clean and free of dust before scanning, as dust can cause spots and imperfections in your digital images.

5. Adjust scanning settings: When scanning your negatives, adjust the scanner settings according to your needs. Higher resolution scans will provide more detail and allow for larger prints, but they will also result in larger file sizes. Additionally, consider adjusting settings such as brightness, contrast, and color balance to optimize the appearance of your scanned images.

6. Edit and archive your digital images: After scanning your negatives, import the digital files into a photo editing software for further adjustments, such as cropping, color correction, and retouching. Once you've finalized your edits, save your images in a high-quality file format and create a backup for safekeeping.

Of course, you can also print your photos in the darkroom, but we’ll save that for another day!

Conclusion

The process of developing film is a rewarding and essential aspect of analog photography. Each step, from preparing the necessary chemicals and equipment to properly storing and scanning your negatives, contributes to the creation of tangible, high-quality images that stand the test of time. As you become more experienced in developing your film, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique characteristics of analog photography and the craftsmanship it entails.

Developing your film allows you to take control of your creative process and fine-tune the final outcome of your images. It also fosters a connection to the rich history of photography and the artists who have come before us, embracing traditional techniques in a world that is increasingly digital. By taking the time to learn and perfect the steps of film development, you'll not only improve your skills as a photographer but also gain a greater understanding of the artistic and technical aspects that make photography such a powerful and captivating medium.

Everything you need to get started with 35mm film:

Cameras - eBay

Film - Amazon

Cinestill CS41 Developing Kit - Amazon

Epson V600 Flatbed Scanner - Amazon