antistatic
Well-known
I am about to take the plunge and develop my own negs. (I'm tired of the two week wait for my negs from the local lab).
I would be grateful if anyone could recommend a forgiving film/developer combo for a noob. I like to shoot 400 film but slower would be OK.
And are darkbags easy enough to use or should I try and black out the walk in wardrobe?
Finally, any web sites/books that are suitable for the novice?
Any help much appreciated.
David
I would be grateful if anyone could recommend a forgiving film/developer combo for a noob. I like to shoot 400 film but slower would be OK.
And are darkbags easy enough to use or should I try and black out the walk in wardrobe?
Finally, any web sites/books that are suitable for the novice?
Any help much appreciated.
David
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear David,
Try http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps howdoi.html fpr a lot of basics, or on the same site http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps basics.html.
Your questions about changing bags (which I would recommend) and all kinds of other things are addressed.
Cheers,
R.
Try http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps howdoi.html fpr a lot of basics, or on the same site http://www.rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps basics.html.
Your questions about changing bags (which I would recommend) and all kinds of other things are addressed.
Cheers,
R.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
From someone who was a Noob developer not long ago:
Dark bags are a pain and to be avoided if possible.
A good forgiving film like HP5+ is a sensible and rewarding choice.
D76 is great and for me Xtol is better.
Jobo tanks are far better than Paterson ... they don't leak and they use less solution.
Your first successful roll can be better than your first kiss!
All just my opinion of course!
Dark bags are a pain and to be avoided if possible.
A good forgiving film like HP5+ is a sensible and rewarding choice.
D76 is great and for me Xtol is better.
Jobo tanks are far better than Paterson ... they don't leak and they use less solution.
Your first successful roll can be better than your first kiss!
All just my opinion of course!
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antistatic
Well-known
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
From someone who was a Noob developer not long ago:
Dark bags are a pain and to be avoided if possible.
A good forgiving film like HP5+ is a sensible and rewarding choice.
D76 is great and for me Xtol is better.
Jobo tanks are far better than Paterson ... they don't leak and they use less solution.
Your first successful roll can be better than your first kiss!
All just my opinion of course!
Keith...we agree and disagree on this subject...
Changing Bags...some don't like them, not enough room...
I have the Photoflex Tent style bag...the bag stays off your hands and there's plenty of room...
HP5...haven't used it much lately but did use a lot way back when...
Using Neopan/Acros...really love this film...
D-76...use it for about 90% of what I develop...I don't think I've used Xtol
Paterson tanks all the way...for me, that is...I've used Paterson since 1978...Yeah, they do leak but I don't invert...I spin...
But I will agree...that first roll came out better than my first kiss...
And, of course this is just my opinion too...
40oz
...
Tri-X has been around for quite a long time (as films go), so the information available on developing it is plentiful. You can shot it at 400 to start, then experiment with pushing to get more flexibility. Some people *only* shoot it at 200, so feel free to use it that way yourself.
D-76 is easy to use and quite flexible, and again, since it has been around for so long, available information on it's use and abuse is plentiful.
FWIW, there is probably no bad B&W film, and while everyone has a favorite developer, one is probably as good as another when you are starting. There are surely some developers that one should avoid for toxicity or availability, but in general, it's not like your film will burst into flames if you use a "bad" combination. (sadly That would add a bit of drama lol)
D-76 is easy to use and quite flexible, and again, since it has been around for so long, available information on it's use and abuse is plentiful.
FWIW, there is probably no bad B&W film, and while everyone has a favorite developer, one is probably as good as another when you are starting. There are surely some developers that one should avoid for toxicity or availability, but in general, it's not like your film will burst into flames if you use a "bad" combination. (sadly
That would add a bit of drama lol)
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
David...
Fuji, Kodak or Ilford are easy enough to develop...just find one that you like (print-wise end results)
D-76 will work with all of them...but you may want to start with a developer that comes in liquid form (one less thing to worry about)
If you are looking to buy a Changing Bag get the biggest one you can find or look for the "Tent" type of bag...more room= less frustration...
Tanks...to many here this is a very personal choice...I like Paterson (plastic) Many like the metal ones...they scare me...= I've never used them...
Books..."Photography" by Barbara Upton & John Upton (a good book to start with)
Good Luck,
Fuji, Kodak or Ilford are easy enough to develop...just find one that you like (print-wise end results)
D-76 will work with all of them...but you may want to start with a developer that comes in liquid form (one less thing to worry about)
If you are looking to buy a Changing Bag get the biggest one you can find or look for the "Tent" type of bag...more room= less frustration...
Tanks...to many here this is a very personal choice...I like Paterson (plastic) Many like the metal ones...they scare me...= I've never used them...
Books..."Photography" by Barbara Upton & John Upton (a good book to start with)
Good Luck,
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Keith...we agree and disagree on this subject...
Changing Bags...some don't like them, not enough room...
I have the Photoflex Tent style bag...the bag stays off your hands and there's plenty of room...
HP5...haven't used it much lately but did use a lot way back when...
Using Neopan/Acros...really love this film...
D-76...use it for about 90% of what I develop...I don't think I've used Xtol
Paterson tanks all the way...for me, that is...I've used Paterson since 1978...Yeah, they do leak but I don't invert...I spin...
But I will agree...that first roll came out better than my first kiss...
And, of course this is just my opinion too...
Ahh ... changing tents, now that's different. I'd like one of those one day!
I was actually very attatched to my Paterson tank, leaks and all, but after many bangs down on the bench to dislodge air bubbles ( I take these things very literally and make sure I give it heaps) it cracked. I bought a single roll Jobo recently from Freestyle and initially was unimpressed as I'm a creature of habit and it felt all wrong after using the Paterson for so long ... well since I started anyway.
However I now have discovered the Job's benefits and really like it ... the reels are a little harder to load but you soon get used to them!
I actually don't remember my first kiss!
__hh
Well-known
Speaking from VERY VERY recent experiences (I have made the plunge just over a month ago)....
I did not bother with a change bag - a tiny wardrobe with all doors closed ***AT NIGHT*** is perfect... no room limitations here (I am lucky because the walk-in-wardrobe in my room is a small room within a room)
I started out with the bare basics - plastic development tank, 2 plastic reels, ILFORD LC29 developer (1+29), water as stopper, ILFORD rapid fixer (1+4), and water for washer.
I was over the moon after that first attempt... Not perfect negs, but very rewarding. I am no longer dependent on other people to get my film developed, can get it done faster, and cheaper!!!
Once you've got the hang of the above basic fundamental steps, you can then start to explore other chemicals (such as stop baths, washers, and wetting agents, etc). They do help with the final negs, but I strongly suggest starting with just developer, water, and fixer.
Good luck. If you want more detailed info on how I started, chemical mix concentrations, timings, sequences, etc... let me know and I can describe the basic steps in details - I know that it won't be THE best "recipe", but it worked well for me to get me started and getting the confidence to keep on doing it.
I did not bother with a change bag - a tiny wardrobe with all doors closed ***AT NIGHT*** is perfect... no room limitations here (I am lucky because the walk-in-wardrobe in my room is a small room within a room)
I started out with the bare basics - plastic development tank, 2 plastic reels, ILFORD LC29 developer (1+29), water as stopper, ILFORD rapid fixer (1+4), and water for washer.
I was over the moon after that first attempt... Not perfect negs, but very rewarding. I am no longer dependent on other people to get my film developed, can get it done faster, and cheaper!!!
Once you've got the hang of the above basic fundamental steps, you can then start to explore other chemicals (such as stop baths, washers, and wetting agents, etc). They do help with the final negs, but I strongly suggest starting with just developer, water, and fixer.
Good luck. If you want more detailed info on how I started, chemical mix concentrations, timings, sequences, etc... let me know and I can describe the basic steps in details - I know that it won't be THE best "recipe", but it worked well for me to get me started and getting the confidence to keep on doing it.
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antistatic
Well-known
Thanks again everyone.
I think I will hit the shops tomorrow. I'm sure if I really tried I could find the equipment 2nd hand for next to nothing but I am too impatient. :bang:
If it works out I will post a comparative review "first home developed neg Vs first kiss". (At least my wife will be present at one of them)
I think I will hit the shops tomorrow. I'm sure if I really tried I could find the equipment 2nd hand for next to nothing but I am too impatient. :bang:
If it works out I will post a comparative review "first home developed neg Vs first kiss". (At least my wife will be present at one of them
)
venchka
Veteran
Actually, with a bit of luck and lots of help from folks on this and other forums, you can get everything you need to set up a comlplete darkroom for the cost of fetching the stuff by car or a bit of postage for small items.
Ilford makes clones of Kodak developers. The Ilford site will tell you how the two product lines match up. Good luck!
Ilford makes clones of Kodak developers. The Ilford site will tell you how the two product lines match up. Good luck!