First time attempt at developing

[infosecgeek]

Been lurking for a while and just registered... I am about to purchase everything to do b&w developing. Would like to develop some rolls before I buy the Bessa R3M (Have a 15mm already, and my nokton 50 & 35 will be here tomorrow. I am currently shooting with an Olympus E-P2). I think I have everything I need, according to what I read anyways..

Yankee Clipper II Plastic Daylight Film Developing Tank for Film Sizes 110, 35mm,120 and 220
Adorama Film Developer for all Black & White Films, Makes 1 Gallon of Working Solution
Adorama Indicator Stop Bath for Black & White Films and Papers, Pint Bottle Makes 8 Gallons
Adorama Universal Fixer for Black & White Film and Paper, 1 Quart makes 1 Gallon
Adorama Plastic Film Squeegee with Rubber Blades.
Adorama One (1) Pint (500 Ml) Plastic Graduate
Adorama Plastic Funnel 16 oz. Size (500 ml)
Adorama Stainless Steel Film Clips, Pack Of Two, with Weight
Adorama Small Changing Bag, 16" x 17", for Bulk Loading Film.

Here are my questions. I shoot an LC-A and a Lubitel 166. The 120 film should be relatively easy. However I can't find a link or anything else as to how I would pop a 35mm roll.. Any help would be appreciated.. Thanks

 

[photobizzz]

Well there will be many threads on developing the specific film if you do a google search for "developing Ilford Pan-F" or whatever film you are shooting. Sounds like you have the basic equipment, I would be very careful with the film squeegee, don't like them myself. I tend to dip my fingers in the hypo and use that to squeegee the excess water off. If you squeeze too hard you can mess up the emulsion while it is wet or scratch your negs.

Also I would think twice about the developer you are using. I have not personally used the Adorama brand of developer and it may well be good, but depending on the film you are shooting with a good developer exists. Kodak Xtol is a good all around developer for B&W and the main ingredient is Ascorbic Acid (basically vitamin C) so not toxic at all. And there are many more. I just bought a bottle of Kodak HC-110 to do stand developing with, and have some Microdol-X on the way. I would love to get some Rodinal but it cant be shipped by air (so BH & Adorama say) and my local store doesn't carry it so I am stuck for now.

Just make sure you don't agitate too much, and your rinse water is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water rinse will make the silver clump together. Changing bags are a PITA in my opinion. I just go in the bathroom and turn off the lights and put a towel at the bottom of the door. Thus eliminating the need.

Anyway my two cents. Hope you have a good first soup!

 

[Mablo]

This might be helpful too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P9bNcBE_Hc

 

[FrozenInTime]

The bottle opener on a swiss army knife is how I open cassettes.
The scissors on the knife are also nice and thin - perfect for trimming the film and cutting the negs into strips.

I agree with comments on avoiding sqeegees - do a final rinse in photo flow the just let the film dry naturally.

Likewise using one of the popular branded developers will help if you need to ask on a forum for advice on how it handles or for times with different films.

Bulk loading could add cost if your not comitted to a film youve already experienced.
It's also another source of dust and scratches.