Best 1st book to read on developing film

[johnny9fingers]

Hi All, I haven't developed film since way back in high school and have the itch to so it again. What would be the best book to read to relearn the process. I would like to process B & W, and color slide film as I've seen some medium format peojectors on e bay for reasonable prices. I thank all members of this august body in advance for the pearls of wisdom which is sure to follow.....
9fingers....

 

[RichardS]

I don't think you need a book to develop black and white film. There are instructions enough with whatever developer and fixer you buy.

Developing slide film is more complicated with high temperatures with little latitude in the temperatures, although I have read that there is now a process for developing at room temperatures. I have no idea about what book to read about developing slide film. I have a book, The Photographer's Handbook, which has a section covering it but it is the third edition and was published in 1993 so it certainly isn't up to date.

Dick

Dick

 

[ywenz]

why not take up a photography class at your local community college? They'll have the lab there as well.

 

[julianphotoart]

The PERFECT Book for the Darkroom

The PERFECT Book for the Darkroom

When I wanted to first start developing film, etc., I looked and looked and all the contemporary books seemed more interested in impressing me than in actually speaking clear, simple english to tell me how to do it. I was frustrated. I was at one particular ancient photo shop (the kind that doesn't exist these days what with digital) and told the proprietor about this. He agreed. He gave me a used book he had. I still have it. It is sooooo readable and tells what you want/need to know without gimmickry and whiz-bang stuff.

Okay, okay, so enough suspense. Here's the title: "Book of the Darkroom" published by Paterson. The edition I have is from 1979. In fact, eBay auction #7553547832 has this exact book right now, dirt-cheap. Get it.

 

[Graham Line]

There are a couple choices if you want to teach yourself.
There are detailed developing instructions at Ilford's Web site at http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/pdf/Film Hobbyist.PDF

Henry Horenstein's "Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual" will help you to interpret and fine-tune the process

 

[Poptart]

The Craft of Photography by David Vestal is a great B&W primer.

 

[GeneW]

The Craft of Photography by David Vestal is a great B&W primer.

Lovely recommendation! That was my bible during my darkroom days.

Gene

 

[ray_g]

I can't speak to developing color, but I second the recommendations above. The ilford site is very helpful. I have both Henry Horenstein's and David Vestal's books, but I have to confess that I got them more to read about printing. Another resource on the web you might find useful are the Black and White tutorials by BERNHARD SUESS on the NYIP website. Parts 6 through 9 deal with processing.

 

[ray_g]

And don't forget the Massive Development Chart

 

[johnny9fingers]

Thanks so much for the great information. This is one of the things I love about this site, everyone is helpful, friendly, and more than happy to share the vast wealth of knowledge.
Thanks again, now it's time to start reading and looking for classes.....
9fingers