Darkroom - where do I start?

[Scheelings]

To cut a long story short - I've started using my newly acquired Leica M3 whilst the M8 is sitting on the shelf - I don't know why - but I'm really enjoying the M3 experience.

A few things have changed.

1) I can't see the point in developing prints - I travel alot and they get in the way + I can't easily share them.

2) getting all this film developed is a little expensive.

So I was thinking that since I just bought a dedicated film scanner - why don't I develop my own film?

Except that I'm pretty sure I only need to do half the process since I don't need to do anything except 'fix' the film for putting into the film scanner.

So! What do I need?!

 

[EthanFrank]

I started out with the intention of scanning film (just bought an enlarger though...) and I've been using a Paterson tank, a changing bag, and some dev, fixer and photo flo. You'll also need some 2l bottles, film clips/weights, scissors, a bottle opener, some beakers and a whole lotta patience if you're coming from digital 😉

 

[sc_rufctr]

Do it. It's a whole lot of fun and not as hard as you may imagine.
After some practice it's almost easy and you'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

[DNG]

I develop my BW, and would love to Wet-Print also... but my limited budget prevents it, and I have small bathroom that would be used..
BUT, you can get a whole Enlarger setup for under $150.00, with a nice 35mm/6cm head with all the trays etc that are needed...

It is really cool to watch the image form in the tray... like magic...
But, for many, it is like "Fishing"... Not doing too much, quiet, peaceful and relaxing.... A great De-Stress" activity.... Which may be a cheap therapy compared to a Shrink 😛

 

[Austerby]

Exactly what I do - and my M3 gets more use than my M8 too. It's very satisfying, inexpensive per film and not too time consuming.

Simple to do at home - look at Roger's pages or the Ilford website for clear instructions that take you through the straightforward processes, including what basic kit is needed.

I too have an enlarger and all the kit needed for a home darkroom but honestly use it infrequently these days as it's sufficient for me to scan in most cases.

 

[DNG]

I have a 35mm scanner (Scanning as I type from a roll the other day)... It is the best of both worlds...... Developing takes a few hours from start to Dry... Scanning... depends... I scan at 8x multi-scan to minimize grain... and as a TIFF at 5000dpi (80mb file)... But, it is all worth it to me...

 

[daninjc]

Go for it. It cuts the costs drastically. It's not super fun, but I usually do it while listening to the radio - or even reading.

Get the i-pod app (dev chart) for keeping track of the time, it makes it really easy, I find it worth every penny.

No need for a darkroom - a changing bag does it.

I found that using a 4-reel tank helps a lot speeding up the process. I manage to develop 8 rolls in about 1 hour (not counting the drying time).

Also, some people seem to have troubles loading the film on the reels. After I got high quality stainless steel reels (Hewes), I never ever had any problem (after 100s rolls loaded).

 

[boffen]

I "switched" (it was only an experiment in the beginning, now I almost never use my X100) from digital to film this spring, and just started developing. I've only developed six rolls so far, but I've never had any problems. It's pretty easy. The whole process up to hanging the films to dry takes me 30 minutes.

 

[batterytypehah!]

Try to anticipate how often you will be doing this, as it influences the choice of equipment and chemicals.

If infrequent, you're better off with a Paterson-style tank and reels. Much easier to use than stainless reels if allowed to dry out thoroughly in between uses. Nothing is worse than a damp reel that absolutely will not pull your film in, and the situation getting worse by the minute due to your hands sweating inside the changing bag.

Likewise, if you don't develop a lot of rolls, you'll want a developer with a long shelf life. Rodinal is the classic choice.

 

[Haigh]

You can get a print wet or dry from your film and of course you can scan it. Have fun.

 

[JayM]

Do it!

Developing black and white has helped my get back into a good stretching regimen:

Agitate, stretch for 30 seconds, stretch another muscle for 30 seconds. Repeat.

Looking forward to doing C41 but sad that it needs more attention 🙁

 

[Gereonb]

C-41 is pretty much the exact same steps, just that the temperature is higher and you need to keep it a bit more in check.

 

[Eric T]

I just started developing my own 35mm and 120 color film this summer. I have started with C41 but will soon try my hand at E6. It is very easy. I just bought a $50 water bath from eBAY to maintain the temperature of the solutions at the proper level. And I buy the C41 kits from Freestyle or B&H.
This has allowed me to enjoy my film cameras again. What encouraged me to do it was the purchase of a used Fuji GF670 that was so cheap that I couldn't pass it up.
I have even started collecting the things I need for 4x5 photography (although doing that well is a much steeper learning curve and will take much more time).
So as several have said above - just take the plunge and do it.