how can I develop my OWN film ?

I started doing my own a few months ago. I bought a canvas changing bag, a Paterson developing tank with a reel, a 50p syringe from my local chemist and a little Kaiser thermometer. I already had Pyrex measuring jugs in the kitchen for larger quantities of liquid, a bottle opener to open the film cassette in the changing bag, and a pair of scissors to cut the film from the spool in the bag when the whole roll's on the reel. I bought some Ilford DD-X developer and Ilford Fixer to get me started.

I've found it easier to standardise on film/developer, so now use Fuji Acros 100in Agfa Rodinal at 1:50 dilution usually.

As I scan my negs [and can't use dust-removal software] I give them a final dunk in some deionized water with a smidgeon of wetting agent in them, and dry them diagonally across a doorway in my hallway. I made the mistake of wiping them down with a clean hanky to get most of the water off at first and don't do that any more.

I've probably spent about £50 on the gear, but as the processing probably costs me less than a £1 per roll, and to get it developed and contacted in a lab in London would cost around a tenner, it's paid for itself already.

It's fun and you feel a great sense of achievement when everything goes right. I'd definitely give it a go.

Best wishes

Paul
 
I like loading the tank in a large changing bag. I hate sitting in the dark little room, and right now I have no dark rooms in my house. It's easy, and you'll like it. You'd also love wet printing, but that's for another discussion.
Vic
 
I'm pretty keen to develop my own film as well, I did some waaay back in high school and it didn't seem too difficult.

My main problem is what to do after that - I can't afford a 35mm scanner, my flatbed won't do negs and I don't want to wet print (I think I'd spend too much time doing it).

Are there any other options that I'm missing?
 
hans voralberg said:
By a flatbed that will do it. Sell yours. Epson's Perfection range are very decent for casual use. Cost ~$500 IIRC, depends on model
Click to expand...

$500 is a lot of money for me :eek:

And I can get a 35mm scanner for that anyway. What sort of results would I get from a cheaper flat bed?
 
To be honest I have no idea, I use the cheapest one, the 4490, Im a student also. The result are fine for me at least, check my gallery or flickr to see if it goes well with you
 
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