how can I develop my OWN film ?

[pvenables]

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

 

[Vics]

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

 

[benno]

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]

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

 

[benno]

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

$500 is a lot of money for me 😱

And I can get a 35mm scanner for that anyway. What sort of results would I get from a cheaper flat bed?

 

[hans voralberg]

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

 

[Artorius]

All the information you need and more

All the information you need and more

can be found here;

http://digitaltruth.com/devchart.html

A lot of information can use, and then some.