Samuel D
Established
I’d like to start 2017 by developing film at home as I once did many years ago.
I live in a small flat in Paris and have no developing equipment. I’d like to get modest but decent stuff from the outset. I have very little storage room.
I only wish to develop 35 mm black and white film at this point (I home-developed E-6 in the past, but I don’t know if that’s practical anymore). I haven’t yet decided on the film(s) and developer(s), but, if it matters for the purpose of choosing processing equipment, assume I will use materials that are as convenient and non-toxic as possible. Nothing exotic at this stage.
Any suggestions for good items (or even kits?) to acquire and shops to buy from?
I suppose I need:
And happy new year!
I live in a small flat in Paris and have no developing equipment. I’d like to get modest but decent stuff from the outset. I have very little storage room.
I only wish to develop 35 mm black and white film at this point (I home-developed E-6 in the past, but I don’t know if that’s practical anymore). I haven’t yet decided on the film(s) and developer(s), but, if it matters for the purpose of choosing processing equipment, assume I will use materials that are as convenient and non-toxic as possible. Nothing exotic at this stage.
Any suggestions for good items (or even kits?) to acquire and shops to buy from?
I suppose I need:
- a tank. I’d prefer a steel tank sized for a single roll
- a spiral. The Hewes ones look great
- a thermometer
- a mixing jug. Would prefer glass
- storage containers, minimum necessary. Would prefer glass if practical
- a method to dry the film
- a squeegee or alternative.
And happy new year!
cz23
-
You missed a changing bag and measuring containers. Other than that, I think you're set.
Oh, and a timer of some sort. iPad or phone app works well.
John
Oh, and a timer of some sort. iPad or phone app works well.
John
robert blu
quiet photographer
I suggest to add a salad spinner to avoid the risk of water mark when drying the developed film: just put the spiral in it and make a 30" spin, than hang the film in the shower cabinet to dry.
robert
PS: better adding a second spiral on the opposite side to balance the spinning!
robert
PS: better adding a second spiral on the opposite side to balance the spinning!
John Bragg
Well-known
I would advise against the squeegee for film. It is a risk of damage to wet and delicate emulsion. Robert's salad spinner is a good idea though ! Also add a few syringes to measure concentrated developer accurately. Good luck and post some photos here !
ruby.monkey
Veteran
Hypodermic syringes and bottle adapters. Great for measuring chemicals (even, or especially, HC-110) and can be had for pennies on eBay. While you're at it, pick a twin-reel tank and an extra reel or four. A single film in a twin-reel tank is far less frustrating that two films in a single-reel tank; and even Hewes reels get dropped and damaged.
Depending on your choice of developer you may find that graduated cylinders are more useful than a mixing jug. Single-shot developers like Rodinal and HC-110 mean one storage bottle less to worry about.
Oh, and shatterproof plastic is a much better bet than glass, especially when you're working in a tight space.
Depending on your choice of developer you may find that graduated cylinders are more useful than a mixing jug. Single-shot developers like Rodinal and HC-110 mean one storage bottle less to worry about.
Oh, and shatterproof plastic is a much better bet than glass, especially when you're working in a tight space.
Fraser
Well-known
I would buy a double tank as it annoying when you have two films to process, my choice would be paterson I have both hewes and paterson and just prefer the plastic reels.
Oh yes as mentioned already don't buy anything new its all really cheap on ebay!
Oh yes as mentioned already don't buy anything new its all really cheap on ebay!
Steve M.
Veteran
Forget the squeegee. It will only scratch the film. Simply whip the film when it comes out of the tank like a whip a couple of times to get excess moisture off it, and hang it to dry in the bathroom. Regular kitchen containers work for measuring gradients, and you'll need a large hypo for measuring small amounts of chemicals. Always use Photoflo, and a little goes a long way. I stopped using stop bath for film years ago and don't miss it, although I do use it for printing.
I use a regular plastic bucket and plastic spoon (large) for mixing chemicals. A glass thermometer will work well, but as they're inexpensive, I prefer to stick one in the developer and fixer gradients too. I use those brown plastic bottles from Freestyle because you can squeeze them to get the air out. That's the trouble w/ glass, the air space will make the stock solution of developer go bad quickly (fixer is not as sensitive), so you have to use glass marbles to raise the level as you use it up, which is a total PITA. Plastic works fine, and will keep the chemicals safe. Always label everything as POISON to avoid anyone else coming in and using it. People will have different things to say about this, but those accordion plastic storage containers have never leaked on me, and are great for keeping air out.
I use a regular plastic bucket and plastic spoon (large) for mixing chemicals. A glass thermometer will work well, but as they're inexpensive, I prefer to stick one in the developer and fixer gradients too. I use those brown plastic bottles from Freestyle because you can squeeze them to get the air out. That's the trouble w/ glass, the air space will make the stock solution of developer go bad quickly (fixer is not as sensitive), so you have to use glass marbles to raise the level as you use it up, which is a total PITA. Plastic works fine, and will keep the chemicals safe. Always label everything as POISON to avoid anyone else coming in and using it. People will have different things to say about this, but those accordion plastic storage containers have never leaked on me, and are great for keeping air out.
znapper
Well-known
Yeah, the squeegee will make you frustrated at some point, forget about it.
I second HC-110, since stock is the only thing you actually store, you mix your working-solution every time you develop.
You can either pour out a little amount from the bottle directly into ie an egg-glass (the type you set eggs on for breakfast) and then measure out your amount with a syringe, into a simple 1 liter measuring jug and add water.
That totals 4 items.
- I normally measure out a smaller amount of HC-110 into a brown bottle, as it is easier to pour from.
I have my fixer in regular soda-bottles, (coca-cola), since it is very easy to gauge silver-buildup and the bottles can always be replaced very easily.
You will need a couple of film-hanging clips, depending on how many films you plan to develop in one go. (I have 4).
I put my washing-broom over the shower cabinet, where I have 2 plastic-strips, so I can hang the film-clips in them for drying. (ie very little extra stuff, than already present in my apartment).
You will need storage, so plastic sleeves and a ring-binder is important to have. Mine sits in my book-shelf when not in use, I have a type that has a dust-cover.
I second HC-110, since stock is the only thing you actually store, you mix your working-solution every time you develop.
You can either pour out a little amount from the bottle directly into ie an egg-glass (the type you set eggs on for breakfast) and then measure out your amount with a syringe, into a simple 1 liter measuring jug and add water.
That totals 4 items.
- I normally measure out a smaller amount of HC-110 into a brown bottle, as it is easier to pour from.
I have my fixer in regular soda-bottles, (coca-cola), since it is very easy to gauge silver-buildup and the bottles can always be replaced very easily.
You will need a couple of film-hanging clips, depending on how many films you plan to develop in one go. (I have 4).
I put my washing-broom over the shower cabinet, where I have 2 plastic-strips, so I can hang the film-clips in them for drying. (ie very little extra stuff, than already present in my apartment).
You will need storage, so plastic sleeves and a ring-binder is important to have. Mine sits in my book-shelf when not in use, I have a type that has a dust-cover.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
My B&W film development kit is as follows:
Everything fits in a space 18x11x13 inches in size when put away. I do all the processing on the kitchen counter, and dry in the shower stall/tub. No dark bag or darkroom required. After drying, film is scanned with a high resolution film scanner for image processing and printing.
I've also processed C-41 color negative with the same equipment using the Tetenal Press Kit (dry powder concentrate, each kit can process about six to ten rolls of film consistently). You need a couple more beakers for solutions when doing C-41.
G
- Agfa Rondix or Rondinax daylight developing tank
- Graduated cylinders for measuring and mixing developer and fixer
- Developer (liquid concentrate) (Kodak HC-110)
- Fixer (liquid concentrate) (Ilford Rapid Fix, no hardener)
- 2L mixing pitcher/water storage tank
- Set of four 500ml beakers for setting out pre-soak, developer, stop, and fix solutions (reuse presoak/stop beakers for wash cycle)
- Wetting agent for final rinse
- Calibrated darkroom thermometer
- Stainless steel tray to hold everything for storage, and use to catch spillage without soiling kitchen counter
- Laundry string and clips to dry film in the shower/bathtub
Everything fits in a space 18x11x13 inches in size when put away. I do all the processing on the kitchen counter, and dry in the shower stall/tub. No dark bag or darkroom required. After drying, film is scanned with a high resolution film scanner for image processing and printing.
I've also processed C-41 color negative with the same equipment using the Tetenal Press Kit (dry powder concentrate, each kit can process about six to ten rolls of film consistently). You need a couple more beakers for solutions when doing C-41.
G
Samuel D
Established
Thanks for these tips, all.
I think I can load reels in my windowless bathroom, at least during the hours of darkness.
I thought perhaps a single-reel tank would be both sufficient to start with and useful in the future even if I buy a larger tank, but perhaps you’re right that I should start with a twin-reel tank (and perhaps never need anything else).
Any particular tank brands to look for? I am surprised at the breadth of choice available. Someone must still be buying these things.
I wasn’t aware of the Agfa Rondix and Rondinax tanks. Hmm.
I think I can load reels in my windowless bathroom, at least during the hours of darkness.
I thought perhaps a single-reel tank would be both sufficient to start with and useful in the future even if I buy a larger tank, but perhaps you’re right that I should start with a twin-reel tank (and perhaps never need anything else).
Any particular tank brands to look for? I am surprised at the breadth of choice available. Someone must still be buying these things.
I wasn’t aware of the Agfa Rondix and Rondinax tanks. Hmm.
romosoho
Newbie
is there a reason you don't want a changing bag? you can get them pretty big, or even as a tent to give you room to work with. space isn't an issue for me with them because I can load at the dining room table or some place other than my small processing area.
all it takes is one time when it isn't quite dark enough to ruin a whole roll of film. why chance it?
all it takes is one time when it isn't quite dark enough to ruin a whole roll of film. why chance it?
Samuel D
Established
I have nothing against a changing bag but thought I wouldn’t need one with my windowless bathroom. I’ll do the five-minute test with my hand in front of my face later.
I guess it’s mostly (a) which stainless steel tank, and (b) where to get it and Hewes reels (in France) that concerns me now.
Other advice gratefully received, of course. I am seeking a simple, reliable, hassle-free set-up here. When I get into the swing of things again I may experiment with fancier arrangements, but for now the emphasis is on simple.
I guess it’s mostly (a) which stainless steel tank, and (b) where to get it and Hewes reels (in France) that concerns me now.
Other advice gratefully received, of course. I am seeking a simple, reliable, hassle-free set-up here. When I get into the swing of things again I may experiment with fancier arrangements, but for now the emphasis is on simple.
MiniMoke
Well-known
My reason for hating changing bags is that moisture builds up inside from even slightly sweaty arms / hands and the plastic Paterson reels stick hopelessly.
I prefer a seal around my toilet door (no window) and a towel below to block out light. Deploy everything on the toilet seat and squat in front of it.... Never had a reel stick like in the darn bags!
Fraser
Well-known
Without a changing bag you'll always be having to wait until night to load the films I have a darkroom and still use a changing bag, I know the stainless tanks and reels look better and are more compact than the plastic ones but I still prefer paterson reels, they are so cheap on ebay you may only have a double tank but its worth having six maybe a dozen reels.
good luck.
good luck.
Fraser
Well-known
If you must use steel reels make sure they are hewes or Nikor, quite often I've seen Nikor tanks being sold with cheap reels.
Samuel D
Established
Why do you prefer the plastic tanks and reels, Fraser? I haven’t had Hewes reels before, but they look pretty foolproof in photos and YouTube videos.
Fraser
Well-known
Just find them easier to load, as long as you keep them dry they work every time can even get two films on one reel back to back, I'm sure a lot will disagree but I've been using plastic paterson reels for 30 years both professionally and now for fun and they always seem to work thats not to say you get a bad one every now and again. I would recommend only buying paterson ones.
user237428934
User deletion pending
For me a changing bag is awful to handle. Tried it once and badly scatched the film in there.
I can close my bathroom window and door in 2 Minutes in a way that it's light tight so even after 5 minutes I can't see anything in there.
I can close my bathroom window and door in 2 Minutes in a way that it's light tight so even after 5 minutes I can't see anything in there.
user237428934
User deletion pending
If you have a wrist watch with illuminated hands... take it off before you put the film on the reel. Don't forget to remove a smartphone. Imagine you get a call or a message while it should be dark.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
A quick post-Christmas Give-away.
Anyone in the EU in need of some developing material, drop me a line. I have a sizeable donation of kit for EUR 15 shipping maximum to anywhere in the EU, to be shipped out in the next 72hrs. Multiple Paterson and similar tanks (5x and 2x), changing bag, film safes, squeegee (yeah I know), expired Ilford chem, clamps, etc.
Come first, get first.
Anyone in the EU in need of some developing material, drop me a line. I have a sizeable donation of kit for EUR 15 shipping maximum to anywhere in the EU, to be shipped out in the next 72hrs. Multiple Paterson and similar tanks (5x and 2x), changing bag, film safes, squeegee (yeah I know), expired Ilford chem, clamps, etc.
Come first, get first.