Want to start developing own B+W

[Molloy1011]

I've been shooting with a Contax G2 I snagged off ebay six months ago and it's been a lot of fun. I'm interested in beginning to develop my own B+W for fun and cost effectiveness.

I was wondering if there are any "starter kits" out there that you guys would recommend, something that would include the necessary reels, tanks, changing bags, etc? Or maybe it's best to just buy them all separately?

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[slm]

I don't know if you'll find a packaged starter kit, but you can definitely find all the necessary items at Freestyle photo

Cheers
Steven

 

[KarlG]

I've just started developing my own B&W film and have been surprised at just how easy it is!

I would echo nextreme's recommendation to pick up the chemicals & gear you need from freestylephoto.biz. There are some pretty good articles around online, but ultimately all it comes down to is just going for it and learning as you go - good luck & have fun!

 

[Peter S]

Good plan. It is a lot of fun,easy to do,actually cheaper as well and on top of that it gives you more artistic control control. Freestyle comes to mind, but I also found a lot on my local version of Craigslist. Depends a bit on where you live. In Europe I would probably point you to www.fotoimpex.de in the States to Freestyle.

 

[batterytypehah!]

There are many older threads on the subject here in this sub-forum, e.g. http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89421 or http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84981

Freestyle has some kits but they usually contain stuff you might not need, such as trays, or can get cheaper elsewhere, such as graduated beakers.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Welcome to the forum!

You need astonishingly little equipment to develop a film: basically just tank, thermometer, graduate(s), watch or clock. As others have said, a packaged kit may contain more than you need. There's a picture of all you need in http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps how process 35-120.html

For more on choosing a tank see: http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps how choose dev tank.html

For how to load the tank, see: http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps how 35mm tank.html

Go to a camera club and someone will probably give you all you need. Even a decent timer!

Cheers,

R.

 

[katgut@earthlink.net]

I have a Patterson supersystem, which I use for MF film. I would not recommend it for 35, though. The film is forced on from the outer loading slot, and often the friction builds up as the film goes on till I can't budge it.

Even though standard metal reels are a little trickier and need practice (I use Nikkor), I find them better.

One suggestion: ask at local camera shops if they will take used fixer to recycle the silver. I save mine in a gallon milk jug--it's not something that should be regularly dumped down the drain.

I recommend Adorama's changing bag. Very well made, and cheap.

 

[haziz]

Ilford has an informative and easy to read PDF about how to develop your roll of film and should also give you a good idea of what you need. Link to the webpage and PDF:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/applications/page.asp?n=31