Developing Black and White Film at Home

Step 4 The Equipment

You will need a few pieces of equipment to develop the film, and I will go over them, piece-by-piece, below.

Changing Bag - This is used to provide a light-free environment so that you can transfer the film from the roll in the canister to the reel in the tank. If you are cheap, and feeling daring, you could do this at night, in a room, under the covers, with all the lights turned out, instead of using a changing bag. I've never done it this way, but I've heard of it working for some people.

Developing Tank - This is the container that will hold the film for the duration of the developing process. It has a light proof lid, a spout to allow chemicals to be poured in and out, and a reel, which will hold the film. The tanks I use are about as simple as they come, and I don't really feel like I've ever needed one with any other functions or features. Make sure you read the instructions very carefully, because every tank is a little different.

Scissors - To cut the film while you're in the changing bag. I strongly recommend using a shorter model, with a rounded tip for safety. You know, the kind kindergartners use.

Church Key - Those things that you use to open cans. You will use this to open the film canister.

Comments

[KMaq]

how can i develop a 5x7 paper without a lightproof developing tank? i hear that pressing it anda a blank sheet together between glass works. 

[darkroommike]

Get a color paper processing drum (tube), load the paper in the drum in the dark (or use a changing bag) and once the cap on the drum is replaced you can process the paper in normal room light.