self-developing, the conclusion-- let's get to it already!

Here we are, ready to finally develop our film!

If you missed any of the previous steps, we've already gotten our supplies, mixed our chemicals, and loaded the reels (I hope you practiced the third step a LOT), and now we're ready to actually develop.

This is what you'll need:

*all your chemicals (D76 developer, stop bath, fixer, hypo clearing, photo flo)

*your three plastic containers

*tank, film & changing bag to load up before developing (plus scissors and bottle opener if you're using 35mm film)  see this post if you are confused.

* digital timer

* photo thermometer

* funnel

* sink

* some sort of hanging device and dust-free place

Okay- let's start.  First load your film onto the reels in your changing bag.  Keep it locked inside your developing tank with the cap on. 

Next we need to prepare your chemicals for mixing.  It is important that you do this exactly before starting because the chemicals have to be at specific temperatures.  Also it is important that you do it in the following order so as to keep the chemicals at the right temperature. (Please note that I am using a plastic 24 oz tank.  If your tank is bigger/smaller you will need to adjust amounts)

First, prepare the fixer.  Put 24 oz. into one of your clear plastic containers:

Next, prepare the stop bath.  Fill second plastic container with 24oz. of 68 degree water and add 1/2 stop bath.

And last, RIGHT BEFORE developing, mix the developer.  Temperature is vital to get right on this. 

If you didn't get it from the picture (sorry about those- let's remember I'm a Kindergarten teacher), you should START by putting in 12 oz. of developer, measure the temperature and THEN add water bit by bit to achieve the right temperature.   After developing for a while, it is very easy to get the knack of adjusting to the right temperature.  When I first started self-developing though I used to have both a cup of hot water and cold water standing by to adjust as necessary. 

*Note- when cleaning out your containers (mixing or storage) just rinse them thoroughly.  Do NOT use soap because it will leave a film which might mess with your chemicals.

Okay- now let's start!

Developer- total time 10 min* (see note below)

Take off the cap to the developing tank and pour in your developer.  Immediately give it 3 sharp taps onto the table or counter to get rid of any air bubbles.  Then agitate continuously for the first 30 seconds.  There are many different schools of thought on agitation, the following illustrates the method I use (for better or worse)- three agitations over 5 seconds (every 30 seconds):

After the first 30 seconds of constant agitation, watch the timer and agitate as above (3x for 5 seconds) every 30 seconds for 10 minutes total. 

*Note: Developing time can vary tremendously depending on what kind of chemical you are using, what kind of film and your personal taste.  I'd say check the package of whatever developer you're using to find out what time to begin with.  Over time you can adjust to your own preferences. (I actually develop closer to 12 minutes with D76 developer)

**Another note: I always prepare my next step while in between agitations for the developer.  Rinse out the plastic container and prepare your HypoClear:  5 oz. hypo clear + 20 oz. water.  Set it aside (far aside, you don't want it to get mixed up with the fixer!) so it's ready later.  Actually, you might find it easier at first to prepare this during your first wash however, now that I think of it.

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Stop Bath (total time 30 seconds):

Open up the plastic cap, dump out your developer in the sink and pour in the stop bath.  Agitate immediately for 5 seconds, then let it rest for 10 seconds. Agitate again for 5 seconds and dump out after it's been in stop bath a total of 30 seconds. (this one goes QUICK!)

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Fixer (total time 5 minutes):

Pour in your fixer and agitate immediately for a 5 second interval.  Agitate every 30 seconds until 5 minutes are up.  Use the funnel to pour the fixer back into the storage container- you can't dump the fixer down the drain until it has used up its potency. (after about 2 months)

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First wash (total time 5 minutes)

Your film is now light safe.  Unscrew the tank and run the tank under the faucet. You might want to pull out the reel to check and make sure the film has developed (yes I know that from experience).  Let the tank fill up, then dump and repeat for a total for 5 minutes.  Regular tap water is fine, of course 68 degrees-ish would be ideal.

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Hypo Clearing (total time 2 minutes)

Screw the cap back on the tank and pour in the HypoClearing.  Agitate immediately and then every 30 seconds until 2 minutes is up.

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Second wash (total time 5 minutes)

Same as first wash.  Fill and dump for 5 minutes.

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Photo Flo

Leave the cap unscrewed and pour in Photo Flo (1/8 oz. to 24 oz. water). Let it sit for 30 seconds. Do not rinse or agitate.

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You're done!  Grab a hold of your reel, and turn your hands away from each other (like cracking an egg).  pull apart the reel and take off the film.  Make sure to put the reel back in the same tracks that you pulled it out from.  Squeegee your film by firmly running it between two fingers from top to bottom (2x).  Hang it up in a dust free place to dry.  I use a clothespin attached to a hanger in the shower. 120 film you can just leave hanging but I usually pinch the empty canister of 35mm film to the end of the negatives to keep them from curling. And then sit back and marvel at the magic you've made! 

Happy developing!  Can't wait to see your results!

-cmv

p.s. I realize all of this is very overwhelming and intimidating at first (trust me, I've been there) but in time it will be completely easy, relaxing and second nature.  

Comments

[melissa]

hooray!
my favorite part is how we can see lama in the video! he's so cute. (and that bag - i love that bag!)

[Mary de B]

I found out the hard way that bubbles really do get in your tank, and if you don't tap them out, you get the top part of your film not properly developed! I'd tap the tank down on the table every once in a while. Flip flip flip tap. Flip flip flip tap.

[kate]

I had to watch the little video as soon as I saw Lama sitting there! (I'm not doing any developing any time soon, myself, too many other projects in too small a house!)

[Stéphane Pouyllau]

If I have time, I would like to translate our tuto in french... It's a very good tutorial. With it, my second test will be a success !

[Barry]

Excellent! Your tutorials have been tremendously helpful, thanks so much for posting.

[Lindsey]

Excellent instructions! So precise, so well explained. Thank you!
-I can't believe I missed Lama the first time I watched the video.

[josiekitten]

LOL! I misread the previous comments and thought to myself, 'llama, what llama?'!!!!! Then I spotted the moggy!

[Rebekah]

yay! The first ever sandwich blog video!

These are excellent instructions and I hope to use them soon.

[melinda]

you are just amazing. maybe someday i'll try it :)

[Rachel]

I was so fascinated by your agitation style, I missed Lama...had to re-watch. Thanks so much for these tutorials...I will definitely be utilizing them in the future!

[Lutz]

Well done tutorial (I came to this via your Flickr profile). I did all those things back in the early 80's and can just confirm what you suggested....exercise the part to put the film into the reels. I did it similar to your suggestion. I used a already developed film to practice it for at least 20 times and another 20 times in the dark room. well, all my rolls was developed right.

Now I am shooting film again....besides digital but still don't develop by myself...maybe later in a new apartment I will give it a try again.