Film Processing at home

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 Post subject: Film Processing at home
Unread postPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:09 pm 
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So, I have almost all the equipment to process my own film. Now, I need a list to go by and see if I have it all. Then, I need someone to walk me through my first roll! ;)


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 Post subject: Re: Film Processing at home
Unread postPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:17 pm 
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I'd be happy to help, Dave. Are we talking about black and white film, I assume?

- Processing tank and reel
- Changing bag
- Scissors (optional)
- "Church key" bottle opener
- Thermometer
- A graduate/beaker
- Timing device (or app like Massive Dev for iPhone)

And of course, chemicals:

- Developer of choice
- Fixer
- Hypo clear (optional but recommended)
- Wetting agent

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 Post subject: Re: Film Processing at home
Unread postPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:43 pm 
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Double Negative wrote:
I'd be happy to help, Dave. Are we talking about black and white film, I assume?

- Processing tank and reel
- Changing bag
- Scissors (optional)
- "Church key" bottle opener
- Thermometer
- A graduate/beaker
- Timing device (or app like Massive Dev for iPhone)

And of course, chemicals:

- Developer of choice
- Fixer
- Hypo clear (optional but recommended)
- Wetting agent


Okay, I need a changing bag and the chemicals (which one, rodinal? etc.?). Yes, it would be for TriX and Ilford 100, although I am about to try a few rolls of Rollei Retro 80s.

Maybe some clothespins etc. to hang the film.

And how hard is it to use the guest bathroom and keep it from turning into a mess?

As a side note...One of our fellow RFF'ers here in Atlanta was the military's photographer in Vietnam for his unit with several M3 (green) bodies and had a tent and a portable fold-out rig where he could use it as a table and it had everything he needed to process film in the field. How cool!?


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 Post subject: Re: Film Processing at home
Unread postPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:53 pm 
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If you plan to shoot Tri-X, I might suggest going with HC-110 as Rodinal tends to be a bit grainy with higher speed films. You still get the same flexibility (no need for working solution and mix straight from the bottle) and ease (it's also a syrup).

Clothespins work well, as do the "film hangers" - I like to have some weight on the bottom to keep the film taught while it dries to minimize curling.

Guest bathroom? No problem. ;)

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That's pretty cool indeed. I've even seen full-on portable darkroom trailers. Now that's hardcore!

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