Developing film can be a labor of love. It is an intensive chemical process that can be sometimes frustrating, sometimes rewarding. By controlling the film processing, the photographer may choose to "push" the film by overdeveloping, "pull" the film by underdeveloping, or cross-process the film by using alternate chemicals. This adds an extra dimension of creative latitude to the art of printmaking. Film developing requires some specialized equipment, patience and knowledge, but it can be done easily at home.
Darkness
A darkroom is necessary for the opening of film canisters and the loading of film. This room does not have to be dedicated to the process, it simply must be free of light and light leaks. A windowless room is ideal, however, windows may be blacked out by placing aluminum foil over the opening or by creating a removable wood panel to fit the window. Light leaks from below the door can be stopped with fabric.
Once the room has been light-proofed, test the quality. Enter the room and douse all light sources. Allow five to 10 minutes for the eyes to adjust. If light is visible after this time, adjust the light-proofing and try again.
A special "dark bag" may also be used to load film. The film, loading reels and tank are placed into the bag. The photographer then inserts his arms into the bag and loads the film onto the reels. While this can eliminate the need for a darkroom, it is much easier to make mistakes, allow light leaks and get dust and debris trapped in the film.
Loading
Loading the film involves a few tools. A standard can opener is used to pry off the top of the metal film cartridge. This must be done in complete darkness or the film will be ruined.
Film spools and a developing tank are the next part of the process. Film spools may be metal or plastic and are designed to hold one roll of film, spacing it so that chemicals flow freely to every part. The developing tank may hold more than one spool at a time.
The developing tank is a metal or plastic tank with two or more lids. The use of multiple lids creates a light trap---once all lids are secured, the outer lid may be removed to add chemicals without risking the film being exposed to light. These are sold at camera supply shops and may come with one or more film spools designed to fit in the tank.
Developing
Developing film requires an area with a steady supply of running water. If developing color film, a large, shallow tray filled with water of a precise temperature is used to keep the chemicals at the exact temperature needed.
Chemical concentrates are the four chemicals needed to develop the film. They are developer, stop bath, fixer and film wash. The first develops the film, the second stops the action of the developer, the third "fixes" the image on the film so it is no longer affected by light, and the fourth adds a protective coating to the finished negative. To mix these chemicals, graduated beakers or containers are necessary, as is running water. A chemical thermometer can be used to determine the temperature, as each chemical manufacturer will specify an optimal developing temperature. Gloves and goggles should be worn when handling these chemicals, and it is crucial that the area be well ventilated.
Once the film is developed, the tank will need to sit under running water to rinse the film. This can be as easy as placing the developing tank under a running tap.
Tags: developing tank, running water, Developing film, Film spools, film This, light leaks, metal plastic
