Use a safelight filter to check the negatives.
Any time you use a new type of film for your photography, it's important to familiarize yourself with how the negatives are developed. When it comes to shooting with Delta ISO 400 film, photographers do not have to do much adjusting, since the film is mostly compatible with standard development procedures. However, you will need to develop it slightly longer than you would with more conventional types of film, for enhanced quality results.
Instructions
1. Use measuring tools to measure the appropriate amount of developer solution. When using Delta ISO 400 film, you can use either liquid or powder developers. Read the packaging of the developer solution to determine the appropriate measurement in proportion to water.
2. Pour the appropriate amount of water and developer solution into the first plastic tray. Test the temperature of the solution by placing a thermometer into the bath. The company recommends developing Delta ISO 400 film at either 68 or 75 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Delta ISO 400 time table, negatives developed at 68 degrees take 6 minutes and developing at 75 degrees takes about 4 minutes. Temperatures in between 68 and 75 degrees require an adjustment to the number of minutes.
3. Turn off all lights in the dark room or designated room. Delta ISO 400 film must be developed in total darkness. Any exposure to light can streak the sensitive film. Allow a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before proceeding.
4. Open the film canister, and begin winding the end of the film from the canister around the developer reel. Place the reel into the second, empty developer tray, and pour the contents from the first tray over the reel. Cover the tray with the lid.
5. Agitate the bath by tilting it back and forth from left to right. This gets out the trapped air bubbles and helps the quality of the development. Set the timer for the appropriate number of minutes. When the timer goes off, uncover the tray and pour out the solution.
6. Add the stop bath solution immediately after the first bath is poured out. The stop bath solution is responsible for halting the development process. Time the number of seconds necessary for the stop bath solution, based on the dilution and temperature ranges, which are explained on the packaging.
7. Use a non-hardening liquid or powder fixer. Set the timer for the appropriate number of minutes, again, based on the temperature of the bath.
8. Remove the film from the fixer solution, and place it under running water for 5 to 10 minutes. The water must be at a temperature that is within 9 degrees Fahrenheit of the processing temperature.
9. Apply a rinse solution, known as a wetting agent, to the film as you run it under water. A wetting agent helps the film dry quickly and evenly.
10. Wipe the film with a clean squeegee before hanging it to dry. This helps avoid drying streak marks. Hang the film to dry by clothespins in a room or storage area that is between 86 and 104 degrees F.
Tags: Delta film, bath solution, developer solution, number minutes, stop bath
