For those
who are thinking of processing their own
film it
can be quite daunting for the first time. If you keep things basic by
using popular brands like Ilford and Kodak for film and chemicals not
much can go wrong. What people don't tell you is that film like FP4+
is quite forgiving and a good place to start processing for the
novice, making it quite easy to get good results.
With
the advent of digital the darkroom has become a lightroom with the
help of a scanner and changing bag. You no longer have to look for a
place in the property that is or can be made light tight.
The
basic kit:
Changing
Bag: looks like a
tee-shirt without a hole to put your head through and is double lined
to make sure it is light tight.
It will take time
too get used to and will require some dummy runs to get the feel of
it. Developing tank:
there are two types, 35mm and universal. The universal tank will
allow you to process 120 format as well as 35mm; you will also need
to practice loading the film onto the spiral. Oh! before I forget
there are two types of spiral plastic and metal each uses a different Technic to load. I would suggest starting with the plastic type first
as it easier to get the hang of. Force
film washer: is a
tube that fits onto the water tap and into the top of the developing
tank. It is for putting water into the tank for the wash cycle. Three
measuring jugs that
will cope with more than 600 mls of fluid,
Chemicals: Developer, Stop and Fix, all
come as concentrate or powder and will require mixing with water to
get the right working strengths. Spirit
thermometer: for
checking that the chemicals are at 20 degrees C.
Storage containers:
of a suitable size will be needed to keep diluted chemicals.
Wetting agent: by
putting a couple of drops in the developing tank after you finish
washing the film and a minute before you take the film out helps to
prevent drying marks on the film. Film
clips times two: so
you can hang the film up to dry and if you place one on the bottom it
stops the film curling while drying. An alternative is to use Pegs.
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