Introduction:

In the age of digital photography, there is something special about the process of developing film. The darkroom presents an intimate, hands-on connection between the photographer and their work. If you’re interested in learning this traditional technique, follow these steps below to develop your own film in a darkroom.

Materials Needed:

– Film (35mm or 120)

– Film developing tank with reel

– Darkroom with red safelight

– Developer

– Stop bath

– Fixer

– Water for rinsing

– Thermometer

– Timer

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

Set up your darkroom in a completely dark space with minimal light intrusion. Ensure you have access to a water source and drain.

2. Loading Your Film:

In complete darkness or under a changing bag, carefully load your film onto the developing reel. Practice this step multiple times with a “sacrificial” roll of film before attempting this with an exposed roll. Once the film is securely on the reel, place it into the developing tank and close the lid.

3. Preparing Your Chemicals:

With your film safely inside the developing tank, turn on the red safelight, which will not affect your film as you work. Mix developer, stop bath, and fixer according to instructions provided by their respective manufacturers. Ensure they are at the appropriate temperatures (usually around 68°F or 20°C).

4. Development:

Pour prepared developer solution into your developing tank quickly but gently so as not to disturb the film. Start your timer as soon as you begin pouring and agitate it for an initial 30 seconds continuously by swirling or using an agitation stick. Then agitate gently for 10 seconds every minute until development is complete based on manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Stop Bath:

Once development time is up, quickly pour out the developer and pour in the stop bath solution. Agitate continuously for around 30 seconds to halt the development action.

6. Fixing:

Pour out the stop bath and pour in the fixer solution. Agitate for 30 seconds continuously initially, and then 10 seconds every minute for 5 to 10 minutes (depending on fixer instructions). The fixer makes your film permanent and light-safe by removing undeveloped silver.

7. Rinsing:

Pour out the fixer (it can be reused) and fill the tank with water at appropriate temperature. Agitate well before emptying it. Repeat this process multiple times, filling and emptying water, to rinse all chemicals off of your film.

8. Drying:

Gently take your film out of the reel and carefully squeegee any excess water off the surface using your fingers or a dedicated tool. Hang it to dry (at room temperature) from one end using a film clip, preferably in a dust-free environment.

9. Cutting and Storing:

Once your film is completely dry (wait at least two hours), cut it into strips of your preferred length, usually in sets of four or six frames for easy storage and scanning. Use negative sheets or archival sleeves to protect developed negatives from dust, scratches, or other potential damages.

Conclusion:

Developing film in a darkroom is an exciting hands-on skill that allows you to connect with the traditional roots of photography. Following these steps can help you achieve vibrant images reflective of your time spent honing this craft. As you gain experience, experiment with different types of developers, agitation techniques, and exposure methods to find what works best for you and further expand your creative process in photography.