Step by Step Guide to Develop Black & White Film

Today, it is very common for us to use our phones or digital cameras to take photos. It is fast,
efficient, and overall convenient. However, learning to develop film is one of the most rewarding
feelings you can get as a photographer. It allows you to connect more deeply with your photos
and better your technique. This guide will breakdown each step of the process of developing
film.

Materials You’ll Need:

To Develop Your Film
To Unload Your Film
 Chemicals:
 Developing tank- light-tight container o Developer- covert latent image to
where film is placed during development; visible image
consists of a funnel and lid o Stop bath- stops the developing
 Film reel- holds film so chemicals touch process
the whole surface o Fixer- removes unexposed silver
 Changing bag- to protect film from being halide
exposed to light o Permawash- removes fixer after
 Scissors film wash
 Bottle opener- to open film canister o Photoflo- prevents water spots
 Film Canister  Distilled water
 Beakers/Graduated Cylinder
 Thermometer
 Film squeegee
 Clothespins

Let’s Begin!

Step 1: Unload your Film

1. Place all your materials in the changing bag.
Note:
This includes developing tank, film reel, scissors, bottle opener, and film canister.

2. Insert your hands into the changing bag.

3. Use your fingers or the bottle opener to open your canister of film.
 Warning:
You can no longer remove your hands from the bag, or you will expose your film!

4. Reel in your film onto the film reel.

Note:
This should be done in the changing bag, to prevent any light exposure!

TIP:
Touch the edges of the film to prevent fingerprints during development.

5. Use the scissors to cut the film from the spool one you reach the end of the roll.
6. Place the film reel into the developing tank.
7. Place the funnel back inside the tank.
8. Secure the funnel by twisting it.
Note:
This will ensure no light enters, when developing.

9. Place the lid onto the developing tank.

10. Remove your hands from the changing bag.

Your film is ready to be developed!!

Step 2: Develop your Film

Preparing your Film to Develop
1. Remove the lid from the developing tank.
2. Run cold water into the funnel to wash the film.
3. Pour the cold water out of the tank.
4. Measure 1oz. of 75° water using a graduated cylinder.
5. Measure 9oz. of developer a graduated cylinder.
Note:
The ratio of water to developer can vary. Look at the developer container to ensure you have
the right measurements.

Adding Developer to your Film Tank

6. Add the water and the developer into the tank.
7. Place the lid back onto the tank.
8. Agitate the tank by turning it upside-down and then right-side up for 30 seconds.
9. Place the tank on the counter and let it sit for 1 minute.
10. Continue steps 8 and 9 for 10 minutes.
11. Discard the developer by pouring it down the drain.

Adding Stop Bath to your Film Tank

12. Pour 8oz. of stop bath into the developer tank.
Note:
The amount of stop bath will be 1 oz. less than the amount of developer that was added.

13. Agitate the tank for 30 seconds.

14. Discard the stop bath by pouring it down the drain or recycle it for next time.

Adding Fixer to your Film Tank

15. Pour 8oz. of fixer into the developing tank.
Note:
The amount of fixer will be 1 oz. less than the amount of developer that was added.

16. Agitate the tank every 30 seconds for 5 minutes.

17. Discard the fixer by pouring it down the drain or recycle it for next time.
18. Take the lid off the developing tank.
19. Place the tank under a facet.
20. Let the water run all over the negatives (film) for 5 minutes.
21. Pour out all the water from the tank.

Adding Permawash to your Film Tank

22. Add 8oz. of Permawash into the developing tank.
Note:
The amount of Permawash will be 1 oz. less than the amount of developer that was added.

23. Agitate the tank every 30 seconds for 2 minutes.

24. Discard the Permawash by pouring it down the drain or recycle it for next time.

Adding Photoflo to your Film Tank

25. Add 8oz. of Photoflo into the developing tank.
Note:
The amount of Photoflo will be 1 oz. less than the amount of developer that was added.

26. Agitate the tank for 30 seconds.

27. Discard the Photoflo by pouring it down the drain.

The Final Steps

28. Carefully remove your film from the reel.
29. Use the finger squeegee method or a film squeegee to remove any excess water.
30. Place 2 clothespins on the film, one at the bottom and the other at the top.
31. Hang the film in the dryer for 20 minutes.

Congratulations!! You are all done!!