Bench on the Kennet and Avon canal in Winter. Ilford hp5+ medium format film used to capture this image of a Bench, old and full of texture. Explore more of my photography at https://fineartpics.co.uk

Simple Step by Step Film Development Guide

Developing black and white film at home can be a rewarding and creative process. With the right equipment, chemicals, and a bit of patience, you can create beautiful images right from your negatives. Whether you’re shooting 35mm, medium format, or large format, the process is generally the same, with slight adjustments depending on the film type and the developer used. This guide will take you through the entire process step by step.

What You’ll Need:

film vs digital.
  1. Film – Your exposed film ready for development (e.g., 35mm, medium format).
  2. Developer – The chemical that will process your film and bring out the image.
  3. Stop Bath – A solution that halts the development process.
  4. Fixer – A chemical that makes the image permanent and removes the unexposed silver halides from the film.
  5. Water – For washing and diluting chemicals.
  6. Measuring Equipment – Graduates or beakers for measuring the chemicals.
  7. Darkroom or Changing Bag – A light-proof space where you can load the film onto reels and into the development tank.
  8. Development Tank and Reels – A tank to hold the film and its chemicals, with reels to hold the film while it is processed.
  9. Timer – A reliable timer to track development and agitation times.
  10. Thermometer – To ensure the chemical solutions are at the right temperature.
  11. Film Squeegee or Clean Cloth – To gently remove water from the film after it has been washed.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

Before you begin developing your film, make sure your workspace is well-organised and that you have all the required materials at hand. You’ll need a light-tight space for loading the film onto the reels, a space for the development tank, and a sink to rinse and wash the film.

If you’re working in a darkroom, make sure the room is completely dark or has a safe red light for darkroom work. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a darkroom, you can use a changing bag to load the film onto the reels in complete darkness.

Step 2: Loading the Film onto the Reel

Guide to Developing Black and White Film

The first step in the actual development process is to loading the film onto the reel. The film must be loaded in complete darkness, so it’s best to do this step in a darkroom or a changing bag.

  1. Open the Film Canister – Use a film canister opener to remove the film from its canister. Be careful not to touch the emulsion (the side of the film that contains the image) with your fingers.
  2. Load the Film onto the Reel – Place the loose end of the film onto the reel’s core and begin winding it onto the reel. Ensure that the film is evenly spaced and not overlapping. If the film is not loading smoothly, it may be due to humidity or dryness, so adjust accordingly. Once the film is securely on the reel, place the reel into the development tank.
  3. Seal the Tank – Close the tank tightly to ensure no light can enter. At this point, the film is safely inside the tank and ready for the chemicals.

Step 3: Preparing the Chemicals

3 bottles for the Developing Black and White Film. Explore more of my photography at https://fineartpics.co.uk

Before you start the development process, it’s essential to prepare your chemicals. Follow the instructions on the packaging for your chosen developer, stop bath, and fixer, as the quantities and ratios can vary.

  1. Developer – Measure the correct amount of developer for the amount of film you are processing. Most developers will require you to dilute them with water. Use a thermometer to ensure the solution is at the correct temperature (typically 20°C or 68°F, but check your developer instructions).
  2. Stop Bath – Prepare the stop bath solution. This is typically a weak acidic solution that will stop the chemical reactions started by the developer. Again, follow the instructions to mix the right amount.
  3. Fixer – Prepare the fixer solution, following the mixing instructions. The fixer will ensure that your developed image stays stable and doesn’t degrade over time.
  4. Water – Fill a sink or basin with clean water at the appropriate temperature for rinsing the film at various stages.

Step 4: Developing the Film

Camera and film development chemicals for Developing Black and White Film. Explore more of my photography at https://fineartpics.co.uk

With your film loaded onto the reels and the chemicals ready, it’s time to begin the actual development process. The development process is based on time and temperature, so it’s crucial to stick to the recommended times and agitation cycles for the best results.

  1. Pour the Developer – Pour the developer into the tank, ensuring that the film is fully submerged. Place the tank on a flat surface and start the timer. Different films and developers will require different development times, so make sure to refer to a development chart for the specific film you’re using.
  2. Agitate the Film – Agitating the film ensures that the developer evenly reaches all areas of the film. A common agitation method is to gently invert the tank for the first 30 seconds, then agitate once every minute for the duration of the development time. Be careful not to shake the tank too vigorously, as this can cause uneven development or bubbles that could damage the film.
  3. Monitor the Time and Temperature – Keep track of the development time using your timer. If the temperature of the developer solution changes during the process, make adjustments as needed to stay within the recommended range. Some developers are more temperature-sensitive than others.

Step 5: Stop Bath

Kitchen doubles as a film development space for Developing Black and White Film. Explore more of my photography at https://fineartpics.co.uk

After the development time is complete, pour out the developer and immediately pour in the stop bath solution. The stop bath halts the development process.

  1. Agitate – Gently agitate the tank for about 30 seconds to ensure the stop bath reaches the entire film.
  2. Rinse – After the stop bath, pour it out and rinse the film with water to further ensure that the developer is fully neutralised.

Step 6: Fixing the Film

Now it’s time for the fixer. The fixer will permanently fix the image to the film, making it light-safe and stable.

  1. Pour the Fixer – Pour the fixer solution into the tank, ensuring that the film is completely submerged. Agitate gently for the first 30 seconds, then for a few seconds every minute.
  2. Fixing Time – The fixer should be left in the tank for the recommended time, usually between 3 to 5 minutes. This will vary depending on the fixer used and the film type.
  3. Rinse – Once the fixing time is complete, pour out the fixer and rinse the film thoroughly with water to remove all traces of chemicals.

Step 7: Washing the Film

Film Reel for developing 35mm Film or Medium Format Film. Explore more of my photography at https://fineartpics.co.uk

After fixing, it’s essential to wash the film thoroughly to remove any remaining chemicals. Use a gentle stream of water to rinse the film for at least 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a film washing agent or a wetting agent at the end of the wash to help prevent water spots from forming.

Step 8: Drying the Film

Once the film is thoroughly washed, carefully remove it from the tank. Hang the film in a dust-free, well-ventilated space to dry. Use clothespins or film clips to hang the film by the corners. Make sure the film is not touching anything while it dries to avoid dust and scratches.

Step 9: Cutting and Storing

After Developing film, I scan them in digitally.

Once the film has dried, you can cut it into strips, typically containing 5 or 6 frames. Store the film in a plastic archival sleeve or a negative holder to keep it safe for future use or scanning.


Conclusion

Developing black and white film at home is a fantastic way to engage more deeply with the analog process. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently develop your own film and create beautiful prints or scans. While the process may seem daunting at first, with practice, you’ll become more comfortable with each stage, and it will become second nature (DigitalTruthPhoto – great for film to chemical recipes.). Happy shooting and developing!


Black and White Film Development Troubleshooting Guide: 20 Tips

When developing black and white film at home, you might encounter some issues that affect the quality of your negatives. This troubleshooting guide covers common problems and their solutions to help you produce consistently great results.

IssueCauseSolution
Underdeveloped NegativesDeveloper too cold, insufficient time, incorrect dilution.Use the correct temperature (20°C/68°F), follow proper time, and check dilution ratio.
Overdeveloped NegativesDeveloper too hot, overly long time, over-agitation.Lower developer temperature, reduce time, and agitate gently as per instructions.
Uneven DevelopmentInconsistent agitation, improper filling/emptying of tank, uneven flow.Agitate consistently, pour chemicals steadily, and ensure film is properly loaded.
Air BubblesBubbles trapped on film during development.Tap the tank after filling and agitate gently.
Film Stuck on ReelImproper loading, high humidity.Practice loading film, use dry reels, and work in a cool, dry environment.
Scratches on NegativesMishandling or scraping during development.Handle film by edges only and ensure reels/tank are clean.
Fogged FilmLight exposure or outdated film.Load in complete darkness, use fresh film stored properly, and ensure tank is light-tight.
Water SpotsResidual water drying on film.Use a wetting agent, hang film vertically, and gently squeegee excess water.
Film Not Fully FixedFixer not applied long enough or is exhausted.Fix for recommended time (3-5 minutes) and use fresh fixer.
Grainy NegativesHigh temperature, excessive agitation, overexposure.Maintain correct temperature, follow proper agitation, and avoid overexposing film.
Negative Edges Not DevelopedInsufficient chemical volume.Ensure chemicals fully cover the film and use the correct tank size.
Streaks or Drag MarksDirty reels/tank, or developer drying on film.Clean reels and tank before use and minimize delays between steps.
Purple/Pink TintIncomplete fixing or washing, natural film dye.Extend fixing and washing times (20+ minutes if needed).
Overlapping FramesImproper film loading in camera, faulty mechanism.Check camera transport system and practice proper film loading.
Uneven DensityUneven chemical flow or light leaks in tank.Agitate consistently and check tank for cracks or light leaks.
Film Feels StickyInsufficient washing or residual chemicals.Rinse thoroughly (10-15 minutes) and use a wetting agent.
Blank FilmFilm not exposed or inactive developer.Test camera shutter and ensure chemicals are fresh and active.
Film Too Dark/Light for ScanningImproper exposure or development.Adjust camera exposure settings and follow proper development processes.
Stains on FilmDirty tank/reels or insufficient stop bath.Clean equipment thoroughly and ensure proper stop bath and rinse times.
Light Leaks on NegativesCamera or tank not light-tight.Check camera seals and ensure tank is securely closed during processing.