Developing at home

Black-and-white film can be developed in a kitchen with a light-tight tank and three chemicals.

What you need

  • A daylight developing tank and reels
  • A changing bag (or a completely dark room)
  • Developer, stop bath (or water) and fixer
  • A thermometer, measuring jugs and a timer

Steps

  1. In the dark, load the film onto the reel and close it in the tank. Lights on from here.
  2. Develop at the time and temperature on the film's data sheet (usually 20 °C), agitating as instructed.
  3. Stop, then fix for the stated time.
  4. Wash thoroughly, add a drop of wetting agent, and hang to dry somewhere dust-free.

Safety and disposal

Wear gloves, keep chemicals away from food and children, and don't pour used fixer down the drain. It contains silver; take it to a waste collection point.