Starting developing

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Greenninja

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Paul
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Hi All

I returned to film a couple of years ago - partly as a way to indulge unrequited gear love from the 1980s and partly because there's something very satisfying about using my OMs.

I've been sending my film off for processing and that's been fine.

But the other day it occured to me that my bathroom only has a very small Velux window, which would be very easy to block. It also has enough space to erect a decorating table......

So the thought occured to me, why not have a go at developing?

So how do I go about it? I have an idea of the process and the stuff seems fairly easy to come by on the UK's No1 Auction site.

I thought it would be wise to start with just printing existing negs, before moving on to full developing.

So what I'm asking is if you experienced developers could give me some pointers on the equipment needed to get started (so far I have listed enlarger, trays and paper!).

Also tips on how to go about it, things to look for things to avoid - really just any advice you can give to someone looking to get their hands dirty!

Thanks!
 
Its probably easier to start with B&W film developing before leaping into doing printing, you can get the tank and chemicals for very reasonable prices and is fairly simple to do. Printing is fairly expensive in comparison and (in my view) a bit more difficult as you gradually learn the techniques etc whilst film developing is essentially the same actions every time, you just might get a bit better agitating it or getting it on the reel etc.

I thought it would be wise to start with just printing existing negs, before moving on to full developing.
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Remember that you do have to develop the prints after you've exposed them from the neg!
 
Buying a light tight changing bag may be cheaper than light proofing your toilet properly if your aim is just to develop.
 
s162216 said:
Its probably easier to start with B&W film developing before leaping into doing printing, you can get the tank and chemicals for very reasonable prices and is fairly simple to do. Printing is fairly expensive in comparison and (in my view) a bit more difficult as you gradually learn the techniques etc whilst film developing is essentially the same actions every time, you just might get a bit better agitating it or getting it on the reel etc.



Remember that you do have to develop the prints after you've exposed them from the neg!
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Imteresting point - I always assumed that the neg part was harder, I did some print developing back at school many years ago from some negatives that had been done at boots - I recall that after the paper was exposed it went into developer, stop bath and then rinsed. Can't remember anything about timings and so forth!

I think I have an idea on how to light seal the door - my first idea involved copious amounts of duct tape, but that one sort of got vetoed.....
 
Buying a light tight changing bag may be cheaper than light proofing your toilet properly if your aim is just to develop.
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Good point - I've seen those in use
 
if you want to travel to the mainland ( sitt ) i'll show you how i do it
 
if you want to travel to the mainland ( sitt ) i'll show you how i do it
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Awesome! I have a current sheppey passport, so my papers are all in order!

Definitly interested donut, if you can whizz me over some contact details it would be great to tie something up.
 
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