What to get to dev B+W?

timreeves

timreeves

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Hi guys,

looking at asking for a basic set of development stuff for chrimbo, only looking to develop and scan 35mm, no prints required.

So on a minimalist budget and presuming I'll be sticking to B+W for the mo could someone put together a parts list of evvverything I will need? And is there any film/chems you would recommend as i've stuck to colour up till now as nowhere in my town devs b+w for under a tenner, would love awesome resolution and clarity even if that's at the expense of grain.
 
I prefer the look of Kodak B&W films, and (for no real reason, just chose them randomly and they seem to work for me) use Ilford DDX dev, and Ilford rapid fixer.

When you say like like resolution, grain largely goes against that, so do you mean contrasty film?
 
AG photographic do some nice starter sets, with a look. As for films, something nice and fairly bulletproof may be worth looking at. I started with HP5+ and ilfosol 3, its rather forgiving. Tri-X is probably similar from kodak and you can use any similar developer. I would probably avoid the TMAX films as they are a little less forgiving both in terms of exposure and developing. If you do get those I would strongly recommend TMAX developer. Get used one one film and developer before branching out and you will be fine.
 
Just done the same thing myself and ordered a stack of gear off Firstcall Photographic

1 x (26139) AP Developing Tank, Universal 26139 @ GBP 18.99
1 x (41140) Rollei R09 Film Developer (Rodinal formula), 300ml Softpack 41140 @ GBP 5.99
1 x (41149) Rollei Fix AG Plus Fixer, 300ml Softpack 41149 @ GBP 3.79
1 x (13019) Fotospeed RA50 Rinse Aid Wetting Agent, 500 ml 13019 @ GBP 4.68
1 x (41147) Rollei CITRIN Citric Acid Odourless Stop Bath, 300ml Softpack 41147 @ GBP 4.49
2 x (25041) Firstcall Film Clips, Stainless Steel, Set of 2 25041 @ GBP 4.58
1 x (26112) AP Chemical Mixer, Set of 2 26112 @ GBP 4.09
1 x (26025) AP Measuring Cylinder 650ml 26025 @ GBP 7.79


Can no doubt get it cheaper elsewhere but £65 didnt seem too excessive. I think i might need a couple more bits but i think i got all the necessary chems. The mixer is a thermometer with a flap for stirring :) I might needs some bottles though but they cost next to nothing.
 
That's a good list essexash but i'd add

- a good size changing bag (don't get small ones) for loading the film in the reel if you don't have a dark space to do it
- a digital thermometer (can use a cheap cooking ones or a dedicated film one)
- a digital timer with alarm, for well... timing stuff
- a way to get the film out of a 35mm canister, either a leader retriever or bottle opener
- something to store used fixer in as it can be reused

Not entirely essential but a film squeegee (some people don't like these) and some cheap film handling cotton gloves to avoid finger prints on the film.

I'd say £100 is probably a fair price for a whole kit if you add those extra things in.
 
a couple of bits there for sure, although im doing 120 film so that comes off the reel quite well and i have a darkroom (bathroom) that i can use.

Will probably invest in a decent thermometer though, can you be 1 or 2 degrees out in the liquid temp or do you really have to be spot on with it? Can you use warm water from a kettle?
 
You can be + or - 1 degree. Black and white is dev'd at 20° C so not too far off room temp. Certainly not hot enough to need a kettle. I just use tap water and add a little warm from the tap if I'm a bit too cold, but i usually find if i leave it long enough it gets near enough to temperature.
 
There is a lot of leeway, but technically it can be important to have accurate temperatures - my usual dev time for 1+4 T-Max Dev'ing T-Max 400 at 20 degrees is 6 3/4 minutes, it goes down 30 seconds at 21 degrees.
 
essexash said:
Will probably invest in a decent thermometer though, can you be 1 or 2 degrees out in the liquid temp or do you really have to be spot on with it? Can you use warm water from a kettle?
Click to expand...

Temperature doesn't have to be spot on as long you adjust the development time accordingly. This temperature compensation chart from the Ilford site for their ID-11 will give you an idea.
 
There must be a youtube resource, rather than listing everything you need!

Or try one of the simple black and white photography books?
 
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