Processing Film



Once you have the developer and fixer ready, measure the right amount for the tank you will be using. Small tanks need 16 oz. of each. Be sure to have enough to completely cover the film reel.

Set a timer for the development time or look at your watch if it has a second hand then gently and quickly pour the developer into the tank. Now lift the tank in one hand and turn it upside down to the other hand rotating it gently back and forth. Repeat this for 3 or 4 turns then set the tank on a counter. You will want to tap the the tank on the counter once or twice to dislodge any bubbles. Not too hard - just a tap.

Repeat the rotating and turning process once a minute. You will want to be smooth and very gentle when you turn. Too much agitation can cause the edges of the film to process more than the middle. This is known as edge acceleration and it will ruin all the images.

When the time is up for the developing remove the small cap and pour the developer out into the sink. If you have stop bath, you can now pour that in, if not rinse the film with cool water. Replace the small cap and do a few turns then pour it out - maybe 30 seconds at most. Pour in the fixer and rotate the tank every minute as before. You sould fix the film for at least 5 minutes. Note that all your liquids should be about the same temperature.

 

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