snappyt
newbie
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 21
Loc: UK, North Yorkshire
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I've been using film for a while, but have always had labs develop/print my stuff. I want to try developing my own b+w negatives and then either print them myself or use a scanner. Anybody got a comprehensive list of what I'd need? (Bearing in mind I have nothing).
I have been led to belive that developing b+w prints is pretty simple, then i could just get a scanner for the negs.
Would this enlarger be ok for example: htt://fleabay
Edited by snappyt (07/06/2008 17:33)
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Mojo_66
Rain Kat
Reged: 25/05/2006
Posts: 3378
Loc: Lancs
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Looks ok but you have to make sure the bulbs are still available for these old enlargers. I dev my own b&w films then scan the negs in as you mentioned. Developing films is fairly simple, you don't need a darkroom. Bare minimum you need is a dark bag, film developing tank, reels, a measuring cylinder, darkroom thermometer, scissors and chemicals. You'll need neg sleeves to store them too. You can get film pullers and openers to take the film out of the cassette but you don't really need them as it's easy to ram your thumb into the gap and prise it open. It's useful to have a second measuring cylinder and bottles to store mixed solutions in, but not essential. Having said that brown medicine bottles from the chemist are cheap and work well for this. You can use clothes pegs to hang the films as they should only ever touch the leader which you cut off anyway.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojo_black/
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taxor
Reged: 09/07/2004
Posts: 571
Loc: Lancaster, UK
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Just to elaborate on Mojo's excellent advice, in terms of chemicals, you're going to need some film developer (Ilford ID11, D76 or any other 'standard' film dev.)In an ideal world you'd be using stop-bath after development although a plain water rinse will suffice at a push. After the rinse, you'll need some fixer to make permanent the image on the neg. Fixers can usually be used for film and paper, just make sure you follow the instructions about dilution carefully. If you need any other information, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck! T.
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"I wanna hold your gland". Lemming & McCartney
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Gordon_McGeachie
Joke Historian
Reged: 19/01/2007
Posts: 4140
Loc: East Yorkshire,
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Quote:
After the rinse, you'll need some fixer to make permanent the image on the neg.
I was taught that fixing only makes the image non light sensitive, it is the washing and drying process that makes it permanent.
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She (Avro Vulcan XH558)Took To The Sky Like A Lovesick Angel.
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4976
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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Quote:
Quote:
After the rinse, you'll need some fixer to make permanent the image on the neg.
I was taught that fixing only makes the image non light sensitive, it is the washing and drying process that makes it permanent.
Fixing removes the light sensitive grains which haven't been turned to silver by the action of the developer. This makes the image "permanent" in the sense that, after fixing, the film can safely be exposed to light.
However it is necessary to remove the fixer chemical (sodium hyposulphite) as it is unstable, this is done by washing in plain water following completion of the fixing process. Drying is not actually necessary but the emulsion is soft and easily damaged until dry. Photo-reconnaisance labs, press rooms etc. used to print from wet negatives in order to save time - often they also did very little more than a quick rinse instead of a proper wash, which means that the negatives didn't store well.
Hope that explains things a bit.
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Mojo_66
Rain Kat
Reged: 25/05/2006
Posts: 3378
Loc: Lancs
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Just a small point, but if you don't want to fork out for stop bath a little vinegar in the rinse after the developer works well, and a few small drops of washing up liquid makes a good washing agent in the final rinse water after the fix.
Ilford have some good pointers on their website.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mojo_black/
Edited by Mojo_66 (11/06/2008 17:51)
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4976
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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Any weak acid will do for a stop bath.
Quote:
a few small drops of washing up liquid makes a good washing agent in the final rinse water
Not recommended ... washing up liquid usually contains glycerin (to keep hands soft  ) which makes a nasty sticky film which dust loves to stick to. Genuine wetting agent is very economical in use, you use only a drop or two at a time and it doesn't go off so one litre will probably last a lifetime.
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Wheelu
member
Reged: 31/10/2007
Posts: 167
Loc: UK, up North
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I would second the advice to consult the excellent step by step instructions on the Ilford web site. Developing film is a relatively easy but very satisfying pursuit - pick up a kit of bits from Ebay and you are on your way. A good thermometer is a must as is a reliable and easy to read timer.
At the risk of being flamed off the site, I would suggest, however, that scanning the resultant negatives is a good deal easier and more convenient that using a wet darkroom, and I speak from personal experience.
If you have the space and time for a proper darkroom, fine, but for many of us this is an activity that is not, unfortunately, compatible with modern living.
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My Flickr Photos
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beejaybee
Marvin
Reged: 18/07/2007
Posts: 4976
Loc: Really Here In Name Only
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Quote:
I would suggest, however, that scanning the resultant negatives is a good deal easier and more convenient that using a wet darkroom, and I speak from personal experience.
I wouldn't argue with that, but I have to say that, for me, the best monochrome digital prints are still some way below the quality of the best "wet process" prints.
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NorthernMonkey
enthusiast
Reged: 01/05/2007
Posts: 271
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Quote:
I wouldn't argue with that, but I have to say that, for me, the best monochrome digital prints are still some way below the quality of the best "wet process" prints.
The main advantage for me, of wet process, is the total lack of computers involved. I hate them with a passion, as I have to sit infront of one all day at work
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PeteE
addict
Reged: 23/08/2005
Posts: 405
Loc: BRENTWOOD,Essex
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Hear, Hear! Love to get in the Darkroom, mess about with home-made developers, do B/W and RA4 colour prints - that is MY happiness, NOT going to 'Next'or other ladies'shops as does the wife! PS want any handbags or shoes- she has more than Imelda Marcos! PPS My wife is a Filipina.
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Got COMPUTERISED at last and now Digitised but FILM still RULES!
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