Film Processing Tutorials
Technical Information
Choosing a Film & Developer
How to decide on a Black & White film and developer combination. Unlike color, where a standardized chemical process is used for all films, black and white photographers can choose from a huge array of developers. Different developers give different contrast, grain, image sharpness, and film speed. I explain it in this tutorial, and I tell you what I use and why.
Manufacturer's Tech Data Sheets
Film and Chemical technical data sheets from the manufacturers. If you're trying a new film or developer, and I don't have developing times listed for it, the manufacturers are your best starting point. Because these publications are not always easy to find on the manufacturers' websites, I have gathered links to them here.
Chris's Tested Film Developing Times
I've done the hard work for you! My tested developing times and exposure indexes for a number of Black & White films in my four favorite developers.
Basic Film Developing Skills
Film Processing Demonstration (YouTube)
Processing black and white film from start to finish. This tutorial includes how to agitate, how to properly measure liquid chemicals, washing the film without a film washer, and how to keep your processing equipment clean.
How to Load 35mm Film Onto Stainless Steel Film Developing Reels (YouTube)
Learn how to load 35mm film onto stainless steel developing reels.
How To Agitate (YouTube)
Agitation is one of the most confusing aspects of black and white film developing. In this tutorial, you'll learn how Chris agitates 35mm and 120 rollfilm during hand developing in stainless steel developing tanks.
How To Accurately Measure Liquid Chemicals (YouTube)
This tutorial teaches you the proper technique for accurately measuring chemicals for photographic processing.
How to Load 120 Film Onto Stainless Steel Film Developing Reels (YouTube)
Learn how to load 120 film onto stainless steel developing reels.
How to Cut Strips Of Negatives (YouTube)
Strips of negatives often bind up when you insert them in plastic print-file style film storage pages. This tutorial shows you a little trick you can use when cutting the film into strips that makes the film slide in the storage pages smoothly and effortlessly, without catching in the pages.
Mixing Chemicals
How to mix D-76 Developer from Kodak's packaged powder (YouTube)
A step-by-step demonstration of how to mix Kodak D-76 black and white film developer from Kodak's packaged powder.
How To Accurately Measure Liquid Chemicals (YouTube)
This tutorial teaches you the proper technique for accurately measuring chemicals for photographic processing.
How to mix Photographers Formulary TF-4 Alkaline Fixer (YouTube)
A step-by-step demonstration of how to mix Photographers Formulary's unique TF-4 Alkaline Rapid Fixer.
Advanced Film Developing Techniques
Controlling Image Contrast Through Film Developing
How to change film developing times to compensate for high contrast lighting. This makes it easier to maintain detail in deep shadows and brightly lit highlights.
Developing with PMK Pyro developer (YouTube)
A step-by-step demonstration of how to develop black & white film with PMK Pyro Developer.
Other Tutorials
Film Fixer Log
A log sheet that I created to keep track of how much film has gone through a gallon of film fixer. Tape it to your darkroom wall and check off for each roll you process.
The knowledge that I am sharing took many years of study and practice to attain. If you find it valuable, please donate through my Paypal button below. My creative work is how I support myself and my son. Thank you!
©2023 Christopher Crawford
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