Processing Instructions for Black and White Film

In the processing of film, the greatest care must be observed during each step of the developing process. The exposed film must be loaded in the developing tank in TOTAL DARKNESS. the tank lid is to be removed only after fixing is complete.

1.

 

Pre-soak

 

 

1 minute pre-soak with water, 30 seconds agitation. Make sure the water is at the same temperature as the developer solution. Make sure that you tap the tank to release the air bubbles.

 

*2.

 

Development
(Dilute D76 1:1, you must do this yourself)
~~~~~~
* Agitation

 

 

Refer to the Time and Temperature chart on the wall or use time and temperature from film box.. *Agitate immediately for the first 30 seconds, then 5 seconds every 30 seconds for every minute thereafter. Make sure that you tap the tank to release air bubbles. Discard developer after using. The film is still light sensitive. Leave it on the reel. Do not open the tank.

 

3.

 

Stop Bath

 

 

30 seconds with constant agitation. Discard stop after using. The film is still light sensitive. Leave it on the reel. Do not open the tank.

 

4.

 

Fixing Bath

 

 

7 minutes fixing time.  Agitation should be 30 seconds for the first minute and 10 seconds per minute thereafter. Save the Fixer. (If hypo is cold or weak, it will not clear the anti-halation backing. Negatives will look milky. You need to fix until clear). Save the Hypo. Return the Fixer (Hypo) to the supply vat where you acquired it. Open tank and leave the film on the reel.

 

5.

 

Wash

 

 

Wash for 5 - 15 minutes. Leave film on reel.

 

6.

 

Photoflo

 

 

3 drops of Photoflo per 1/2 gallon of water. 30 seconds gentle agitation. (Be sure Photoflo is thoroughly but gently mixed in water. Vigorous agitation will cause too much foam). discard after use. You can take the film off the reel at this stage.

 

7.

 

Kimwipes Film

 

 

Use Kimwipes to gently dry film. Do not dry the emulsion side! I advise against using a squeegee to dry film as it may cause scratches on the film surface.

 

8.

 

 

Dry Film

 

 

 

Hang in dryer with clip at top and bottom of film. Be careful your film does not touch other film in dryer. Damage may result to both films. Time of drying will depend on the number of films in cabinet at that time.

 

  • Always make sure developing tanks are full (8 oz., 16 oz., etc.) or agitation will not give predictable results. (If one reel is used in double tank, add empty reel and fill tank to capacity).

  • Be sure to completely invert developing tank during agitation.

  • Agitation must be standardized, i.e., use same procedure each time for predictable results.

A most amazing resource on film processing with information on chemicals, times etc.:
http://www.digitaltruth.com/