What do I need to develop my own film?

What all do I need to develop film at home? chemicals, tools, ect.....?

• If someone can give me a list of materials and instructions on how to use them or a specific source (website) to give me this information, that would be awesome.

• Answer:

  A list of what I bought for developing film and why, when applicable: - 3 plastic trays (for economy), all different colors so I can not get them mixed up, one for the developer, one for stop bath, one for fixer - several more white cheap trays (I started with 3 more) - you'll need them for toning, washing, and all other miscellaneous tasks - three bamboo rubber tongs - these were also colored, so that I can also keep using the same ones for the same chemicals. The bamboo tongs will have to be replaced with time, but they're cheap and still last a long time. - Graduated cylinders for measuring your chemicals - you need at least a 1 litre one if you're doing 8x10s, then get some smaller ones for the finer measurements. Check the packages of your chemicals for mixing instructions - they should give you an idea of what graduated cylinders you need - three plastic measuring cups to use to pour developer, stop, and fixer into your tank. I markerd all three with the letters D,S and F so that I don't mix cylinders and chemicals - one developing tank and reel - many like plastic because they load easier, but I prefer metal - its sure harder, and very frustrating, to learn how to load, but they last longer, use less chemicals, and can be dried quickly before the next take up. - funnels, 1 can be all you need to pour your chemicals away - light-tight 1-litre bottles, (brown colored), or accordian bottles, to store chemicals. You must store the chemicals with as little oxygen and light penetration as possible, as this will degrade chemicals. Especially the oxygen with the developer. Accordian bottles offer an easy way to remove air but they are messy/easy to spill. I prefer the brown bottles. I try to blow in C02 with a straw or fill bottle with objects until liquid is close to the cap. You'll need minimum of three for the main chemicals, more for toner, washing solution, etc. - thermometer - buy a photo one, it is more accurate - need to measure temperature of your solution - stirrer - you can be creative here, you need something to stir your chemicals - small trays (at least 3), that will be filled with water - you dip your tongs into the water when you're not using them to handle prints - rubber gloves, cloth gloves - rubber for when you're dealing with chemicals, cloth for dry work - don't use cloth if you're hand are not absolutely dry!! - one glass plate, a little larger than 8x10 to make contact prints - one large stiff piece of cardboard, black on one side, whiet on the other, use a scissor blade to puncture a small hole on half of the cardboard...you use the cardboard to make test strips, and to dodge and burn. Use white or black side depending on application... black side for test strip, can't remember white side...dodge and burn? - cloth handy to dry hands between working on the wet and dry side of the darkroom. - filters for your enlarger - grain magnifier - loupe and light box to inspect film - air in a can, antistatic cloth to clean film - log book & pen to take print times, enlarger height, dodiging burning details, etc - hand held timer to time miscellaneous things - wall clock with moving second hand put near your trays, so that you have a continuous time measurement while you transfer your prints from tray to tray - a red safe light - enlarger - enlarger timer - print easel - many varities, you can start with a simple 8x10 metallic one with hinged mask that adds a border. - clothespines, line, to hang drying prints, some weight to attach to bottom of film strip to prevent curling - scissors - arhival print sleeves to store your negs chemicals, paper: - developer, fixer, stop. You need film and paper developer. Fixer has to be diluted differently for film and paper - chemcial to test fix - you can, if you want, purchase a solution that tests when your fix is exhausted - washing agent - to soak your film in after you're done to ensure it drys well. - paper - masking tape - mark your easel, hold your film in its carrier Well I tried to think of everything - naturally there's a lot to buy to have a well equipped darkroom, and some of the stuff above may not be necessary, or can be improvised, but having the above will sure help in making your darkroom work as smooth as possible. Printing is already tough as it is, you should try to do your best to make your life as simple as possible while you're working. Many books abound that explain how to get all of the materials above to make your images. Check out a book store or library...If I had to explain the whole process, I'd be here til morning :) Hope this has helped you...