Im taking the dive...im going to develop my own film

[venchka]

Originally Posted by zebulus

Wow, sounds like Rodinal is the way to go!

Rodinal is especially nice for 120 film. It's not the finest grain developer around. For that reason, some folks don't like it with 35mm film. However, 120 film doesn't have a grain problem. In fact, if you like nice tight crisp sharp grain, Rodinal is perfect. On the other hand, Xtol 1:3 is grain less. Go figure. Lots of choices.

Xtol plus Rodinal is very interesting. Stay tuned.

[tropicpine]

Zeb:

First: Mazeltov on your recent nuptuals!

Welcome to the magic moment. I still am wowed (sometimes dissapointed) when I first see my images on film. The moment when you see your images appear on paper in the developer is just as cool!

As for developing I;
(Uh. Wait a moment while I don my asbestos Underoos.)
Place a container and funnel on a dgitial postal scale.
Zero the scale.
Pour in D76 powder until the scale reads the required amount of D76
(1.625g D76 powder / fluid oz. of 1:1 developer required).
Pour in about 1/3 the required water at 100 to 120 degF.
Mix by shaking well.
Add cool tap water to reach the desired volume.
Place in refrigerator to cool to near 68 deg F.

This process allows me to keep my chemistry in powdered form for stability. Additionally I wast very little chemistry. Many people will flame me for even mentioning this process but it has worked for me for several years.

As for determining how much developer you need;
Place empty reels, and whatever (other than film) usually goes in, in developing tank.
Fill tank with water untill you cover your reels.
Make sure you tap tank to dislodge air bubbles.
Pour water into some measuring device.