b&w developing kit

[adam.watts]

so after being inspired by all you self-developers, i've decided to give it a go. i've been using WM for all of my 120 film processing, and have been pleased so far, especially with the price. but i enjoy the film process so much that i want to learn the developing phase as well.

i have a list of supplies that i need to order, but before i pull the trigger on new stuff...

any of you west Houston folks have any gear you want to sell/get rid of? i'm looking for: changing bag, developing tank, reels (35 and 120), beakers, etc. i'd be happy to pay a fair price and free up some space in your garage.

also, i was thinking about using the Kodak D-76 or XTOL developer. any advice for a noob?

[KJ Smith]

No need to order, Co-op will have everything you need.

You can use a closet at night to load in. Don't buy a bag. In fact, if you really want one I will give you one.

It was given to me and I no longer use it.



This is copied from a previous post.


You will need to find a Time / Temp chart for the film you are using.

Kodak Chart
Check this out
Instructions

I use T-Max developer, liquid concentrate, 1:4
Liquid concentrate fix 1:3
Liquid concentrate Orbit bath
Liquid concentrate photo flo.

My process allows me to only mix up what I need, when I need it.

I have a 1/2 gallon bucket and a 16oz mixing cup, thats marked in ml.

I get the water in the bucket to temp. This time of year I have to use ice to cool the water 68-72f works fine.

The tank needs 270ml to do 6 sheets of film. I use 300ml because the math is easier and I like a little spillage room.

I pre-wash for 1-2 minutes with water from the bucket. Dump down the drain. If you are re-using the developer this help keeps it clean.

60 ml developer is mixed w/240 ml water from the bucket, dump or save.

I use water from the bucket as a stop bath. dump

75ml fix w/225ml from bucket for fix. dump or save.

Cap full Orbit in 300ml from bucket. dump or save

Wash, you can let the faucet do it, rig a hose, or get the really awesome Jobo wash tube. I just got a Jobo and love it.

I dump a capful of Photo flo in the water left in the bucket. To much Photo flo is worse than not enough. Soak 30 sec. or so and shake off excess.

Now how to dry ? People are gonna gripe, I fold up a couple of paper towels, set the reel on them and leave it overnight. the film will dry overnight.

Yes it will flatten out, No I do not squeegee. No it won't leave water marks if you photo flo right and shake off most the excess.

Thats what works for me.
Everything is stored as a concentrate, so it last longer. I store no working solutions. Unless I have a lot more film to do.



There is very little I have changed since this post. I have started using HC110 a little more. You just need to mix it as per its directions. I wrote this for 4X5 developing. On roll film it is better to squeegee the film and hang it to dry.

For the most part I do small batch processing, so I one shot everything. ( dump it)

The Mass development chart can be handy.

Mass Chart

The part that is important is the use of concentrate. Easier to store, easier to mix small batch and longer lasting.

[tropicpine]

I have developing tank & reels for sale.
PM me if intrested.

[adam.watts]

Kevin, thanks for the info. the Co-Op was a good idea (I get lazy and like to shop with my mouse). I made a run out there at lunch today and picked up the chemicals with the exception of the Photo Flo - I had to order that on-line. I landed on the T-Max developer. The lady there also gave me an old expired roll of 120 so I could practice loading the reel without having to sacrifice a new roll. nice. I have a dark bathroom upstairs that should be ok with a towel under the door at night. I'll give that a shot and see how it works without the bag.

Lee, thanks for the offer. While I was at the Co-op, I went ahead and picked up a Paterson tank and reels.

I guess I need to shoot a couple of "practice" rolls so I don't have a cussfest when I mess them up. Kind of exciting with lots of things to learn.

[KJ Smith]

On 120, I have found it easier to pull all the paper off the film. Just let the film roll up on itself. Then you will be using the taped end. It is a bit stiffer and easier to start.

If you clip the corners of the film just a little it will feed much better.

Never use wet reels.

[adam.watts]

Has anyone seen/used this iphone app for development times and timer?

Film Development Timer for iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad

Looks like a convenient way to calc. and keep track of times vs using a kitchen timer. I still plan on verifying all times with the manufacturer charts and documenting all of my steps and batches.

[heespharm]

Yes works well but I never use it other than to get start times

[Anthony Martinez]

Adam, if you need a sheet of vinyl to cover a standard door (along with a curtain rod to hold it up) let me know. Since I built my darkroom, I don't need it anymore. You're welcome to it. I've got some plastic containers you're welcome to as well. They're 500mL each and are good for storing working solution. They are just clear plastic, so one would be best served by keeping them in the dark - but they work fine. I ordered 3 of them from Amazon, and they sent me 12 (for the price of 3) - so just let me know if you want them!

[adam.watts]

Anthony, I'll take you up on your container offer. I have the measuring beakers but no containers yet. Just let me know when and where. I've been practicing loading the reel and feel comfortable with it, so I may try a batch this weekend.

[Anthony Martinez]

The semester is over, so I'm free anytime really. I'm right off 99 and Highland Knolls, but I can meet you pretty much anywhere or you can come by here and pick them up. Either way.

[adam.watts]

I'll PM you.

[msk2193]

Once you get comfortable with developing, give staining developers like PMK a try. They are great in preventing blowing out the highlights!

[The Philos]

Originally Posted by KJ Smith

On 120, I have found it easier to pull all the paper off the film. Just let the film roll up on itself. Then you will be using the taped end. It is a bit stiffer and easier to start.

If you clip the corners of the film just a little it will feed much better.

Never use wet plastic reels.

I agree with this guy - although I prefer stainless reels to the plastic ones for 120.

[heespharm]

Originally Posted by msk2193

Once you get comfortable with developing, give staining developers like PMK a try. They are great in preventing blowing out the highlights!

He's gotta learn to crawl before he walks .... But I agree... Try this in a year ...

[adam.watts]

the rest of my chemicals came in this afternoon. here's a pic from the first roll.



mamiya 6, 75mm
Kodak Tri-X 400
T-Max 1:4

i only had one snafu: after i dumped in the developer, i forgot to put the lid on the tank before I started agitation. about 1/3 of it went down the drain as i was doing my 180 before i realized what happened. oops, that's not supposed to happen. so i put the lid back on and kept swirling, swishing and flipping it until the 6 minutes were up. i lost three frames in the very center of the reel (way under exposed), i think because they didn't get enough developer on them.

the other three rolls went really well and i'm pleased with the results. now i need to go clean up my mess before the wife gets home.