Developing film

Developing turns the invisible latent image on an exposed roll into a negative you can print or scan. Doing it yourself costs less per roll than a lab and gives you control over how the pictures look.

Two processes cover nearly all film in use: black & white and C-41 colour negative. The film in your camera decides which one you need. Slide film uses a third process, E-6, which labs usually handle.

Every process follows the same pattern, with the film in a closed tank until it is fixed:

1. Develop, to make the image appear.
2. Stop the developer, or bleach for colour film.
3. Fix. After this, the film is safe in the light.
4. Wash, then dry. Colour film has a stabiliser step before drying.

Black & white process

Black & white is the most forgiving process and the usual place to start. It uses three chemicals: developer, stop bath and fixer. It works at room temperature, and most films tolerate small changes in timing.

Read the black & white process.

C-41 process

C-41 is the standard process for colour negative film. It uses a developer, bleach, fixer and stabiliser.

Temperature matters far more here than in black & white. The developer is normally held at 38°C, so you will need a water bath and a thermometer. Most labs run C-41, and it can be done at home with the right kit.

Read the C-41 process.