Equipment and materials

Developing film by hand requires a few essential tools. Beyond the basics, additional equipment can make the process easier, more consistent, or more enjoyable.

Required tools

You need these to develop your first roll.

Developing tank

A developing tank holds the film in a light-proof chamber, allowing chemicals to be poured in and out without exposing the film. Tanks are typically plastic or metal and consist of three parts:

• Tank: the main body that holds the film and chemistry
• Lid: seals the tank to prevent light leaks
• Reel (or spiral): holds the film in a coil for even chemical distribution

Tanks come in sizes that hold one, two or more reels. The amount of chemistry each size needs is usually printed on the bottom.

There are two types of tanks:

• Dark-loading tanks: require film to be loaded in complete darkness but are widely available, inexpensive, and compatible with multiple film formats.
• Daylight-loading tanks: allow loading in normal light but are rare, more expensive, and usually support only one format.

Chemistry

For black & white film you need three chemicals:

• Developer: makes the image appear. Most are diluted and used once.
• Stop bath: halts development. Plain water works too.
• Fixer: makes the film safe in daylight. Stop bath and fixer can be reused.
• Wetting agent: optional, for the final rinse, to prevent drying marks.

For colour negative film, buy a C-41 kit. It contains everything in the right amounts.

Chemistry is sold as either a concentrated liquid or a powder. Both must be mixed with water to create a working solution. Follow the dilution printed on each bottle.

In addition to the chemicals, these tools make handling them easier and more precise:

• Measuring cylinders: ensure accurate mixing
• Storage bottles: keep mixed solutions fresh
• Funnels: prevent spills when transferring liquids

Temperature measurement and control

Most black & white films are developed at 20°C, with minor variations being manageable. However, other processes like C-41 and E-6 require strict temperature control.

• A digital thermometer provides precise readings.
• For temperature-sensitive processes, chemicals can be kept warm by placing bottles in a water bath and monitoring the temperature.

Timer

Every step is timed, and the development time matters most. A phone timer works, or a darkroom app that runs each step in order.

Changing bag

A changing bag provides a light-tight space for loading film, which is necessary when using a dark-loading developing tank. Changing bags are a safer and more convenient alternative to using a dark room or cupboard. If you use a room instead, sit in it with the lights off for five minutes. Any light you can still see will fog film.

Helpful tools

These tools are not essential but make film development easier and more efficient.

Clips and hooks

Once developed, film must dry. Clips help secure the film to either a hook, or line of string mounted high enough the film can dry safely.

• Film clips: designed to pierce film for secure hanging
• Wooden pegs: a simple alternative

Clip a second clip to the bottom of each strip. Its weight stops the film curling as it dries.

Rusting clips will mark your film

Avoid metal bulldog clips. Stainless steel clips made for film are fine, as long as they stay clean and rust-free.

Leader retriever

A leader retriever pulls the leader back out of a 35mm canister. It saves having to prise the canister open inside a changing bag.

Scissors

Scissors are useful for:

• Squaring off the film leader before loading onto the reel
• Trimming film inside the changing bag

Safety equipment

• Nitrile gloves: protect your hands from chemicals
• Apron: protects clothes from fixer and bleach stains

The darkroom safety guide covers ventilation, storage and handling.

Luxury tools

For those who develop film frequently, these tools provide extra convenience and precision.

Film developing processor

A film developing processor runs the chemistry for you, holding the temperature and timing each bath. It removes the two things most likely to vary between hand-developed rolls.

Film drying cabinet

A film drying cabinet dries negatives in filtered air. Dust settling on wet emulsion dries into the film, and it cannot be cleaned off afterwards.