Getting started with film developing

Developing turns the invisible image on an exposed roll into negatives you can scan or print. This section shows you how to do it yourself, and what to ask for if you use a lab.

What is film developing?

Film developing is the chemical treatment that turns exposed film into negatives you can see. People often say "developing" for the whole job, but the developer is only the first of several chemical steps.

The exact steps depend on the type of film being developed:

• Black & white film requires a developer, stop bath and fixer.
• C-41 colour film follows a process using a colour developer, bleach and fix.
• E-6 slide film goes through two developers, with a reversal step between them, and ends as a positive image on the film.

This section covers black & white and C-41. E-6 is usually sent to a lab.

Why does film need to be developed?

When light exposes film, it creates a latent image: an invisible imprint of the scene. Developing makes that image visible. In black & white it converts the exposed silver halides into metallic silver. In colour film it forms dye clouds.

Until fully processed, the film remains light-sensitive and can be ruined by accidental exposure to light. Fixing the film removes any remaining light-sensitive material, making it stable for long-term storage.

How to develop film

You can develop film yourself or send it to a lab.

Developing at home

Developing at home is straightforward once you know the steps, and needs only a few inexpensive tools. If you have no space at home, community darkrooms like ours have the equipment and people to help.

We recommend starting with black & white film, as it is the most forgiving. However, C-41 and E-6 home development kits are also available.

A black & white roll takes around 30 to 45 minutes from loading the tank to washing, depending on the development time. Drying takes another 2 to 3 hours.

Developing in a lab

Labs choose the right process for your film. Tell them if you want something different:

• Pushing or pulling (developing for longer or shorter to adjust exposure)
• Cross processing (developing in a different chemistry for creative effects)