Darkroom Processing

Yr 11 Photography

Darkroom Processing

Topics – Part 1

• Equipment and chemicals• Safety• Techniques– Processing film– Creating proof sheet

Darkroom Processing

equipment

• Exposed film

• Film reel

• Developing (or Processing) Tank

• Scissors

• Can opener (to open end of film canister)

Darkroom Processing

Film Loading Process• In complete darkness (either darkroom or black changing bag)• Open exposed film canister – remove one end (use can opener if

necessary)• Trim end of film for loading• Load film onto reel – try to touch only film edges• Slide loaded reel onto inner tube• Slide a second reel (empty or loaded) to hold in place• Place reels and funnel in developer tank – now light safe• Add lid

Loading film reel Open film canister Loading developing tank

Darkroom Processing

Developing materials

• Chemicals– Developer (nickname: soup)– Stop bath (e.g. acetic acid and water 1:30 ratio)– Fixing agent– Hypo clearing agent (also called Hypo eliminator)

• Measuring cup• Thermometer• Place to hang film• Film clips

Darkroom Processing

Preparing chemicals

• Chemicals– Developer – 600 mls total

• 25mls Rodinal

• 575 mls water @ 20 degrees

– Stop bath• 600 mls water @ 20 degrees

– Fixing agent – 600 mls total• 60 mls Fixer

• 540 mls water @ 20 degrees

– Hypo clearing agent (also called Hypo eliminator)

Darkroom Processing

Developing procedure

• Pour developer into tank – temperature control is important (between20 – 21 degrees)

• Agitate using timer and then pour developer out• Pour stop bath into tank – chemical or water• Pour a fixing agent into empty tank – at this point safe to take

lid off your tank – leave film for recommended time• Rinse film with hypo clearing agent or water• Hang the film (don’t touch negative surface)• Leave for 2 hours to dry• Clean tank

Darkroom Processing

Safety precautions

• Safety goggles• Chemicals are as safe as household cleaning agents• Avoid contact with skin – rubber gloves, apron• Wash hands after using chemicals• Use tongs to transfer photos between trays• Use safe lights – red• Light indicator outside darkroom• Don’t eat or drink in darkroom

Darkroom Processing

Some Resources• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu0Ul_wsYO8• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAoQt5wLGjs&feature=related• http://www.wikihow.com/Develop-Black-and-White-Film