Time to have a go

[kenneth]

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I've been thinking about it for some time, but I have finally decided to give it a go. I'm talking about popping off a roll of Tri-X and souping it at home.

 

I have never developed a film in my life, so I would like some guidance, please, as to:

 

1. What equipment do I need? I think I need:

- a daylight changing bag (yes I know I can black out a room but I'm assuming that this is easier)

- a film can opener

- a light-tight tank

- a reel to go in the tank

- a clip to hang the roll up with

- a set of tongs to dry it off

 

2. What chemicals do I need?

- insert as applicable

 

3. What do I do?

 

I appreciate that this may all seem noddy, but please be gentle with me. I have done some internet searches and can find most of the equipment either as part of a kit or separately, but I cannot find a "starter" kit for chemicals. All the ones I have found so far seem to be big containers and I know that some of them (all?) can oxidise so I would prefer small ones to start with.

 

To be clear, the end result I am aiming for at this stage is developed negs that I can scan myself - I am not going to wet print... yet...

 

Thoughts? Suggestions? Resources etc that you can point me at?

 

Regards,

 

Bill

Bill, I always assumed you processed your own photographs but I am pleased to hear that you are planning to go down that road. Certainly, the taking is only part of the photographic experience and I am convinced the darkroom is where thing finally come together. I use Tri-X 400asa and Pan-F Plus 50 asa rated at the manufacturers box speed and process both with Ilfosol-S using Ilford's suggested timing and the results have been spot on. Some advocate rating film at different speed and I am sure there is good reason for this but working from manufacturers own ratings will at least give you a bench mark