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How to Develop Color Negative Film

Digital cameras are everywhere today but some photographers continue to shoot and develop color negative film, preferring the hands-on work and the ability to manipulate the outcome. The C-41 film and developing process is a multiple-step process, mainly dependent on temperature of the chemicals.

Things You'll Need

Darkroom
Developing tank
Chemicals
Sink
Hose
Clothesline
Clothespins

Instructions

- 1
  Load the film into a developing tank with a secure lid, working in a light-tight room and in complete darkness. Do not remove film or expose to light until the process is finished.
- 2
  Turn the lights on. Open the pour spout on the tank (it is has a compartment to prevent light from reaching the undeveloped film). Add developer for three minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
- 3
  Pour out developer and add bleach for four to six minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
- 4
  Pour out bleach and add warm water, flushing for one minute at 75 to 100 degree Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
- 5
  Add fixer for four minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds. Pour out.
- 6
  Wash in warm water for three minutes at 75 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rinse this way by placing the canister under a running faucet in a deep sink to avoid splashing or with a hose placed in the top of the canister.
- 7
  Wash again in warm water for one minute at 75 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 8
  Open the container and remove the film strip.
- 9
  Hang film strip to dry on a clothesline with clothespins in a dust-free environment.

Photography