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DIY Processing of 35mm B&W Reversal Film

Black and white reversal film is another name for black and white photographic film. It is called reversal film as it produces a negative that must be converted to either a print or scanned to a digital file in order for it to be viewed correctly. Developing film is a step by step process that when followed precisely will give you the same results each and every time. The water temperature and developing times vary based on the film speed and the brand of chemicals being used. Always follow the recommended times included with the chemicals.

Things You'll Need

Film changing bag
Pliers
Scissors
Film reel
Small processing tank
Black and White film developer, stop bath and fixer chemcials
Clothes pin or film clip
Archival film sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Place the canister of film, pliers, scissors, film reel and small processing tank inside a film changing bag. Close the double zipper. This bag provides a light-free zone where the film can be removed from the canister and loaded onto the film reel. If this is not done in complete darkness the film will be "fogged" and will not produce quality pictures.
- 2
  Insert your hands into the openings of the changing bag. Open the film canister using the pliers to pry off the bottom of the canister. Carefully take out the film and carefully cut the leader off. Load the film onto the film reel. Once the film is on the reel, place the reel inside the small processing tank. This takes some practice, and you should do it a few times using a test roll under normal lighting.
- 3
  Remove your hands from the changing bag, open the double zipper and remove the small processing tank from the changing bag.
- 4
  Remove the filling cap from the top of the small processing tank and pour in the developer solution into the tank. Replace the filling cap and agitate the tank by rotating it from side to side for 30 seconds. At the end of the 30 seconds, tap the tank on a table or countertop to dislodge any bubbles from the film. Repeat this process for 10 seconds every minute for the length of time the developer is in the tank.
- 5
  Remove the filling cap, pour out the developer and pour in the stop bath. Replace the filling cap and agitate the tank in the same manner for 30 seconds. At the end of the 30 seconds, pour out the stop bath.
- 6
  Pour in the fixer solution. Replace the filling cap and agitate tank for the first 30 seconds. Tap the tank and let it sit for the remaining time for this step. When the time has elapsed, pour out the fixer. It is now safe to remove the top lid of the processing tank, exposing the process film to light.
- 7
  Wash the film under a stream of water for 15 minutes. You can leave the film on the reel inside the tank for this step.
- 8
  Remove the reel from the tank and carefully remove the film from the reel. Hang it to dry using a film clip. When dry, cut the film into strips of five frames and insert the strips into archival film sleeves for storage and safe keeping.

Photography