What do you need to develop black and white films yourself?
The development of black and white films is quite simple. The necessary equipment is also affordable; once you have the necessary items, the actual cost is less than one euro. Depending on the retailer, you should expect to spend between 60 and 100 euros.
You don't necessarily need a darkroom; for the step that requires darkness, there is another way, but more on that shortly. The equipment described here is for developing the film, meaning you develop the film and end up with the negatives. After that, you either need to make prints, which requires a darkroom and more equipment, or you scan the images. The digital files can then be printed at typical providers, just like images from a digital camera.
Basic Equipment
Developing Tank
The developing tank is the most important accessory for development. In darkness, the film is placed inside, and then you can continue working in daylight, hence the name daylight developing tank. In the following steps, chemicals, etc., are added until the film can be removed from the tank and hung to dry.
There are several manufacturers of developing tanks, such as AP, Patterson, or Jobo. If you want a new one—though you can also look for a used one—a tank from AP will suffice. I would recommend the AP Compact; with this, you can develop up to two 35mm films simultaneously, as well as medium format films. The AP tank is also quite inexpensive, which is certainly not bad for a start.
Thermometer
To control the temperature of the chemicals, you need a thermometer. It should go down to 10 degrees and be relatively accurate.
Storage Bottles
To store or mix the prepared chemicals. Whether plastic or glass doesn't matter, as long as they are airtight. A capacity of 1 liter should be sufficient. You should have at least two: developer and fixer should be kept separate.
Measuring Cup
You should also have one or two measuring cups to measure the required water. You don't necessarily need special ones for film development; regular kitchen ones will do. 1 liter is a good size.
Graduated Cylinder
For measuring chemicals, e.g., developer, this is advantageous. 5 ml is somewhat difficult to measure with a standard measuring cup.
Containers
The used chemicals need to go somewhere, so you need containers to collect them and then take them to the appropriate disposal facility.
You can get relatively cheap 5-liter containers by purchasing distilled water. You can use this water for development if your tap water is not very good; you might resort to it anyway.
Changing Bag
A changing bag is a black, light-tight fabric bag. It has one large opening and two smaller ones for your hands. Inside, you spool the film into the developing tank and close it. After that, you no longer need darkness and can work in the light.
As an alternative, you can of course darken an entire room or try to do it under the covers. But the changing bag is the simplest option.
Developer
Now let's move on to chemicals; here you have a wide selection. Depending on the film, a different one is better. If you ask which developer is best for beginners, you'll always get a different answer.
For a start, I would recommend Rodinal, also known as Adox Adonal and R09 One Shot. I started with Rodinal myself and quickly got good results with this developer. In my opinion, the main advantages are its long shelf life, that it is a liquid concentrate (so no mixing of powders), that it is very forgiving and yields good results with most films.
Fixer
The fixer, like the developer, is needed for development and cannot be omitted.
I use Adox fixer and am satisfied with it. But chemicals from Ilford, Tetenal, and others also do their job.
Additional Items
Film Retriever
With this accessory, you open the canister of a 35mm film; essentially a bottle opener for films. However, it is not absolutely necessary, as you can also carefully open the canister with pliers or scissors.
Film Clips
These are clips with weights that are attached to the film after development. They ensure that the film hangs straight and does not curl up.
I use simple wooden clothespins; they do the job as well.
Wetting Agent
This concentrate is mixed with water, and the film is bathed in it at the end before hanging. It is supposed to prevent spots, drops, and streaks. Whether this is really necessary is often debated.
Personally, I use Compard Wac Wetting Agent and am satisfied; I haven't done a big test to see what's better. Such a bottle doesn't cost much and lasts quite a while.
Film Squeegee
Another controversial topic: how necessary and good is this accessory? With the squeegee, you run it over the film at the end to also prevent water spots. Some are enthusiastic about it, while others get scratches on the film.
Stop Bath
The stop bath is poured into the tank after the developer and before the fixer to stop development. I simply use regular water, pour it into the tank, invert twice, and empty it. I repeat this step once more and then pour in the fixer. I've never had problems with this, so I consider the stop bath unnecessary.
Miscellaneous
Stopwatch
A stopwatch to measure times. For common smartphones, there is an app (Android/iOS) that includes a bunch of development times for various films. With it, development becomes really easy.
Small Items
Things like scissors, cleaning cloths, paper towels, and a clothesline/string to hang the film to dry should also be prepared.
The chemicals are not exactly healthy, so disposable gloves can't hurt.
Sources
You can get the best deals by ordering everything online. The following specialized online shops are recommended: Fotoimpex.de, Macodirect.de, or Spürsinn. They have everything you need in their range.
Once you have the necessary equipment, you of course need suitable films; any appropriate B&W film will do.
For a start, the AgfaPhoto APX 100 (Amazon), about which there is already another article on FilmPhotography.eu, is a good choice, but you can also take a Kodak T-Max (Amazon) or one of the Ilford films (Amazon). The important thing is that the developer and film harmonize, so the combination yields the desired results.
