Film!

I recently started shooting film again, with an added twist: I resolved to develop black and white film myself. Where I live, the only options for having film developed are either mailing it off or leaving it at the local Fred Meyer and having them mail it off. Either way, the turnaround time is long and the cost is more than I like to pay, especially since 35mm film is not cheap these days.

I determined the easiest way I could find to start developing myself: a monobath processor and a flatbed scanner. This meant that I needed only a basic setup – developing tank and reel, thermometer, measuring jug, bottle opener (for the film roll) and a pair of scissors. I recently added a film squeegee, which is a convenience, although it needs a careful hand to avoid damaging the film. All told, the tools (not counting the scanner) cost under $50, with a few items found used.

Cinestill DF96 Monobath turns out to be an easy enough developer for even a novice to use. Results may not be the very best you could get, but they’re great for simple snapshots. On top of this, flatbed scanning doesn’t make for the absolute sharpest files, but my Epson scanner scans in high definition and some light editing after the scan produces pleasant images.

The extra work of developing photographs offers some real insight into the practice of photography. Loading a film reel in complete darkness reminds me how we capture light, and how carefully that captured light has to be handled in order to be seen again – translated by the chemistry and revealed on the negative. It’s a great exercise for someone who has primarily shot digitally for years. More to come.