To ensure the containers are airtight, buy three chemical containers or 3 one-gallon glass jugs. Label them “Developer,” “Blix,” and “Stabilizer. ” This is so you do not confuse the chemicals and accidentally mix them together.
The water that you add in after the mixing the Developer needs to be 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43. 5 degrees Celsius as well. Be especially cautious with the Developer; it must not get contaminated with the Blix because it has bleach in it. It is best practice to wear gloves and safety goggles when handling chemicals.
When you are sure it is mixed well (all the powder has dissolved), transfer the Blix into the chemical container or jug labeled “Blix. ” Because the Blix has a strong chemical smell that can make you lightheaded when inhaled directly, make sure your space has proper ventilation.
Again, pour the mixed contents into your chemical container or jug labeled developer using a regular kitchen funnel.
The tank comes in two sizes. The smaller size holds only one roll of 35mm film, while the larger tank holds two 35mm rolls or one 120 or 220 roll.
If you do not have a changing bag, use a room with minimal to no windows. To ensure that the room is lightproof, sit in the room for 10-15 minutes and let your eyes adjust to see if any light is seeping through. If light is seeping through, block off any light by securing dark sheets over the parts where light is coming through. Also try going underneath a bed sheet or into a closet or cupboard. Also, before you turn out the lights, have your bottle opener and scissors set up so you can access them easily in the room.
For 35mm film, you will need to cut the end off when you get to the end of the roll. For 120 film, you need to detach the end from the backing paper when you get to the end of the roll. Loading your film onto the reel can be a challenge, especially if it is your first time. Start practicing by using already developed film or junk film, i. e. , film you do not care about.
Make sure any excess water is removed from the tank.
Do not neglect to agitate the developing tank. The developing chemicals become exhausted very shortly after coming in contact with the film. The agitation ensures that fresh chemicals are touching the film.
You will need to wash the film after you pour out the Blix. Fill the tank with tap water that is 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 to 40. 5 degrees Celsius. Agitate it again for a couple seconds and leave it soaking for 3 minutes. [12] X Research source
If you like, you can do a quick rinse after the Stabilizer. Pour water into the tank, shake it gently, and pour the water back out. This is to ensure that excess chemicals have been removed form the tank. [13] X Research source
If anything gets on the film, immediately run liberal amounts of distilled water over the film. It is normal for the film to look cloudy before it is dry. [14] X Research source
Let the film dry in a room that is temperature room for at least two hours.
You can also take the negatives to a store, like a camera store or some pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, and have prints made. Or, you can scan the negatives into a computer and order prints online.
