Photo 60A Film Developing

When film has been exposed to light it is physically altered and holds an invisible, or latent image on it. To see the image, the film must be chemically altered through the developing process. Your first step is to load the film onto reels and place them in light-tight tanks. Place the reels, tank, lid, scissors and can opener alongside your film before you turn off the lights. Next, load the film onto the reels in total darkness. Film is panchromatic, which means that it is sensitive to all colors of light. Loading the film onto the reels is the most difficult part of the film developing process. Take your time! First, open the film cassette with the can opener on the flat end. After opening, push the film out. You will find the film taped around the spool, with a leader on the end of the film. Cut the leader off, approximately one to two inches behind it. With the reel in your left hand being held in the shape of a 6 or counter-clockwise spiral, place the film into the reel with the emulsion side down and wind onto the reel. Take special precautions to load the reel evenly. With stainless steel reels, bow the film slightly so that it will go on the reel properly. If the film should bind or warp and touch another part of the film roll, it will not process properly. Once the film is on the reels and the lid is on the tank, you can turn on the lights. Flat End

Leader Spool Now that you are done loading your film, you need to move to the film developing sinks.

Photo 60A Film Developing

PREWET

Soak film with water at the same temperature as your developer for 30 seconds to 1 minute. After filling your tank with water, spank the tank with your hand to dislodge air bells and agitate for 10 seconds. Before you even prewet your film you should have prepared your developer from the stock solution by diluting with water at 65 to 75 degrees (Formula 76, 1:1). Remember, your developer time will vary based on its dilution and temperature. Pour developer into the tank noting your start time. Spank tank to break the air bells. Agitate continuously for the first 30 seconds. Agitate 5 seconds every 30 seconds thereafter. When the time is up, dump the chemicals and be sure the lid does not come off. Fill and dump your tank with water at a similar temperature to the one you developed with for 30 seconds to 45 seconds. Pour pre-measured fixer into tank. Use same agitation pattern as with developer. Save the fixer by pouring back into the bottle it came out of. Fill and dump tank for 1 minute with running water. Pour in Perma Wash (brand name). Agitate for one minute. Save by pouring back into the same bottle it came out of. Running water for 2-3 minutes in film tank with occasional dumps (one every 30 seconds works well). Use pre-mixed container, or add 1 capful of Photo Flo (brand name) to 37 oz. of water if not already mixed. Immerse film in solution and agitate gently. Soak for 30 seconds. Hang film with weight on bottom. Rinse all items with hot water and clean counters.

Promotes even development and helps prevent air bells. Makes the image visible, though it is still sensitive to light.

DEVELOPER

STOP BATH

Stops the developer action. Makes the image permanent by removing unexposed silver. Removes fixer. Removes fixer.

FIXER

FIRST WASH WASHING AID

FINAL WASH WETTING AGENT DRYING CLEAN UP

Removes fixer and washing agent. Helps prevent water spots as film dries. Keeps film from curling. Is considerate!