Quick Guide to Processing Your Film

Quick Guide to Processing Your Film (These are the stages – for more detailed information please read the sheets next to these) Use the Wet Bench Load your film   Do this in complete darkness You will need o A developing tank, funnel lid and flat lid o Two film spirals and a black tubular spigot to hold the spirals o Scissors Load the film (see the detailed instructions if you are out of practice) and then turn the room lights on  Prepare the chemicals  Prepare all the chemicals before you start processing (NOTE - these amounts are for ONE film) 3 measuring cylinders 300ml developer - Always make up new - Depends on film type - Check development time chart - Adjust for temperature 300ml stop bath - Usually ready-mixed 300ml fixer - Usually ready mixed Process your film 1. Developing a. Check the time needed b. Pour the developing solution swiftly into the tank and start the stop watch c. Agitate and tap the tank (see detailed instructions) d. After the required time pour the developer down the sink and immediately start the stop bath 2. Stop bathing a. Pour the stop bath solution into the tank b. Agitate and tap for 15 seconds c. Return solution TO THE BOTTLE (this solution is kept) 3. Fixing a. Pour the fixer into the tank b. Agitate and tap for 5 minutes c. Return solution TO THE BOTTLE (this solution is kept)    Then wash the film (see detailed instructions) and once done add a few drops of wetting agent Dry the film – while waiting for the dry film please clean all the equipment thoroughly, wipe the benches and label all the solutions with the contents, date and dilution Once the film is dry you can cut it and you are now ready to PRINT your film Quick Guide to Printing Your Film (These are the stages – for more detailed information please read the sheets next to these) Preparation  On the wet bench o Choose the three smallest trays suitable for your paper size o Place developer, stop bath and fixer into the separate trays NOTE: all chemicals can be reused. Please use separate tongs for each solution and drain paper properly when transferring between trays to prolong the life of the solutions.  Exposure  Turn OFF room lights, leaving on the red SAFE LIGHT 1. Place your negative in the enlarger glossy side up 2. Choose a Multigrade filter and place it in the filter draw a. Start with Grade 2 if you are unsure b. Grade 00 will give you the softest / lowest contrast c. Grade 5 will give you the hardest / highest contrast 3. Set the image lens at f/4 and press the focus button on the timer. You can then adjust the size and focus by varying the height of the enlarger head. BE GENTLE WITH THE ENLARGER HEAD – it breaks easily   When you are happy with the focusing swing the red filter over the lens and stop the image lens down to f/8 (this is the best one to start with if you are unsure) Set the exposure time. For a 5” x 7” print at f/8 start at around 15 seconds PLEASE USE TEST STRIPS to save paper – read the tips on efficiently determining the best exposure time REMEMBER TO RECLOSE THE PAPER BOX EACH TIME  Place the unexposed paper in position - glossy side up. Turn off the focus button, move the red filter away and press RUN. Your print/test strip is now ready to process. Processing       Slide the paper into the developer and rock occasionally for one minute. Remove using tongs. Allow the paper to drip and then place in the stop bath for 20 seconds. Remove using separate tongs. Allow the paper to drip and then place in the fixer solution for one minute. You can then TURN ON the room lights (make sure the paper box is closed first!). Using tongs place the print on the wash tray and wash in fresh cold water for at least 2 min (max 15min) When you are done please return all chemicals to their bottles and wash/wipe down everything. TIP: first do a contact print