B&W processing readup for beginner

Alexz · Dec 27, 2006

Hi.
Being a log-term SLR, MF and now LF color/slide shooter, I took a step turnover getting rid of SLR in the whole, now converting to RF (Leica), keeping my LF for a high-inspirational dedicated work and cheap TLR to fool around with 6x6 portraiture.
Have never shot B&W so far, neither developed/wet printed myself, I'd like to get my feet wet in manual B&W processing.
Since I have no a clue in that, I thought instead of flushing the forum with obvious newbie questions I'd prefer to have some fundamentals reading on the topic (kind of "how to...") which may clarify 80% of beginner's uncertainties...
I'm sure there are enough online sources for such, will be grateful for a worthy links to consider.
My start with just 35mm development (printing will be postponed to the further stages, right now have no facilities for printing), though MF and LF (4x5) may also join it in some future.

Thanks in advance, Alex

Bob F. · Dec 27, 2006

Ilford have a few PDfs etc on the subject of developing film and printing starting at Dead Link Removed page.

A book, or three, from your local library (assuming it is not packed out with d*g*t*l and Ph*t*sh*p books like my local one is) may also be a good idea.

Have fun, Bob.

Will S · Dec 27, 2006

Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz have an excellent book which I've seen at several used bookstores around here lately called "Darkroom Basics" which is the best thing I've seen so far. Lots of good information. The Ilford PDFs are a great start, though you don't really need washaid or even an acid quickstop. That's how I got started, just following their directions.

You will quickly discover that you will need to spend a lot of time researching developers and procedures (like semi-stand) etc. I guess I could tell you to just save a lot of time and get some pyrocat-hd and do semi-stand development with it (with no acid stop) but I won't The Ilford chemicals and process are a great place to start. I find 35mm harder to do than medium format just because of the negative loading. Oh, and don't forget the photoflo.

Good luck,

Will

reellis67 · Dec 27, 2006

The links Bob provided above helped me more than the books I was able to find for beginners. The basic process is quite simple, just don't worry about all the different variations until you feel that you need more control than you currently have and then let your own interest in improvement drive your advancement rather than the desire to know it all. I found that I learned the basics quickly and easily once I stepped back from the flood of highly technical information and just did some simple processing.

Don't get me wrong, the technical details are important, but only if you are ready, and able, to understand their value. Take your time and move at your own pace and you'll pick it up in no time.

- Randy

Roger Hicks · Dec 27, 2006

Will S said:
Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz have an excellent book which I've seen at several used bookstores around here lately called "Darkroom Basics" which is the best thing I've seen so far. Lots of good information.

Will

Dear Will,

Thanks for the plug! It may be worth adding that there are LOTS of step-by-step pictures in there, even for the really basic stuff. It's still available new, too...

There's also a lot of information -- some free, some paid for -- on our web-site, www.rogerandfrances.com.

And while I'm on a self-promotion kick, there's our book Rangefinder that Alex mind find useful too. I've been using Leicas since about 1970.

Cheers,

Roger

Peter Williams · Dec 27, 2006

I'll second Will's recommendation for Roger and Frances' book "Darkroom Basics". It is easy to follow, has great illustrations of every step in the process and contains many valuable pieces of info. I keep a copy of it with me whenever I print. Hopefully, here's a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Darkroom-Basi..._bbs_sr_1/102-2271784-3700969?ie=UTF8&s=books

Peter

Metroman · Dec 27, 2006

Roger Hicks said:
And while I'm on a self-promotion kick, there's our book Rangefinder that Alex mind find useful too. I've been using Leicas since about 1970.

Cheers,

Roger

Roger, Santa bought me the 'Rangefinder' book and I found it totally fascinating. Having inherited my fathers Leica's in the 60's and recently got a new MP I enjoyed the Leica stuff immensely. I am also a big fan of the Olympus XA - currently have three - all in use but your book whetted my appetite for some of the other RF's in there! :rolleyes:

Many thanks from an ex-Tintagel man.

Neal · Dec 27, 2006

Dear Alex,

Try these links: Dead Link Removed

and

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/applications/page.asp?n=27

Neal Wydra

dolande · Dec 27, 2006

Not only easy but cheap too. I started one year ago with the same Ilford reading material. Just in case your interested this is the equipment your need from the ilford document, and how I translated it to my actual darkroom. (or darkcloset I should say )

developing tank and spirals -> Paterson plastic
ILFORD film cap remover ->Can opener
ILFORD film leader retriever -> Not needed if your have the opener
plastic measuring cylinder -> 600cc plastic paterson
plastic beakers -> Energy drink bottles
plastic storage bottles -> Baby juice plastic bottles (120cc)
funnels -> steady pulse
stirring rod
thermometer -> I use it also as the stirring rod despite millions of recommendations not to
stop clock/watch -> the one on your wrist
film clips or pegs -> Plastic ones
scissors
negative storage bags
squeegee or chamois cloth -> use your fingers

Regards

Rafael

Alexz · Dec 27, 2006

Thank you all.
Will be looking into all that as soon as my M6 will be showing up and first B&W roll shot...

Regards, Alex

reub2000 · Dec 27, 2006

I recommend B&W Photo-Lab: Processing and Printing by Julien Busselle.

Uncle Bill · Dec 27, 2006

Will S said:
Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz have an excellent book which I've seen at several used bookstores around here lately called "Darkroom Basics" which is the best thing I've seen so far.

I got that book as a Christmas present along with a darkroom timer and some Ilford RC Glossy 8x18 paper and enlarger filters.

There are no dumb questions, I taught myself through a couple of websites including this one. You will be surprised at how easy it is after the first couple of rolls of film. Now, I will suggest going with a "one shot" liquid concentrate developer to start off with, you will find it a lot easier to work with.

Bill

johnnywalker · Dec 27, 2006

Instead of a wrist watch, I use a big, cheap wall clock on which I can see the second hand under a safe light and can use when exposing and developing paper (it's also noisy, so I can hear the seconds ticking), and a cheap digital timer from an electronics store which I use when developing film.

zenrhino · Dec 28, 2006

The best book on developing and printing I've seen is Beyond Basic Photography. It's just geeky enough to be really chewy but not at all overwhelming.

As far as equipment goes, the best thing I ever bought was a $10 combination electronic timer and thermometer. Got it at Target, but they're common elsewhere.

noseoil · Dec 28, 2006

Alex, start simple! Use one film/developer and one paper/developer. I would start with Ilford's FP4+ or HP5 (Kodak Tri-x). Small grain, use FP4, larger use a faster film. Use RC paper (quick, cheap, easy) to start. A thermometer, timer and simple tools are really all that is necessary. Ilford is a very good company with an extensive product line and plenty of information. They are dedicated to B&W film technology and are worth supporting.

Try to get an understanding of exposure & development. This will take a while to sink in, but you will enjoy it, after a while. In general, use half the box speed for the film as a starting point. Remember, more development means more contrast. Try to write down the exposure and development you use each time, until you have a system which works for you. There will be plenty of help in the forum. Best, tim

P.S. You might want to get a "moaning chair" and warm up the seat when you get started. It will be used less and less as time goes by.

B&W processing readup for beginner

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency