Developing Chemicals

[Stivi]

Hi All

Back into film photography after a long break. Used to develop my own colour transparencies many years ago. Just bought a Zorki 4K and want to get back into the whole thing.

Would love info on how things have progressed since I last developed a film. Are we still using the same setup of three chemicals or have things been made simpler these days. I appreciate film development may not have progressed as much since the digital format has been more or less taken over but would love to hear of easier methods.

I have browsed the internet lots but keep coming up with the same old cylindrical developing tank and light proof changing bag.

Any advice/help re chemicals and equipment would be great,

 

[Harry Stevens]

Still the same but for me every thing I purchase is online instead of in a Jessops shop, some developers and films have disappeared but nothing major to stop you and Ilford are strong.

 

[bvy]

For black and white, a developer and fixer are still all you need off the shelf in terms of chemicals. For occasional development, HC-110 and Ilford Rapid Fixer are a good place to start. And maybe add a drying agent (PhotoFlo). Newbies today are opting for the plastic Paterson tanks and reels because they're easy to load and pretty reliable. Easier methods? New55 has packaged a monobath which develops and fixes film in one bath.

Some of us are doing color at home too. See the sticky thread in the color forum for details.

 

[Stivi]

Hi

Thank you for your help. Will be looking into this.

Very Kind Regards
Alan

 

[Luckless]

An important question to ask yourself before dipping your toes in something new chemistry wise: Was there anything you didn't like about the chemistry you were using before?

Some products have come or gone in the last decade or so, but asking yourself what you want out of photography is a very good place to start. What aspects appeal to you? What do you like? What didn't you like?

Colour? Black and White? Accurate colour? Texture? Ease of use? Some random geeky aspect to things?

 

[Stivi]

Thank you for the input. I will take this on board.

 

[tedr1]

Welcome back

Photography has been through a revolution, the digital revolution. It killed Ilford and Kodak. Ilford rose from the ashes like a phoenix with its black and white film and paper product line intact largely unchanged and seems to be doing OK, black and white materials familiar from decades ago remain useful and available and popular.

 

[MattKing]

Photography has been through a revolution, the digital revolution. It killed Ilford and Kodak.

If, like me, you like Kodak chemicals, many of them remain available: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Brand_Kodak&ci=576&N=4288586387+4291384683