developing negs only ... what do i need?

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jasonjoo

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I was looking through another thread and a user mentioned that while developing, they check for the density of the negative (this was for large format, but I'm assuming this can be done with all types of film). My question is, if the negative can't be exposed to light, how exactly do you check the density of the film? If the film has been developed up to some point, can it be exposed to a safelight?

If not, how is this process actually done?

Thanks,

Jason

BTW: I just need to pick up a syringe (the oral syringes used for children) and I should be on my way. I bought a few opaque containers to hold my fixer/photo flo mix, but I bought too small of a size (16 oz.), so I'm not sure if I'm going to hold off on this developing thing until I get some larger containers, or just mix 16 oz. and get on my way.
 

TheTrailTog

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...I bought a few opaque containers to hold my fixer/photo flo mix, but I bought too small of a size (16 oz.), so I'm not sure if I'm going to hold off on this developing thing until I get some larger containers, or just mix 16 oz. and get on my way.

What size film are you shooting? 16oz should be fine for 35mm but, depending on your tank, may not be enough for larger formats. With my tank I need 10oz for 35mm and 17oz for 120 film.
 

jasonjoo

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Hey Aaron, I shoot both 35mm and 120 film (mainly 120 film).

Also, how do I wash the film without one of those crazy hurricane washer's shown in JBrunner's video? And does anyone know where I can get one of those cool washers? Is there a special pressurizing system that I'll need? In that case, I'll have to pass! :smile:

Jason
 

TheTrailTog

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I just went by what was called for in my Kodak Dataguide and they recommended if you didn't have a washer, then to fill and drain 10 times after fixing. Seems to work fine so far.

If you want a washer, most places carry them. Check B&H, Adorama, Freestyle, Calumet, etc and search for film washer. They also come up a bit on Ebay or you could post a "want to buy" in the classifieds here.
 
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jasonjoo

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Thanks Aaron. The film washers look pretty cool (and would require a bit less work), but I guess I'll save myself $30-50 bucks and just wash the film myself. I won't be going through too many rolls at a time, so this should be OK.

Jason
 

JBrunner

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Hi Jason,

You can wash your film by repeatedly filling, agitating, and emtying the tank. Ilford has a detail of this washing method on their website. Be on the lookout for film washers second hand. They are a very common item and can be had for a few bucks on craigslist, etc. I have never seen another example of the "Miller Hurricane" brand washer, and have not been able to find any information online, except a patent. The spinning action is a bit of a novelty. IDK for sure if it does a little faster/better job washing, but feel it's a safe bet that it does. I still give my negs a good five minutes in it at the least.

The developing method you were refering to earlier is called developing by inspection. It is accomplished with infrared lighting and a nightvision device, or a very dim green light that is used intermittently in a very sparing fashion while developing sheet film in a tray. It is a very advanced method of developing sheet film, and it requires allot of experience to be able to accurately judge the density of a negative under the conditions required. Since you have to be able to see the neg to judge density, it would be even more difficult and impractical with roll film on a spool.

Even with sheet film, if your exposures, agitation regimen, times, and temps are consistent, it's totally un-needed. It's neat to watch, however.
 
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jasonjoo

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Cool, thanks for the info Jason! It does seem like a neat process.

I was interested in the film washer you showed in your video due to the spinning. I've seen another one in action and it did not have that "hurricane" characteristic. I thought it was broken!

Jason
 

jasonjoo

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Sorry not sure if this was mentioned, but if using water as a stop bath, how long do I need to stop for?

I'll be giving this a go tonight! Hopefully something turns out :smile:

Jason
 
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bessa_L_R3a

bessa_L_R3a

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I usually do stop bath with water for about 30 seconds with constant agitation. seems to work fine. i'm sure there are other opinions .
 

jasonjoo

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Ahh CRAP! I have a bottle of HC-110 developer REPLENISHer and not the DEVELOPER! DARN the person that assisted me at the camera store!

Guess I'm going to have to hold off on this a little bit longer. AND to think I drove around to 3 different CVS/Walgreen's/Rite Aids just to find a darn oral syringe!

This sucks!
 

jasonjoo

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OK, it turns out there is still a camera store about 10 miles away from home that sells D-76. They only have it in powder, but man, I really want to get started on this so I'm off to buy a batch!
 

jasonjoo

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Thanks Bessa. When I stopped by the camera store today, the owner said I should stop for a few minutes to play it safe.

Well, I developed my first roll of 120 film today! Man, putting the film on the reel has got to be the most challenging part! The negative shows a bunch of crease marks where I kept bending the film while trying to get it in the clip. I ended up touching the negative a lot while reeling it, but it was my first attempt and I had gloves on. Hopefully it didn't scratch the negs!

Other than putting the film on the reel, and being extremely nervous, I think things went OK. I was so nervous I forget to pre-wash the film and ALMOST poured the fixer down the drain.

Also, my Arista 16 oz. stainless steel tank seems to leak from the rubber top. Not where you pour in the chemicals, but the whole lid seems to leak. I notice it leaks when I hit the tank to get rid of the bubbles. Maybe I'm hitting a little too hard?

Thanks,

jason
 
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I would like to know the process of developing color film, I would like to do some 120 film. Doeas anybody know where in here I can find some good instruction. I am currently developing B&W.
 

JBrunner

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Hi David,

Welcome to APUG. I would try posting a new thread asking how to get started with color on the
color film/ paper/ chemistry/forum

You can find it under the forums tab.

Again welcome to APUG. Glad to see you here.
 
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