Processing B&W in hotel room

john_s · Oct 30, 2024

I'm from Australia, and a few years ago I had difficulty having hand inspections of film going to Europe (X-Rays etc). I had basically given up, and reverted to electro-novelty digital things. I have some lovely negatives from trips in the "old days."

However soon I'm going to Rome (only) for two weeks and I'm determined to use film (120) for visits to sites I've been reading about for many years, most of my life actually. So my plan is to buy film (HP5+ preferably) in Rome and develop negatives in the hotel room. I have a good understanding of the process and have tanks etc.

Does anyone have particular comments or recommendations?

BobUK · Oct 30, 2024

A tiny detail.
I believe that mercury is not allowed on aircraft. Something to do with mercury spillages and electronics.
Also a risk of alloy bodywork corrosion.
Spirit thermometer or digital only.

Don't forget the negative bags and buy the chemicals locally.
The subject of carrying unusual powders and liquids through customs has bean done to death on various photographic forums.

lamerko · Oct 30, 2024

There is a good chemical manufacturer in Italy - Bellini. They have an x-tol clone (Bellini ECOFILM film developer) as a liquid concentrate (quick and easy) - convenient 0.5 liter bottles. Also fix - concentrate in a 0.5 liter bottle. They are not expensive, and will probably be even cheaper there.

koraks · Oct 30, 2024

john_s said:
Does anyone have particular comments or recommendations?

Bring a film changing bag. Otherwise you're good to go.
Rome is a big city; there's bound to be some developer and fixer to be found in a shop somewhere in the city. Perhaps you can order ahead of time and pick it up when you arrive.
Alternatively, carry your powder chemistry or liquid concentrates in your hold luggage; it won't be a particular problem especially in the moderate quantities you'll need it in. The worst that can happen is they open your luggage to have a look (in which case carrying it in branded packaging so as to be recognizable as a regular commercial product), but they likely won't even bother.

BobUK said:
I believe that mercury is not allowed on aircraft. Something to do with mercury spillages and electronics.

Nobody is going to pick out the mercury thermometer tucked away in a suitcase. Then again, I don't really see a good reason to carry one anyway. Any old thermometer would do especially for B&W.

@john_s
Rome is brilliant even though its overrun like all major capitals. Doesn't matter; still plenty of great places to see and visit. Two weeks is a good chunk of time to warm up to the place and break through the surface. Get the touristy shots out of your system the first few days, then proceed to the interesting stuff. It's great you will have the time and opportunity to do so. Especially great that you will be there in autumn, outside the really busy season.

Read some of Alberto Moravia's stories before or while you're there. Classic - for all the right reasons.

PS: some places you might try for chemistry if you want to buy local:
https://www.ars-imago.com/ they make the Lab Box thingy, and happen to be located in Rome. They also sell chemistry and lab tools: https://www.ars-imago.com/en/shop/category/develop-your-own-films-701 Walking distance from the Vatican.
Sabatini: https://sabatinifotografia.it/product-category/analogico/chimici/ Via Germanico, 168/A; just around the corner of Ars Imago...

loccdor · Oct 30, 2024

Another option regarding X-rays is to pack a tripod and use only slow film, like Pan F 50 or RPX 25. Then you can probably let it go through the machines without much worry.

Agulliver · Oct 30, 2024

X-ray inspection of hand/cabin baggage were never a problem hence many airports were reluctant to offer hand checks because they were not necessary....but the new CT scanners probably are a problem and luckily airports are increasingly aware and are actioning requests for hand checks of film and paper. However, the matter is still in a state of flux and it is possible to get unlucky.

If you want to develop in a hotel room, Rome is certainly a major city which will have a shop somewhere you can buy your B&W chemicals. Italy has the well regarded Bellini Chemical manufacturer too, so you might like to look at their range of products as they might be more available than the usual brands. If I were to do this, I'd take a changing bag, digital thermometer and a processing tank.....*and* something to aid drying the negatives. I'd be looking for photos of the hotel room's bathroom to see if a clothes hanger could be hung from a shower rail or towel rail and the film clipped to it. And I'd take along a plastic cloths hanger and some suitable clips/pegs.

Otherwise it ought to be fairly simple. I know people who process film in Travelodge hotels in the UK even without a changing bag because the bathrooms never have windows, they put a towel under the door and turn all the lights off. Hotel staff don't seem to mind, and after all you're not doing anything wrong.

Fatih Ayoglu · Oct 30, 2024

In Rome FCO airport, when I was there few weeks ago, they have had the CT scanners. When I have showed them that I have films, they have put me into another lane, where they have a small XRay scanner next to the CT scanner. All my hand luggage went through the CT, and they have insisted to put my film into the XRay. With Italians, its practically no point to argue. Luckily I have had double Xray bag to protect the film as much as I can. I've developed the films later on, no visible XRay damage

loccdor · Oct 30, 2024

Agulliver said:
I know people who process film in Travelodge hotels in the UK even without a changing bag because the bathrooms never have windows, they put a towel under the door and turn all the lights off. Hotel staff don't seem to mind, and after all you're not doing anything wrong.

You're cleaning their pipes, they should give you a discount!

jeffreyg · Oct 30, 2024

You might try contacting a professional photographer before going and explain your situation. He/she might lead you to a supplier or good quality lab and save you from a time consuming search.

relistan · Oct 30, 2024

Take some ADOX powdered "express" fixer: https://www.fotoimpex.com/chemistry/adox-adofix-p-ii-powder-fixer-to-mix-1000-ml.html and a powdered developer of your choice, or small bottle (under 100ml) of Rodinal. With your tank and changing bag, a couple of clothes pins and some string, a couple of bottled water 1L bottles when you get there... and you're good to go.

MTGseattle · Oct 30, 2024

Rome is a sizeable city, any community darkrooms available?

Doug Kaye · Oct 30, 2024

Consider using Diafine developer. It's perfect for your situation: relatively insensitive to temperature and time. It was used in the field to develop film in buckets.

Paul Howell · Oct 30, 2024

When a working PJ covering Africa for the wires I always carried a quart size Diafine for developing in an emergency In the 70s and 80s we had field offices in most of the larger cities, but things happen. It is easy to use water tems from 70 to about 90, no stop bath, just fix. I dont know if you can find Diafine out side of the U.S. Have you checked to see if there is black and white processing lab in Rome. Other option is send the exposed film back home by Fed Ex.

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Agulliver · Oct 30, 2024

I

Fatih Ayoglu said:
In Rome FCO airport, when I was there few weeks ago, they have had the CT scanners. When I have showed them that I have films, they have put me into another lane, where they have a small XRay scanner next to the CT scanner. All my hand luggage went through the CT, and they have insisted to put my film into the XRay. With Italians, its practically no point to argue. Luckily I have had double Xray bag to protect the film as much as I can. I've developed the films later on, no visible XRay damage

Did your film go through the "small X ray scanner" and not the CT scanner?

If that's the case there's nothing to worry about.

BAC1967 · Oct 30, 2024

I have developed a lot of film in hotel rooms, I've even turned the bathroom into a darkroom to make contact prints. One of the main reasons I came up with my recipe for Beerenol was for developing in hotel rooms. All of the Beerenol ingredients are usually available locally, the hardest to find is ascorbic acid powder but I can easily take that with me.

The hardest part is the fix. I even tinkered with fixing in saltwater but that just takes too long. As Relistan mentioned above, the ADOX powdered fix is a good option. There are also the Tetenal Super Fixer Tabs. One that I have used is the Ilford Simplicity Fix. It comes in 100ml liquid pouches that are small and easy to pack. It makes 600ml of fix that can be used for several rolls of film. Taking the whole Simplicity Starter Kit with you would be a great option. It has developer, stop bath, fix and wetting agent all in a small package.

john_s · Oct 30, 2024

Thanks for all suggestions. I'm preparing my checklist of items.

About CT scans and XRays, there are two flights each way, transferring at Dubai where discussing hand inspection with staff might be problematic. They scan hand luggage even coming in, as well as out. I will definitely not take the risk.

I will think I will buy film and chemicals in Rome. One place recommended above by @koraks has everything I will need, and it's near where I will be.

BAC1967 · Oct 30, 2024

Here's my hotel darkroom setup for making contact prints. I drove to this location so I was able to pack a bit more than I would flying.

GregY · Oct 30, 2024

Agulliver said:
X-ray inspection of hand/cabin baggage were never a problem hence many airports were reluctant to offer hand checks because they were not necessary....but the new CT scanners probably are a problem and luckily airports are increasingly aware and are actioning requests for hand checks of film and paper. However, the matter is still in a state of flux and it is possible to get unlucky.

If you want to develop in a hotel room, Rome is certainly a major city which will have a shop somewhere you can buy your B&W chemicals. Italy has the well regarded Bellini Chemical manufacturer too, so you might like to look at their range of products as they might be more available than the usual brands. If I were to do this, I'd take a changing bag, digital thermometer and a processing tank.....*and* something to aid drying the negatives. I'd be looking for photos of the hotel room's bathroom to see if a clothes hanger could be hung from a shower rail or towel rail and the film clipped to it. And I'd take along a plastic cloths hanger and some suitable clips/pegs.

Otherwise it ought to be fairly simple. I know people who process film in Travelodge hotels in the UK even without a changing bag because the bathrooms never have windows, they put a towel under the door and turn all the lights off. Hotel staff don't seem to mind, and after all you're not doing anything wrong.

Many hotels in continental Europe, even in major cities, do have windows..... I'd carry a changing bag.

MFstooges · Oct 30, 2024

If it were me I would just avoid the hassle and start looking for developing lab instead. That way you'll have more time focusing on the picture taking and the trip

DeletedAcct1 · Oct 30, 2024

MFstooges said:
If it were me I would just avoid the hassle and start looking for developing lab instead. That way you'll have more time focusing on the picture taking and the trip

Very good piece of advice here.
Unfortunately Rome doens't have any decent lab that does b&w well. I can suggest to send the exposed rolls to Harman Lab in UK, have them developed and sent home directly.

Fatih Ayoglu · Oct 31, 2024

john_s said:
Thanks for all suggestions. I'm preparing my checklist of items.

About CT scans and XRays, there are two flights each way, transferring at Dubai where discussing hand inspection with staff might be problematic. They scan hand luggage even coming in, as well as out. I will definitely not take the risk.

I will think I will buy film and chemicals in Rome. One place recommended above by @koraks has everything I will need, and it's near where I will be.

You'll be ok in Dubai, they'll call an Emirati officer to check, he will do inspection by looking only. I have used the hub many times on my way to BKK, always a smooth experience

RalphLambrecht · Oct 31, 2024

john_s said:
I'm from Australia, and a few years ago I had difficulty having hand inspections of film going to Europe (X-Rays etc). I had basically given up, and reverted to electro-novelty digital things. I have some lovely negatives from trips in the "old days."

However soon I'm going to Rome (only) for two weeks and I'm determined to use film (120) for visits to sites I've been reading about for many years, most of my life actually. So my plan is to buy film (HP5+ preferably) in Rome and develop negatives in the hotel room. I have a good understanding of the process and have tanks etc.

Does anyone have particular comments or recommendations?

I did it. It's a bit cumbersome, but it works. The most inconvenient part was transporting the tanks and containers. One alternative is to ask one of your eight crew members to carry it through for you. I always approached pilot or co-pilot and always found an open ear. They get more liberties than us normal folks. Of course, they also may want to make certain that you are not trying to use them as a drug mule. In that case, you are SOL.

john_s · Oct 31, 2024

RalphLambrecht said:
......................... One alternative is to ask one of your eight crew members to carry it through for you. I always approached pilot or co-pilot and always found an open ear. They get more liberties than us normal folks. Of course, they also may want to make certain that you are not trying to use them as a drug mule. In that case, you are SOL.

Nice idea that might have worked a few decades ago, but I can't picture it these days!

GregY · Oct 31, 2024

john_s said:
Nice idea that might have worked a few decades ago, but I can't picture it these days!

Yes.....very unrealistic these days..... besides the fact that you have to go through security before you even stand a chance of bumping into crew members.

Romanko · Oct 31, 2024

john_s said:
I'm from Australia, and a few years ago I had difficulty having hand inspections of film going to Europe

I had no problem with hand inspection of my film in Australia (Sydney), South Korea (Incheon) and Uzbekistan (Tashkent). This was a year ago. I had my film in a large zip-lock bag in the original 5-roll boxes. The inspection did not take any extra time. I got back my film as my luggage appeared from the scanner.

A few ideas. Find a source of distilled water in advance. You can even order it online and have it delivered to your hotel. Bring all your chemistry and everything you need with you. You don't want to spend your time in Rome shopping for chemicals and equipment. Have a temperature correction chart for your film and developer combination handy and develop at ambient temperature.

I find it hard to believe that there is no decent film lab in Rome. And no film photographers on this forum who live in Rome and can help you with developing your film. This would be my preferred option.

Processing B&W in hotel room

john_s

BobUK

lamerko

koraks

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loccdor

Agulliver

Fatih Ayoglu

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john_s

BAC1967

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MFstooges

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Processing B&W in hotel room

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