Start film developing
Load a roll into a light-tight tank in the dark, then do the rest with the lights on: pour in, wait, pour out. A few minutes later, your photos are there on the film. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first roll.
Space neededA sink and a counter
First projectA roll of black-and-white film
Skill levelBeginner-friendly, needs care
Good forAdults and supervised teens
The video that hooks everyone
How to develop 35mm film at home
How to develop a roll of 35mm film at home, start to finish, kept fast and simple. Press play and see why it hooks people.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't.
Starter kit
01Changing bagA light-tight bag with arm holes. Your darkroom, for the minute it takes to load the film.
02Developing tank with reelA light-tight tank that holds 35mm film on a spiral reel. Pour in and out with the lights on.
03Film can openerPops the end off the cassette. A bottle opener works too.
04ScissorsCuts the film off the spool and squares off the end.
05Black-and-white chemicalsDeveloper, stop bath and fixer. A liquid developer is easiest to mix.
06Wetting agentA few drops in the last rinse help the film dry without water spots.
07Measuring jugs and a thermometerThree jugs, one per chemical, and a thermometer that reads 68°F (20°C).
08Nitrile gloves and safety glassesWear them every time you handle chemicals.
09Film clips and negative sleevesClips to hang the film to dry, and sleeves to store it.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Loading the reel for the first time in the darkPractice in daylight with a roll you don't need until you can load it with your eyes closed.
- 2Guessing the time or temperatureLook up your film and developer's time at your water's temperature. A few degrees off changes the result.
- 3Fixer before developerFixer first wipes the film clear for good. Label every bottle and jug, and line them up in order.
