Film Developing

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Film Developing

Basics of film developing

This step, basics of film developing, is very important that can make a person becomes a great photography. After knowing how to use the camera and how to take the pictures, the next step is learning how to develop the film.

Although the person has a good negative; but a person doesn't have a good develop's skill ,or doesn't know the right way about developing, how can that person makes a good picture. He/she should know how to develop film and how to roll the film. Basic things about how to develop the film are listed in the book entitled, INTRODUCTORY & PUBLICATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY written by Dr.C. Wm. Horrell and Robert A.Steffes. That is

1. Turn off all the lights in the darkroom and unwind the film. (Roll film, except 35 mm, must be separated from the protective paper). And then unroll the paper until the end of the film is reached which is not attached to the paper and will, therefore, form its own roll when separated.

2. Unroll until the other end is reached, which is attached to the paper by tape. Tear film gently from the paper when loading the film onto a reel or into a plastic apron.

3. At this point, handle film by the edges to avoid fingerprints on the film's picture area.

4. Fingerprints inflicted by pressure or moist fingers may show up on the negative and in the finished print.

5. To remove the film from a 35 mm cartridge, pop off the retaining ring with a bottle opener, allowing the roll to be removed.

6. The film is now loaded on a reel. This procedure is the best learned by practicing with a film provided for this purpose, or an uncut, discarded strip of negetive. Cut the leader of 35mm film square with scissors before loading.

7. Some tanks use plastic aprons instead of reels.

8. With the reel or plastic apron now placed in the tank, and the cover secure, turn on the lights and proceed to develop the film. needed chemicals and equipment are pictured below.

9. Determine the temperature of the developer, then in turn determine the time in minutes necessary to develop the film using a time-temperature development chart. Set timer for recommended time.

10. Start the timer running. Then pour the developer into the tank. Tilt the tank slightly so that air may escape. Don't let an air-lock mislead into thinking the tank is full when it isn't.

11. Agitate...

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...e to process just one sheet of film first as a check on procedures and chemicals. With roll film, some photograghers shoot the last one or two exposures as test shots, taken under same conditions as the previsious exposures. This portion of the roll and developed first.

Should such a test reveal a thin negative, some compensation can be made when developing the remainder of the roll. (Horrell 19)

Practicing is the most important thing in becoming a good photographer or film developer. Besides that willing to be what that person wants to be is also important. A person can't be a good photography or film developer if that person doesn't love it. Everyone has the own dream. So don't give up making the dream come true.

Bibliography

Bruce, Helen Finn. Your Guide To Photography. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1965.

Goodwin, Karma. Personal interviews. March and April 1997.

Horrell, Dr. C. Wm. and Robert A. Steffes. Introductory & Publications Photography. Wisconsin: American Yearbook Company, 1972 .

"Photography". Internet site http://www.search.yahoo.com

Science and Technology Illustrated Volume 19. The World Around U.S. Encyclopaedia Britannica,Inc., 1768

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