Just a couple of weeks ago, Ilford Photo released a video on how to develop your own black and white film. Now, they've followed it up by giving you everything you need to know in order to turn those negatives into beautiful, tangible prints.
If you're anything like me, you'll want to make notes throughout the video so you don't immediately forget everything you just learned. Maybe it's the music, but I have a habit of zoning out when too much new information is thrown at me at once.
To get started, here's a list of all the tools and chemicals you'll need before making your first print:
- Darkroom (literally a dark room, preferably with a sink)
- Enlarger
- Negatives
- Puffer brush
- Loupe
- Enlarging paper
- Focus finder
- Multi-grade filters
- Safelight
- Developer
- Stop bath
- Fixer
- Water container (fancy way of saying "pitcher")
- Mixing cylinder
- Measuring cylinder
- Stirrer
- Thermometer
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses (as photographers, our eyes are kind of important)
- Three developing trays, with respective tongs
- Darkroom Timer
If you're looking for more options, explore B&H's Darkroom Equipment section and enjoy the rabbit hole you'll find yourself in.
Making your own prints is an art in and of itself, but like anything, it gets easier with practice. There's nothing quite like seeing your image appear out of nowhere on a piece of photographic paper! It never gets old. Happy printing!
I'd also recommend freestylephoto.biz as a good store for film processing and developing stuff. I bought Ilford film and paper before most American photographers had even heard of Ilford from Freestyle 'way back in the early 70s, and I'm pleased to report that Freestyle is still hammering on.
Great tip! Thanks!