• Film processing procedures35mm negatives image by Christopher Nolan from Fotolia.com
  
  Although the digital age has added a whole new dimension and convenience to photography, there are purists who still prefer to shoot film. Quality, sharpness, tonal range, cost and image control are a few excellent reasons for doing so. Unlike digital photography, where images are created as a digital file and manipulated on a computer, traditional photography requires exposed film to be processed in several chemicals and specific steps. This process is for 35mm black and white film.
  
  

Opening the Cassette and Loading the Film

• You must work in total darkness, as light will ruin your film. Begin by opening your film cassette with a can opener and remove the film, handling it only on the edges. Thread the end or leader of the film into the metal or plastic film reel and begin winding the film into the grooves of the reel. Place the loaded reel into the film processing tank and cover tightly. It is then safe to turn on the lights.
  
  

Development of Film

• Mix your film developer ("soup") according to manufacturer's directions. Fill the developer into the pour spout on top of the closed tank. Agitate your tank by turning it slowly up and down. Tap to remove air bubbles that can settle on the film. Develop for length of time as recommended by the manufacturer.
  
  Pour developer out through the pour spout of the closed tank. Add "Stop Bath" chemical, which will stop the processing. Let it remain for 30 seconds, then pour out. Add "Fixer," leaving it in the tank for 5 to 10 minutes, depending upon which type of fixer you use. Image is now fixed, and it is safe to remove the entire tank cover. Rinse film by placing the tank under cool running water for five minutes.
  Add "Hypo Clear" to remove fixer and eliminate white stains on the film. Agitate for two minutes. Rinse again for five minutes. Remove from tank.
  
  

Drying the Film

• Unroll the film from the film reel, but do not touch film's surface. Gently squeegee the film or let it drip-dry. Hang to dry with film clips or drying pins in a dust-free area. Cut film when dry (2 hours) and place in glassine envelopes or plastic negative sheets.