Information about 35mm Film
The first 35mm film format was developed over 120 years ago by Thomas Edison and William Kennedy Dickson and Leica later produced the first 35mm specific camera. The film itself is made up of small layers of silver halide crystals that turn silver and create an image when exposed to light.
This is the first photo using 35mm film taken on Leica's 35mm film specific camera by Oskar Barnack in Eisemarkt, Germany in 1913.
Process of developing 35mm Film
The first step of developing 35mm film photos is to develop a reel of negatives. To develop a reel of negatives you will need the following things: A black film changing bag (in order to keep the contents of the bag from being exposed to light). A developing tank and funnel (this is where your film reel will sit when you pour in the developer and fix solution). A film reel loader (this is used to feed your film around in a circle so that it can be placed into the developing tank). Finally you will need a pair of scissors so that you can cut the film from the casing.
Once you have all the equipment, place it all inside the film changing bag - including your film - and zip the bag closed. Use the arm holes in the bag to gain access, making sure they are not loose around your arms to avoid light pollution. Once you have reached this point follow the instructions below to begin the process of developing your film into negatives.
1. Using the felt edges, tear open the metal casing around the film
2. Slowly feed the film onto the film reel loader until you are at the end of the film (shiny side up).
3. Cut the very end of the film so that it hangs free and feed the last bit on.
4. Open the developing tank and place your film reel loader onto the plastic stalk followed by the funnel.
5. Lock the funnel into place so that it is light proof and place on the lid to the tank.
6. Take your hands and the complete developing tank out of the changing bag and into a dark room.
7. Pour developer into the tank until you can see it at the top of the funnel. - agitate for 6-7 minutes.
8. Pour the developer out of the tank and re-fill the tank with clean water - shake for 30 seconds.
9. Pour the water out of the tank and fill the tank with fix solution - agitate for 5 minutes.
10. Pour the fix out of the tank and re-fill the tank with clean water - shake for 30 seconds.
My 35mm Film Development
This is my collection of negatives form my 35mm Film photoshoot, I took these photos in bath city center with the main theme of the photoshoot being brutalist and industrial buildings and surroundings. I'm really happy with how the negatives came out as they are sharp and correctly exposed. The developing time for this reel of negatives was 6 minutes and 30 secs and the fix time was 5 minutes.
My test strip and final photos
