Loading the film into the tank.

Once you have taken your pictures you need to process the film.

Firstly you need to put the film in the processing tank. This can be a bit fiddly so practice with an old piece of film first.

Step One.

Get all the parts of the tank, and a pair of scissors. You may or may not need a can opener. The commercial films in printed canisters need a can opener, the plain black ones don't. Tank parts... Body Cap Lid (or funnel). This must be clicked in place or it will fall out when you pour out your chemicals! Reel - one for each film - two films can be processed in the tanks. See here to assemble the reel - don't force it. Make sure it is dry and the ball bearings are free to move. Centre column - this makes the tank light proof, your film will be ruined without it. Make sure the wide flat part is placed at the bottom of the tank to make it light tight. Body

Image of developing tank exploded diagram Developing tank diagram.
Dark bag - if people are printing you will need to do this in the dark bag.

Step Two.

Place all the above on a clear bench or in the dark bag. If using the dark bag make sure BOTH zips are fully closed.

Step Three.

Depending on the film canister you are using, either prise off the top of the canister with the can opener or unscrew the bottom.

Step Four.

Push the film out of the canister on its reel.

Step Five.

Using the scissors cut the leader tongue off the film - cut between the sprocket holes or the dags will make it hard to get the film on the reel.

Step Six.

Gently push the film onto the reel through the entry points. Pull through about one third of a turn.

Step Seven.

Place both thumbs at the entry point. Hold the reel firmly on the left hand, twist your right hand back and forth. The film should self feed onto the reel. When you get to the end remove the spool either by ripping it off or removing the sticky tape. Try not to kink the film or let it come out the entry point. Finish winding. If using one of the films in a metal canister bend the tab back out of the way or you will get marks were it touches the film further in the reel.

Step Eight.

Push the reel onto the centre column as far as it well go.

Step Nine.

Repeat steps two to eight for a second film.

Step Ten.

Place the reel/s in the tank - the wide flat part of the centre column must be at the bottom for the tank to be light tight.

Step Eleven.

Put the funnel lid on the tank. Turn it clockwise until it clicks. If if is not locked the film and chemicals will fall out!

Step Twelve.

Return can opener, scissors (and bag if used). Reassemble black canisters and put back in the tub. Put metal canisters in the recycling box. You are now ready to mix your chemicals!

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v1.0 Jan08 AMR.