Film Processing Steps (B&W)
Step 1 -- In one of the jars, mix the developer according to the package instructions. Label the jar D-76 Dev (developer).
Step 2 -- In the second jar, mix the stop bath according to the package instructions. Label the jar Stop Bath or Stop.
Step 3 -- In the third jar, mix the fixer according to the package instructions. Label this jar Fixer.
Step 4 -- Stabilize the developer at 68° F (20° C) by placing your graduate (filled with the required amount of solution) in a tray of warm or cool water until the temperature has stabilized. The water level in the tray should be at least equal to the level of solution in the graduate. Pour the required amount into the developing tank.
Step 5 -- In total darkness remove your film from the cartridge. With 126- and 110-size films, break open the cartridge by bending the cylindrical chambers toward the label. If you're using roll film, rip off the exposed sticker and then separate the film and paper backing. Use a bottle cap remover to open 35 mm magazines.
Step 6 -- To remove the film from 126 cartridges, separate the plastic sections surrounding the spool. If you're using 110 film, pull the paper backing out of the broken cartridge in a direction that rubs the paper against the cartridge. The film will come out along with the backing. Handle the film by the edges only.
Step 7 -- The film in 126 cartridges is attached to the paper backing with a strip of tape. Detach the film and discard the paper and tape. Handle the film by the edges only.
Step 8 -- Handling the film by the edges, roll it into the apron or reel according to the tank instructions. Put the reel or apron into the tank, secure the lid, and start timing. You may now turn on the room lights.
Step 9 -- Tap the tank against your working surface to remove any air bubbles. After 30 seconds, agitate the tank by inverting it, rotating it in a circular motion, or rotating the reels. Do this for about 5 seconds at 30-second intervals. At the end of the recommended developer time, pour the solution back into the developer jar. When pouring, tip the tank only slightly at the start.
Step 10 -- With the tank tilted a bit, pour the stop bath solution (stabilized at 65 to 75° F/18 - 24° C) through the opening in the top. Do not open the tank. Agitate gently for about 30 seconds, then pour the liquid back into its original jar. Note: It's a good idea to rinse your graduate after each of the processing steps.
Step 11 -- Add the fixer solution (stabilized at 65 to 75° F/18 to 24° C) and agitate for about 5 seconds at 30-second intervals. At the end of the fixing time (2 to 4 minutes with KODAFIX Solution; 5 to 10 minutes with KODAK Fixer) pour the solution into its jar.
Step 12 -- Remove the tank cover, place the tank under a moderate stream of 65 to 75° F (18 to 24° C) water, and let the film wash for about a half hour. To shorten washing time, rinse the film in KODAK Hypo Clearing Agent. First wash the film for 30 seconds. Next submerge it in a Hypo Clearing Agent solution for 1 to 2 minutes, with moderate agitation. Then you need only wash for 5 minutes.
Step 13 -- Hang up the film with a film clip or clothespin at each end. Dampen a viscose sponge, wring it out, and then gently run it along both sides of the film to remove large droplets of water. (To eliminate the necessity of wiping the film, minimize water marks and drying time, rinse the film with diluted KODAK PHOTO-FLO Solution. Follow the instructions on the bottle.) Let the film dry. Don't forget to rinse out all parts of your film tank.
