Best Darkroom Chemicals in 2022

Last update: November 14, 2022

Are darkroom chemicals toxic?

When it comes to darkroom chemicals, there is a lot of debate over whether or not they are toxic. Some people believe that the chemicals used in the darkroom are safe, while others believe that they can be harmful. There is no right or wrong answer, as it really depends on the person and their own beliefs.

Are photo chemicals toxic?

Yes, photo chemicals are toxic. They can cause a number of health problems, including cancer. Some photo chemicals are more toxic than others, so it is important to be aware of the risks before using them.

Can you develop film without chemicals?

You can't develop film without chemicals, but you can use alternative methods that don't involve traditional film development chemicals. One such method is the Caffenol process, which uses coffee, washing soda, and vitamin C to develop black and white film.

Do you need stabilizer for color film?


Ultrafine Unicolor C-41 Powder 35mm / 120 Film Home Developer Kit (1 Liter) Review:


I'm a student of photography, and I bought this last year to develop my 4x5s because my local lab has a reputation for leaving fingerprints, handling the film poorly, and charging WAY too much. My lecturers strongly advised against me trying this on my own, but screw them—I was really pleased with the outcome and found the procedure to be very simple. I would advise holding off on mixing the chemicals until you have a LOT of film to develop all at once because this chemistry has a limited shelf life. The next time, I'll definitely get the 2mL kit and charge my classmates and friends to develop their samples as well.However, I would advise anyone who has never developed BW film before to refrain from buying this.But if you're comfortable or familiar with creating black and white content yourself, this should be simple.However, you definitely need to buy more than just this to develop c41, so keep that in mind. I also needed to buy:- 1000 mL chemical containers (at LEAST 3, I bought Dynalon 501835 HDPE Round 1000mL)- A digital thermometer that is ACCURATE, with a /- 1 C accuracy. (I recently purchased a Cooper-Atkins DPP800W and I adore it. I regret not getting this sooner for creating BW because it reads out faster and more precisely.)- A tank for film development.- Funnel - You might need a beaker to measure the water because you shouldn't probably mix this with a measuring cup for cooking.- A bucket to store the film tank and the three chemical containers in. Simply using a big mop bucket that I already had (to keep the temp the same during the entire developing process)



Fixer for Paper and Film, 1Gallon Mix Review:


For many years, I have been using this fixer in combination with Kodak D-76 Developer (Powder), B



Kodak D-76 Developer Powder, B and W Film 1 Gallon Review:


I missed the peace of the darkroom after more than 30 years away and wanted to share it with the kids as well. Today, so much is quick, loud, gaudy, immediate, without boundaries, consideration, or care. The most significant quality of traditional black and white photography is its aesthetic beauty. It is reflective, patient, attentive, cautious, measured, and eventually, beautiful. I wanted to explain to the youngsters what it's like to be in a dark room.Today, it's possible to acquire the equipment that I sought decades ago for nothing or very little money. We were thrilled to open shop after a friend gave us equipment that had once cost thousands of dollars just so it might be used.All of this to say, D76 continues to be dependable and economical, accessible to beginners, and so familiar for so long that there are never any surprises. I am very happy to see D76 on Amazon. The high rating is bolstered by the fact that we were able to get it from Amazon so easily and for a cost that, after tax and shipping, is quite advantageous to the neighborhood camera shop.Little else needs to be said about D76 itself that hasn't already been expressed by tens of thousands of other people over the years. Just that it's still around makes me happy.PS: It is November 16, 2017, and the package I received expires on September 9, 2019. However, as others have noted, dry powder has a practically limitless shelf life when properly maintained.



Ultrafine Unicolor C-41 Powder Developer Kit (2 Liter) Review:


It has been so liberating to be able to develop any C-41 color print film anytime I want since I started using it in October 2014. I have processed 38 rolls using the 2-Liter kit that I utilized so far. Under the appropriate circumstances, this item will last for a while. Your cost per roll drops with each roll you process since you can keep using these chemicals. Before you begin, be sure to do a lot of research, especially on Flickr, to gather some useful advice and pointers. Fresh film also produces the greatest results. Older film will reveal its age; this is not the kit's fault.I adore this kit and am happy to address any inquiries.



Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution, 16oz Review:


I don't take pictures. This product was not used by me to develop images. Instead, I followed the Association for Gravestone Studies' advice and utilized this product to clean a dated headstone. Since this is a highly effective detergent, but is mild enough to use on old stones, very little goes a very long way. exceeded my expectations in every way.



Kodak Indicator Stop Bath For Black and White Films And Papers, 1-Pint Bottle To Make 8-Gallons. Review:


I've used the Kodak Indicator Stop Bath for a number of years, and while it's not a necessity (homemade vinegar solutions are just as simple), the indicator is a tremendous assistance. It's one of the few goods still accessible through Amazon. It is non-hardening, which is advantageous for your film because paper benefits more over time from a hardening Stop Bath.Given that this dilutes to 68 times its initial volume, you are getting a tremendous deal for the money (even with shipping)! You should be OK for, oh, a WHILE with only one bottle.My bottles have never leaked in transit, unlike the other reviewer, however I can imagine how frustrating that must have been. I would strongly advise purchasing this along with your other developing chemicals since Adorama combines shipping for significant cost savings! For the cost of just one of these in shipping, I received my developer, stop bath, and fixer!Overall, not absolutely required but quite helpful! Definitely advisable!



Ilford Ilfostop Stop Bath - 500ml Review:


Given that my darkroom doubles as the downstairs bathroom, it is quick and doesn't stink up the room. I wasn't sure if a stop bath without a scent would work when I read the product description, but I've started developing rolls of 120 TRI X film and it seems to work fine. If only the fixer could be made to stop stinking!


How do you make a developer solution?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to make a developer solution will vary depending on the specific problem you're trying to solve and the skills and resources you have available. However, some tips on how to make a developer solution include: 1. Start by clearly defining the problem you're trying to solve. 2. Research potential solutions and narrow down your options. 3. Create a prototype of your chosen solution and test it. 4. Refine your solution based on feedback and keep testing.

Is developer acid or alkaline?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on the developer formula and the type of developer acid used. Generally, developer acid is more alkaline than developer base, but the exact pH will vary depending on the formula.

Is photo developer toxic?

Yes, photo developer is toxic. It is a strong acid and can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin. Inhaling the fumes can also be harmful.

What all do you need for a dark room?

Assuming you would like a list of items needed for a dark room: -A dark room or space that can be made completely dark -Developing tanks and reels or a spiral processor -A sink or other space to wash negatives -A enlarger -Trays to hold chemicals -A timer -Thermometer -Measuring cups -Funnels -Stirring rods -Rubber gloves -Tongs -Pegboard and hooks to organize darkroom

What are developing agent?

A developing agent is a substance used to develop exposed photographic film or paper, producing a visible image. The first commercial photographic developer, Pyrogallol, was introduced in 1871.

What are the 3 chemicals needed to process film?

The 3 chemicals needed to process film are developer, fixer, and stop bath.