How to Develop 120 Film: A Comprehensive Guide
Developing 120 film can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both amateur and professional photographers. 120 film, also known as medium format film, offers superior image quality and a larger negative size compared to 35mm film. However, developing 120 film requires a bit more patience and attention to detail. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to develop 120 film, from selecting the right chemicals to the final rinse and drying process.
Selecting the Right Chemicals
The first step in developing 120 film is to select the appropriate chemicals. There are several brands and types of chemicals available, such as Rodinal, D-76, and Ilford ID-11. It is essential to choose a chemical that is suitable for your film type and desired development time. For instance, Rodinal is a highly concentrated chemical that provides fine grain and excellent sharpness, while D-76 is a more versatile developer that works well with a wide range of film types.
Preparation
Before you begin developing your 120 film, ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and materials. This includes a developing tank, reels, film leader, stop bath, fixer, and a drying rack. It is also crucial to have a darkroom or a well-lit, enclosed space where you can develop your film without exposing it to light.
Loading the Film
To load the 120 film into the developing tank, follow these steps:
1. Cut the film from the spool using a pair of scissors or a film cutting tool.
2. Thread the film leader through the take-up spool and secure it with a clip.
3. Place the film into the developing tank, ensuring that the film is properly aligned with the take-up spool.
4. Secure the tank lid and make sure it is sealed tightly.
Developing the Film
Now that your film is loaded, it’s time to develop it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Fill the developing tank with the appropriate amount of developer, as recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Submerge the film in the developer and agitate it gently for the recommended time, usually between 9 and 12 minutes.
3. After the development time has elapsed, remove the film from the tank and rinse it thoroughly with water to stop the development process.
4. Pour the stop bath into the tank and agitate the film for a few seconds to neutralize any remaining developer.
5. Rinse the film again with water to remove the stop bath.
Fixing the film is a crucial step that removes the silver halide crystals from the emulsion, rendering the film light-sensitive. Follow these steps:
1. Fill the developing tank with fixer, as recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Submerge the film in the fixer and agitate it gently for the recommended time, usually between 5 and 10 minutes.
3. After the fixer time has elapsed, rinse the film thoroughly with water to remove any remaining fixer.
4. Rinse the film again with water to prepare it for the final rinse and drying process.
Rinsing and Drying
To ensure that your developed 120 film is free of any chemicals, it is essential to rinse it thoroughly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill the developing tank with clean, cold water.
2. Submerge the film in the water and agitate it gently for a few minutes.
3. Repeat the rinsing process several times until the water runs clear.
4. Hang the film on a drying rack and allow it to dry completely.
Scanning and Printing
Once your 120 film is dry, you can scan it using a high-quality scanner to convert it into digital format. Alternatively, you can have your negatives printed using a professional printing service or a home photo printer.
Developing 120 film can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning images with your medium format film. Happy developing!
