Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I am interested in learning how to process my own black & white film and I >was >hoping some one could tell me about how much it cost per roll (36) to just >develop >the film, using standard Kodak developing chemicals and keeping every >thing to a >minimum. >Thanks a lot! >Mike P Hello Mike, I just set up a darkroom in my basement, dividing off a corner with plastic sheeting. Total cost was under 300 dollars for everything. Much of the equipment is used. The only major item I bought new was a Gralab 450 timer, which ran about 120 bucks. A friend sold me an old Omega B8 enlarger for $50, and just the other day, somebody (verg) generously donated a Leitz Ic, complete with easel and Focotar. Lots of people have these kinds of thing gathering dust in their basements and garages. Other items, like developing tanks and such I've picked up at flea markets. The cost of chemicals is negligible. A half gallon of D76 is about $2.50, for example. A 250 sheet box of Ilford RC 8x10 runs about 80 bucks from B&H. Once you are set up, you can develop your own black and white far cheaper then any lab, and do a better job. And you can adjust your prints to suit your own taste. The main cost is your time, because printing correctly takes lots of it! Kodak has a book about setting up a darkroom that can be found in most bookstores. Another option is to take a photography class at your local community college. Ours has a suberb facility. Go for it! Don McClure (An Impoverished music teacher and cheapskate in Abingdon, MD)