Shopping for Film Developing Kits and Accessories

If you're interested in developing film on your own, one of the best ways to get started is to purchase a film developing kit. Most kits include every component you need in your darkroom to process and develop raw film from your camera. Once you have these basics, you can customize your process with additional development and processing accessories.

What's in a Film Development Kit?

Since the point of a kit is to provide you with all the tools you need to process photos, you can expect all the basic components of film development, including:

• Film developing tank
• Film developing reel
• Thermometer
• Timer
• Printing trays
• Mixing graduate
• Film clips

Another advantage of purchasing a kit is that you can be confident that each tool is compatible with the others in the same kit. Many kits include guides on how to use each tool, in case you're still learning how to develop film.

Other Necessary Darkroom Photography Equipment

While a complete kit is a great place to start, other developing and processing accessories may be necessary or helpful, depending on the type of photographs you're processing.

Film Reels

If you're shooting with different types of film, you may need to browse developing tank accessories to find the specific types of reels.

Storage Bottle Accessories

A spigot can help you safely divide chemicals. Extra storage bottles and tanks or developing graduates assist in accurate solution measurements.

Additional Trays and Thermometers

Kits are sure to include darkroom developing trays, but you may need some in larger sizes to accommodate bigger film. Similarly, most kits include glass thermometers, but you may need an electronic, luminescent, or angled thermometer to account for certain tasks.

Personal Accessories

Chemical safety goggles are paramount when mixing chemicals. Anti-static gloves help keep your hands safe while keeping fingerprints and oils off film. They're also ideal when handling lenses and cameras, as they eliminate static energy buildup.

Whether you're just getting started with a film developing kit or you're looking to upgrade the tools you have, B&H Photo and Video's wide selection of developing and processing accessories is sure to have what you need.