How to process black and white film at home, in your bathroom. Steps for generic Rodinal process and ATP 1.1 process.
Using the same set-up as for color processing, here is a method to process some black and white films and a method to process the fantastic Rollei ATP 1.1.
The methods given here are for these chemistries (all diluted in distilled water), by rotary process, at a constant 20°C temperature. I ordered chemistries from macodirect, they have everything and they are super-professionals.
1. Generic Rodinal process
Following these durations and dilutions:
I obtained these results with Kodak TMax 400, in a Holga 120 GN (with a modified aperture):
These with Kodak Tx 400, in the same Holga 120 GN:
And these with Rollei Retro 400, in a Yashica C:
If you ever test these durations and dilutions with other films, please inform me of the outcome… Here’s another method from rater, another one from eggzakly, How to process the Efke Aura IR820 with Rodinal is described in Rater’s review, and finally a nice table for many other films.
2. Rollei ATP 1.1 process
I always wanted to reproduce the results I obtained once with this film, which was processed by a lab in Québec. I guess they used a generic developer… But I wanted to try what’s advised by Rollei to hopefully get the best results. This film is particular: no pre-rinse, or rinse in water, only chemistries! And do not squeegee the film after the process, just let it dry without touching it (don’t even stare at it too much). Also, it is an Advanced Technical Superpanchromatic film, which sounds super cool.
I followed these durations and dilutions:
Since it is a polyester film it is very VERY curly after the process. When you hang the film to dry, you’ll need little weights to attach at the lower part of the films. And after it’s dry and in a protective filer, roll it around a cylinder of your choice and hold it with elastic bands for at least 24 hours (it looks smart, but doesn’t really work):
I got some crappy, but interesting, results with smoky skies:
But also some nicer ones, with sometimes the contrast burst I was hoping for:
19 comments
cyan-shine
Utterly AWESOME! :D
kdstevens
Hey Mon Ami, good work as usual! And great photos. You do get around the world. I've been using @eggzackly's stand development with good results. Rodinol rocks. Oh, I just tried another roll using cafenol. I'll post it soon. Amigo, Ken
stouf
Thanks friends ! Really appreciated from such kickass lomographers ! @kdstevens keep me informed of the results my friend !
ululchen
This might be interesting for you: http://www.digitaltr(…)evchart.php (Large database of developing times; just choose a film and/or developer on the upper left side.)
torium
I love to develop my B&W films at home! So much fun and it's nice to see the results :-)
rater
Nice results with the Rollei developpers brother! I did some ATP with rodinal, and so far my best results where pushing a bit the developping temperature, giving some nice contrasty results (if I remember well was a film I developped for @androfun. Oh, and thanks for the link :P
stouf
@ululchen: Thanks a lot for the link ! I knew this one, but didn't mention it because they were not talking about the ATP... And now I checked again and it's there ! Awesome !!!!
@torium: It is indeed orgasmic. : )
@rater: Hermano ! Good to see you're back !!!! And yes you got some awesome results with Rodinal, I remember now... In this album right ?: http://www.lomograph(…)-diana-mini
calebski
nice pics of the notre dame :D
stouf
@calebski: thanks ! @ALL: the tube is a nice trick if you want to get rid of the 'newton rings problem'. But put your films oriented along the tube (not like in the photo) and with the emulsion side towards the outside. This will curve the film away from the glass of the scanner...
dogma
WoW great tipster! need to try it out!
kylewis
I think you are fantastic!!
stouf
Oh my god you are so nice to me... Lomolove to you !!!!
vicuna
excellent as usual my friend! And I really have no more excuse to not try to process my BW myself... even if the import of the chemicals to Polynesia will cost me a lot at customs (they don't like importing of chemicals..)
herbert-4
Thanx!! Chemical source: www.freestylephoto.biz They have everything!!
stouf
@herbet-4 thanks for the link ! But I have a weakness for macodirect...
photohuggers
unh.. interresting, I will give it a try... thanks!
japsix
SUPERCOOOOL!!!!
horaciorv
cool !
stickyvinny
Great!