Testing the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank: First Impressions by @ludovicazen

Film photography enthusiasts know that developing their own photos is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. With the introduction of the new Lomo Daylight Developing Tank, darkroom-free film processing becomes easier and more accessible than ever. Our team member @ludovicazen recently put this innovative tool to the test before the official release. Discover the results below!

Hi Ludovica, was this your first time self-developing film? If so, how was the experience?

Although I've been passionate about analogue photography for several years now, this was my very first time developing my own film, and using the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank made the experience even more thrilling! The process, which can sometimes feel intimidating for beginners, was surprisingly smooth and intuitive.

From loading the film to watching the negatives emerge, every step was both exciting and satisfying. The sense of accomplishment that comes with developing your own photos is truly special, and this tool makes it accessible to photographers of all skill levels.

What do you think of the design?

I absolutely love it! It reduces the experience to the essentials, making it intuitive and incredibly convenient to carry around. Everything feels well thought out, and it’s perfect for those who want a simple, hassle-free way to develop film. I’d recommend assembling and disassembling the tank a few times without chemicals before your first development session. Getting familiar with the different parts in advance makes the process much smoother and helps you feel more confident when it’s time to actually develop your film.

What did you like most about it?

The tank’s daylight-friendly design eliminated the need for a darkroom or changing bag, allowing me to focus entirely on the magic of seeing my images come to life. As I reached the final steps of the developing process, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. In just a few minutes, I would see my photos — something that usually requires waiting days when using a lab. It was a strange but satisfying feeling to know that I was in control of the whole process and didn’t have to rely on anyone else.

Did you have any difficulties or challenges during the process of developing your film?

The only step that required a bit more attention, and where I hesitated the most, was figuring out which chemicals to use, how long to agitate, and the exact timing for each stage of development. At first, it seemed a bit overwhelming, but a quick search online and a look through the Lomo School provided all the answers I needed. With clear instructions in the manual and helpful resources available, this part of the process turned out to be much simpler than I had expected. After just a bit of research, I felt confident enough to move forward, and everything fell into place smoothly.

Do you have any tips for those who want to use it?

Simply follow the steps in the manual, check out our online tips, and trust yourself!

But if you really want to feel more relaxed about your first few developments, I recommend using film rolls you're not too attached to (I know, it’s tough!) The process should go smoothly, but since it's a new experience, it’s good to approach it with some caution — especially if you're worried about potentially ruining some precious shots!

For my first development, I chose a roll of Lady Grey 35 mm film. I shot with a Lomo LC-Wide during a chill walk in the park with my colleagues and the adorable Pom!

Would you recommend it for beginners?

Absolutely! As a beginner myself, I couldn’t have asked for a better tool to handle my very first development. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and makes the whole process much less intimidating. I highly recommend it for anyone just starting out!

Camera: Lomo LC-Wide
Tested Film: Lady Grey B&W 35 mm ISO 400
Developer: Ilfosol 3
Dilution: 1:9 (35mL developer/fixer, 315mL water)
Time: 6.5 minutes
Agitations: first 30 seconds, then 2 agitations every 2 min
Fixer: Rollei RXA

If you're ready to dive into developing your own film, check out our new Lomo Daylight Developing Tank! Grab your roll of film, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of developing your own photos!

written by ludovicazen on 2025-03-06 #gear #people #tank #development #self-development #daylight-tank Share Article