Lomo Daylight Developing Tank First Impressions From Lomography USA

At the Lomography USA office, we’re always up for testing out new analogue gear, so when we got our hands on the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank early prototype, we were eager to put it through its paces. The promise of being able to load film in broad daylight without the hassle of a dark bag sounded almost too good to be true.

Armed with a variety of cameras we set out to see just how well this new system worked. From learning the ins and outs of the winding mechanism to experimenting with different development techniques, we had our fair share of trial and error—but by the end of our tests, we felt confident that this tank could be a real game-changer for film enthusiasts.

How was your overall experience of using the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank?

The team’s overall experience with the Daylight Developing Tank was positive. Like any new tool, there was a bit of a learning curve—especially with the winding mechanism—but once we got the hang of it, the process felt intuitive. We also did some serious Reddit research to perfect our technique with the film retriever, but after a few test rolls, we’re confident that we could easily develop a roll of black and white film with this setup.

What did you like most about it?

The ability to load film in broad daylight is pretty awesome. I think as we get better and better at the loading it will for sure take the edge off of film reeling and worrying that you might expose your film. The team has also already discussed different weird development methods as well that we want to experiment with, like developing film in beer or wine. This product would make that kind of experimentation far more approachable.

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

Like any new system, it took a little practice. The film retriever was the trickiest part at first, but once we found the right technique, it became much easier. The key was figuring out the right amount of pressure to get a good grip on the film.

Loading the film into the tank required a bit of trial and error as well, but trimming the film lead slightly helped it feed into the slot more smoothly. Once the film was inside, the development process itself went smoothly. We used 300ml of fluid per step, which worked well and minimized spills. In future tests, we might experiment with slightly more liquid to see if it affects the development consistency, but overall, we were impressed with the results.

What do you think of the design?

The design is innovative, especially for those new to film developing. The ability to load film in daylight removes a major barrier to entry, and the winding mechanism, while different from traditional methods, is a clever approach to simplifying the process.

One of the most surprising aspects was how well the lid sealed. We even tested a light inversion method out of curiosity, and the tank held up well with no leaks. This gives us confidence that with the proper clip accessory, inversion could be a great option.

For experienced film developers, the system offers an interesting alternative to traditional reels, which could make home development quicker.

Was this your first time self-developing film?

No, our team has experience with self-developing film, so we came into this with some expectations. That said, the Daylight Developing Tank introduced a completely different approach to film loading, which took some getting used to. Compared to traditional darkroom methods, this tank makes developing more approachable and beginner-friendly.

For someone used to traditional reels and dark bags, this system definitely felt unconventional at first. But after running a few tests, we could see the benefits. Once you’ve nailed down the winding technique, it eliminates a lot of the stress of handling film in total darkness.

How does the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank compare to other systems you’ve used?

Compared to classic stainless steel or plastic reel systems, this tank is a completely different experience. Traditional reels require a darkroom or changing bag and precise hand movements, while the Lomo tank simplifies that by allowing daylight loading.

The biggest difference is in the loading process. Traditional reels have a more familiar rhythm for experienced developers, but the Lomo system offers a fresh, user-friendly approach. When everything runs smoothly, it makes development faster and more convenient.

Do you have any tips for others using this developing tank?

Oh we have plenty of tips:

Master the film retriever first – The retriever is key to a smooth process, so take the time to get comfortable with it before diving in.
Trim the film lead – A slightly thinner trim on the film lead helps guide the film into the tank more smoothly.
Be patient with the loading mechanism – If you feel resistance, don’t force it—double-check that everything is aligned properly.
Test different chemical levels – 300ml worked well for us, but slight adjustments might improve development consistency.
Experiment and adapt – This system encourages creative approaches to film developing. Don’t be afraid to try alternative agitation styles or even unconventional development methods.

In case anyone is curious about our development ratios and techniques we used to achieved these photos, it goes as follows:

Our film of choice: Earl Grey B&W ISO 100
Our developer: Ilford Ilfosol 3 Developer & Ilford Rapid Fixer

Our development method:

6 minutes developer: Agitated for 1min continuously, followed by 10secs of agitation every minute after
2 minutes Stop Bath: 68 degrees F water, agitated continuously for 1 min, dumped water, refilled, agitated continuously for 1 min
5 minutes fixer: Agitated continuously for 5 minutes
5 minutes Rinse: 68 degrees F water, agitated continuously for 1 min, dumped water, refilled, repeated 5 times.

Our Developer Ratio:

300 ml in total liquid for the developer and fixer combined
Ratio of 1:9-- 50 ml Developer + 300 ml water

Who do you think the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank is most suitable for?

This tank is perfect for beginners who want to develop film at home without the intimidation of traditional darkroom techniques. It’s also a great option for casual film shooters looking for a simple, portable development setup.

For experienced developers, it offers an interesting alternative that could speed up the process once you get comfortable with the system. If you typically use inversion development, you’ll want to test it with the clip accessory for the best results.

For you, what is the appeal of self-developing film at home?

Developing your own film is an incredibly rewarding experience. It gives you complete control over the process and allows for creative experimentation. The Lomo Daylight Developing Tank lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier for more people to explore the magic of film. Even for those of us who develop regularly, this system offers a fresh, innovative approach that we’re excited to keep experimenting with.

After multiple test runs, plenty of troubleshooting, and a few deep dives into Reddit for guidance, our team can confidently say that the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank is an exciting tool for film lovers. While it takes some patience to master, the ability to develop film without a darkroom is a huge advantage—especially for beginners and experimental photographers. Whether you’re looking to simplify your home development process or try out unconventional techniques (beer-developed film, anyone?), this system makes it more approachable. We’re excited to see how this product evolves, and we’ll definitely be keeping it in our film-developing toolkit.

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 chloefuller on 2025-03-13 #gear #black-and-white #first-impressions #lomo-daylight-developing-tank