Discovering the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank: @alplvl's First Impressions

A passionate Lomographer and a proud member of our Lomography France team, @alplvl was one of the first to test our brand-new Lomo Daylight Developing Tank 35 mm! For the first time, she was able to develop her own shots, allowing her to experience the magic of film photography from start to finish. Check out her interview and insights below.

Camera: LomoApparat
Film: Earl Grey B&W 35 mm ISO 100
Developer/Fixer: Ilford Ilfosol-3, Ilford Rapid Fixer
Dilution ratio: developer 1:9, fixer 1:4
Temperature: 20°C
Time/Method: 7 min. Continuous agitation for the first 30 seconds, then 10 seconds every minute.

What was your overall experience with the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank?

It went really well! Thanks to the instructional video, assembling the tank was super easy, and once I understood how it worked, everything became quite intuitive. At first, I was a bit afraid of forcing some parts, but the tank is sturdy and well-designed, so there was no issue.

In the end, what made me hesitate the most wasn’t the tank itself but everything around the developing process: which chemicals to use, how to manage processing times, agitation… So, I took the time to read our tipster and check out our LomoSchool, preparing myself beforehand. And honestly, that made all the difference—it helps avoid panicking in the middle of the process!

What did you enjoy the most?

The moment when you finally see your negatives! It’s so satisfying to watch the images appear and think, wow, I did all of this myself! First, because I’m impatient—and this is way faster than waiting several days for lab development—but also because I had full control from start to finish. It allows me to experiment, try different techniques… and most importantly, better understand the film development process.

Did you encounter any difficulties or challenges while developing your film?

Yes, at first, I struggled a bit with the film retriever—I had to try several times. But once I figured out the right technique, it became effortless. The key is to stay calm, not rush, and carefully follow the steps.

The rest of the process was pretty straightforward. Once the film is properly loaded into the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank, all you have to do is follow the instructions from the manual and video, as well as the guidelines for the chemicals, and go step by step.

A little tip: pour the chemicals into the tank slowly, especially the first time. If you go too fast, it might splash a bit. Nothing major, but it's best to avoid any surprises!

What do you think of the design?

I love it! It’s minimalist, efficient, and, most importantly, super practical. The tank is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store.

Being able to use it in full daylight is a real game-changer. It takes away the stress of loading film onto a reel in complete darkness or needing a darkroom setup. It truly simplifies home development.

Was this your first home developing experience?

Yes, it was my first time! At first, I was a bit nervous because it seemed really technical. But once I got started, everything flowed smoothly. The most suspenseful moment is right before opening the tank to see the negatives. But once you see them, it’s incredibly satisfying!

Honestly, every film photography lover should try it at least once. It completely changes the way you connect with your images.

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

Yes! Before getting started, take the time to watch the instructional videos and read the manual. Even though the tank is easy to use, being well-prepared helps avoid mistakes and unnecessary stress. To get familiar with the process, it can be helpful to sacrifice a test roll—like an old expired film. That way, you can practice without the fear of losing important images.

Also, make sure to write down all the steps and development times because once you're in the middle of the process, it’s easy to forget an important detail. And most importantly, take your time and enjoy the experience!

Would you recommend it to beginners?

YES, yes, and yes! It’s perfect for those who want to start developing but feel intimidated by loading film onto a reel in the dark (which was my case). With this tank, you can load your film in full daylight—so no more excuses not to try!

I also think it’s a great option for traveling photographers who want to develop their negatives quickly without carrying too much gear. The tank is compact and easy to use, making it perfect for on-the-go developing.

What do you enjoy about developing film at home?

There are so many great reasons to develop your own film at home. First, it’s a much more economical option, especially if you shoot regularly—particularly in black and white. Lab development can quickly become expensive, whereas doing it yourself significantly reduces costs in the long run.

Beyond the technical aspect, it’s also an experience in itself. Developing film extends the magic of analogue photography and allows you to fully complete the creative process. Plus, it’s much faster than sending your rolls to a lab and waiting several days to get them back. In just a few minutes, you can already see the results!

Finally, it’s an excellent way to learn and better understand film photography. By experimenting with different chemicals and development times, you refine your eye and gain even more control over your photographic approach!

Now it’s your turn to take control! Develop your own photos—quickly, easily, and all by yourself—with our new Lomo Daylight Developing Tank. Bring your shots to life!

And don’t forget to inspire the rest of the community by sharing your results on your LomoHome.

written by alplvl on 2025-02-27 #gear #news #black-and-white #first-impressions #lady-grey-b-w #lomoapparat #lomo-daylight-developing-tank #lomo-daylight-developing-tank Share Article