Antonio Sotelo's First Impressions of the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank 35 mm

Developing film is the ultimate serendipitous experience for an analogue photographer. There is a unique kind of adrenaline when you open your tank, and voila the photos appear. It is something that will never stop amazing photographers.

Mexican photographer Antonio Sotelo tested our brand new Lomo Daylight Developing Tank 35 mm and we talked with him about the experience. We are thrilled to hear about his journey and his tips for first-time developers.

Camera: Lomo LC-Wide
Film: Potsdam Black & White 35mm, ISO 100
Developer: Ilfosol 3
Dilution:1+9
Fixer: Rollei RXA
Development time: 6 min
Agitations: 12 seconds every two minutes

Hi Tony, welcome to the Lomography Magazine. How was your overall experience of using the Lomo Daylight Developing Tank

Hello, thank you for having me. I was pleased with how practical it was to develop film without the need for a darkroom or a dark bag. Often, it can be difficult to access these tools, so using a tank that can be available even in daylight is really convenient. Opening the tank and catching the first glimpse of the images you’ve captured and developed is such a satisfying feeling.

What did you like most about it?

I really liked that once you finish shooting the roll, you can start developing right away. Normally, there's a significant wait, whether it's because you need to find a place to load the roll in complete darkness, gather the necessary equipment, or send the roll to your trusted lab to get the results. With the tank, you can shorten this waiting time and easily develop your rolls.

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

At first, I had trouble understanding how the tank worked, especially the steps to assemble it and insert the film canister into the film holder. I had to practice several times with the manual to get the hang of the assembly before I felt confident enough to do it for real.

While loading the film, I’d recommend doing it slowly and carefully. Once the film was loaded, the developing process and pouring the chemicals became much more fun.

What do you think of the design?

The size is just right for developing in a regular bathroom or sink at home. Once you learn how to assemble and use the components, it becomes practical and relatively simple. I would say it's efficient and can be easily transported anywhere without difficulty.

Was this your first time self-developing film?

Previously, I had developed film during my bachelor’s in a photographic lab course. One of the most challenging parts for me was having to remove the film from its canister without damaging it and properly loading it onto the developing reel—all in complete darkness, with no clear indication that the process was being done effectively. Now, I found it very interesting to have control over the process and be able to see each step clearly in daylight

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

It’s all about completing the process—taking photos is already such a rewarding thing to do. But being the one who develops and fixes those shots on film creates a stronger connection with the images. Every step you take while developing directly affects the outcome and adds your own personal touch to it. Developing at home allows you to finish the full cycle of film photography.

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

I think it’s a good idea to practice the assembly process several times until it becomes familiar. Once you feel more confident, you can start the developing process. You don’t need to know everything right from the beginning—it's important to take precautions, but don’t let fear limit you from trying and starting. It’s a fun activity, and there will always be more time to keep learning. The more you do it, the more control you'll gain.

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

The tank is great for both beginners and more experienced users. For beginners, it makes home developing a lot easier, and you don’t have to worry about light leaks. Plus, it gives you more control when developing. For those with more experience, it’s a good way to compare different tanks and see how the results turn out. You can also experiment without having to wait forever or depend on specific conditions or equipment.

Would you recommend it for beginners?

Definitely, it’s a great tool for getting started with home developing. You don’t need a lot of experience to give it a try, and it makes the whole process much easier. It’s definitely worth giving it a go.

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 eparrino on 2025-02-27 #gear #lomo-daylight-developing-tank Share Article