 BetterPhoto Member |
How to develop and print a 35mm color film? I have my own darkroom. I need a detailed description, a step by step process, as to how to develop and print a 35mm color film(the pictures are taken using an slr camera).
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David King |
The simplest answer is... don't. Here's why... First the film. Film labs optimize their processing for their own brands even though color neg film is usually all a C-41 process. It requires a very precise, very consistent procedure best done via a machine. The chemicals are not cheap and pouring them down the drain when done is an environmental no-no. Printing requires a color head with built in filters or a filter set for your B&W enlarger. Trying to get good color without a coach on the spot is an extremely frustrating and often costly process. It is exacerbated because it must be done in the total darkness (remember the paper has to be sensitive to all colors of light). If you really want to do your own color look for and take a class at a local community college in color printing. The usual result is convincing photographers to use a lab. Very very few pros do their own color work because it is too time consuming, too messy, too fraught with variables and picky clients so they rely on pro labs with techs who do it all day every day. David
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Well, it is fun doing it yourself, but agree on the not recommending it because of what you have to do. In fact, I'd say because it is fun needs to be your only reason because if you're under the impression that you need to do it because you have to be there to make it come out right, you won't be happy. The color enlarger, the chemicals, a way to keep the chemicals at a certain temp., a way to agitate so the print developes evenly, color correcting from test prints, the paper you use from making all the test prints for color correction, the paper you use for making test prints for exposure correction, the dark green safelight that's just as good as total darkness. But if you're set on doing it yourself, at least it's a good idea to get the negatives done at a lab and then do your own printing.
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