AboutMalcolm Dickinson Expertise Questions about 35mm and medium format cameras, questions about developing B&W film; and questions about making B&W prints.
Experience I've been an avid photographer since 1981 and took a lot of B&W photography classes in college. I've done a lot of medium format work and have always developed & printed my own pictures.
Publications I had several photos published in college magazines and one photograph included in a juried exhibition.
Expert: Malcolm Dickinson Date: 1/23/2005 Subject: film and delevoping
Question I have a Canon 35mm camera and use fujifilm 400speed. I go through ALOT of film so I'm wondering if there's an easier way. Do photgraphers buy in bulk? Also, I'm interested in creating my own dark room to cut developing costs. Is this practical? I am currently about to upgrade my equiptment and find myself taking more and more photos all the time but the cost is concerning me as I'm in my third year of this and going stronger. I take a lot of sports photos as well as wildlife. Should I be using anything faster than 400 for sports? I appreciate in advance any words of wisdom you can offer.
Answer Yes, photographers buy in bulk. You can order bulk film (100 feet per roll if I remember correctly) from any of the big photo supply houses (Adorama, B&H, or 47th St Photo, to name a few). Each roll of 100 feet provides about 25 rolls of 36 exposures, and it costs MUCH less than 25 rolls of film.
You will of course need to buy a bulk loader (probably about $20) and several refillable cartridges (also available from any of those stores). Then you will have to spend some time loading your film. I believe the loader comes with instructions, but it'll probably be easiest if you buy a couple rolls of film, a loader, and say 8 cartriges, then find a photographer and get them to show you how. It's easy! (by the way you will also need:
- a roll of masking tape
- a pair of scissors
- a closet or other room that is COMPLETELY dark.
So YES it is practical! I have "rolled my own" film for years.
You said you use Fuji 400ASA, but you didn't say whether it is black & white or color. If you are using B&W film, then YES it is practical to develop your own film. You don't even need a darkroom! You can develop your film right in your kitchen. You just need some reels (I recommend stainless steel), a tank, a film washer, a photographic thermometer, three gallon jugs for storing chemicals, a darkroom quart measure, and some chemicals (D-76 developer, Kodak Indicator Stop Bath, and Kodak Fixer). Also you will want some PermaWash and some clothespins to hang the film up to dry afterwards.
You can learn all about developing your own B&W film in any number of photo books. But the easier way is to take a course.
If you are doing color, then I think you're better off taking your film to the store to be developed. Find the drugstore or grocery store nearest you that has the cheapest developing (or use www.snapfish.com , that's where I send my color film).
400 ASA should be fine for sports, if there is plenty of light. You can try 800ASA and see how you like it. You may feel it is too grainy; if so, go back to 400.
