new to film?
We’re so happy you’ve decided to give film a try! Shooting film can be daunting to beginners, but with the proper techniques, it’s super rewarding! We at Neat Film Lab want you to be successful in your film adventures, so we’ve made this simple guide to help you out!
what is film development?
Film development is the process by which photographic film is treated with chemical solutions to produce a visible image. When exposed to light, the silver halide crystals on the film react and form a latent image, which is then developed using a series of chemical baths to produce a visible image. The development process involves several steps, including:
Developer: The film is immersed in a developer solution that reduces the exposed silver halide crystals to metallic silver, creating a visible image.
Stop Bath: The film is then rinsed with a stop bath solution to halt the developing process and prevent over-development.
Fixer: The film is immersed in a fixer solution that dissolves the unexposed silver halide crystals and stabilizes the metallic silver image.
Wash: The film is thoroughly washed with water to remove any residual chemicals and ensure the final image is stable.
Dry: The film is then dried before it can be scanned.
how do I choose film?
Choosing a film can be daunting, but it’s not difficult! First, you need to find out what size of film your camera takes - 35mm, 120, or something else. It can be difficult to find film for older cameras that take film that’s not 35mm or 120 - such as 110 and APS. Now that you know your film size, take a look through The Darkroom’s Film Index to explore the options available and their differences. For beginners, we suggest choosing a film with a high Latitude (tolerance for under or over-exposure without excessive loss of quality). Keep in mind that C-41, E6, and B+W film all have different developing processes - that range in price.
what is pushing & pulling?
Here’s a great article that explains pushing & pulling!
how should film be stored?
Film should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place - we suggest the fridge! High temperatures and humidity can damage the film and cause it to deteriorate faster, so it is best to store it in a place with stable temperature and low humidity. Direct sunlight and other sources of light can also damage the film and cause it to become overexposed, so it is important to keep the film in a light-tight container, such as a film canister or a dark storage box. Properly storing your film will help to preserve its quality and longevity.
why does film need to be kept in the dark?
Film needs to be kept in the dark because it is a light-sensitive material. When the film is exposed to light, it creates a latent image that can be developed into a visible image. However, if the film is exposed to light before it is developed, the image can become overexposed or ruined. To prevent this, film is stored in light-tight canister or packaging until it is ready to be used. During the process of loading the film into a camera and taking photographs, the film is kept in a light-sealed chamber (the cassette) to prevent any light leaks from ruining the images.
my film broke inside my camera!
If the film breaks inside the camera, remain calm and don’t open your camera! Opening the camera in a lit area can cause your film to become exposed, ruining your shots. Either bring your camera to us or carefully remove your film in a changing bag and store it in a light-tight container. You’ll want to have your film developed as soon as possible to avoid any light damage. Cold temperatures can lead to film snapping inside the camera. We suggest bringing your camera inside to warm up before winding your film back into the cassette at the end of shooting if possible. It's important to note that film breaking inside the camera is a relatively rare occurrence, and taking precautions such as ensuring that the film is loaded correctly and the camera is well-maintained can help prevent this from happening.