Film and Print Development
- Shawn Green
Our darkrooms are equipped to develop film, create silver-gelatin prints, and to create alternative process work.
How to Access our Darkrooms?
You must be currently enrolled at CCAD and have received training in a class, or from a CCAD Faculty / Staff member. Please contact Lab & Studio Management if you would like to use this facility and need training.
Basic Chemicals and Products
Film Developer
PURPOSE
Converts silver halides to metallic silver, resulting in a visible image. Often dark brown / crystalized when dried. The longer film is developed, the darker the image will be.
Our standard developer is made by Sprint. Other products are available for use.
USING IN OUR LAB
Create a dilution of 1 part developer with 9 parts water.
If using an alternative developer, refer to the package.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Dispose of if done for the day, or if the solution turns brown (solution is exhausted)
Print Developer
PURPOSE
Developes light sensitive paper to create a visible image. Print Developer is specifically formulated for creating consistent contrast and tonal ranges across exposure levels. Using film developer in its place is not advised.
Our standard print developer is made by Sprint.
USING IN OUR LAB
Create a dilution of 1 part developer with 9 parts water.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Dispose of if done for the day, or if the solution turns brown (solution is exhausted)
Fixer
PURPOSE
Removes excess silver and makes the image insensitive to light. White when dry.
Our standard fixer is made by Sprint.
USING IN OUR LAB
The fixer is already diluted for you. It is available in two large containers in the main development area, and is managed by lab staff. Fixer can be reused many times before it is exhausted.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Return used fixer to the large containers. Do not pour used fixer down the drain.
Stop Bath
PURPOSE
Immediately halts image development by changing the pH of the film. Prevents developer carry-over to the fixer solution.
Our standard stop is made by Sprint. Other products are available for use.
USING IN OUR LAB
Create a dilution of 1 part stop with 9 parts water.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Dispose of if done for the day, or when the solution turns purple (solution is exhausted)
Perma Wash (Hypo Clearing Agent)
PURPOSE
Perma wash (Hypo Clear) neutralizes the pH of your film and aids in the washing process, allowing for shorter water wash times. It is critical for archival preservation of film or prints over long periods of time.
Our standard perma wash is made by Heico.
USING IN OUR LAB
This is already diluted for you and is available in a clearly labelled working solution jug in the main development area.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Return to the working solution jug. Do not pour down the sink.
Photoflo (Wetting Agent)
PURPOSE
Photoflo reduces the surface tension of water, making it harder for water to stick to itself and bead up. Used as a final rinse, Photoflo helps by preventing water spots and drying streaks on your film.
Our standard perma wash is made by Kodak.
USING IN OUR LAB
This is already diluted for you and is available in a clearly labelled clear squeeze bottle in the main development area.
WHEN YOU’RE DONE
Dispose of.