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Response to Mail-order or other source-cheap B&W processing?

from Kip Babington (cbabing3@swbell.net)
If you haven't done so already, you ought to run the numbers on the cost of setting up to develop-only at home. You will find that the cost of basic equipment (changing bag, developing tank and reel(s), chemical bottles, thermometer, a graduate or two, etc.) is equal to the cost of commercial processing for XX rolls of film (the exact number depending, of course, on what equipment you get and whether you get it new or used.) It is immensely satisfying to develop your own film, as it gives you complete control over the process (but nobody to blame for scratches, unfortunately), an unlimited choice of film/developer combinations, and the ability to get negatives RIGHT NOW (or at least a lot faster than the mail) if you really need to. So if you're going to shoot those XX rolls of film in fairly short order, it might be worth going ahead and just setting up your own developing outfit from the start.

Be warned, however, that all developing tanks give off a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which will feed your latent desire for an enlarger and a darkroom to put it in.

(posted 9454 days ago)

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