I recently got extremely interested in black and white photography but I have an APS camera, so I found an SLR Minolta laying around my shed and have started trying to figure it out. Soon I would like to try developing some pictures, I know I will be terrible at it for a while but I guess you have to start somewhere. Could someone tell me how to go about starting?(like what would I need, where to get it, how to use the items, etc.) Thanks an incredible amount, Carisse

-- carisse nash (carissenash@hotmail.com), April 19, 2001

Answers

Get a book on basic darkroom work at your local library or camera shop. In fact, there may be a web site that provides basic info. Attend a local camera club meeting and ask for help. To develop film, you will need a developing tank, some inexpensive chemicals, and a changing bag or room that can be darkened enough to allow getting the film into the developing tank. You can then process the film in your kitchen or bathroom sink. Then, of course, you need a real darkroom of some sort to permit making prints from your negatives.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), April 19, 2001.

Carisse:

If you are interested in B&W, you might want to check out Agfa's online course at http://www.agfaphoto.com/library/bwcourse/index.html.

-- Ken Burns (kenburns@twave.net), April 19, 2001.

You might want to try www.darkroomsource.com, it has lots of interesting information.

Cheerio

-- floren (flcpge@yahoo.com), April 19, 2001.

Carisse,

Check out freestylecamera.com. They sell supplies to schools and colleges. You can get a starter developing kit for about $40. I would start with a conventional film like Ilford Fp4, Hp5 or Kodak Plus x , or Tri x and stay with that one film until you are getting the results you want. Use a well tested film developer like D76 or ID11. Use a water rinse, not a stop bath acid. You only need a dark closet to load the film onto the spool, the rest can be done in daylight. Use Kodak rapid fix without the hardener. For printing, you could start by renting time at a darkroom.

Good Luck, Greg

-- Greg Rust (KGEICRUST@AOL.COM), April 19, 2001.

I would say start with a book, an online course or a course from your local community college. Then haunt this list. The people here are really great in helping you (I've learned quite a bit here)!

Johnny

-- Johnny Motown (johnny.motown@att.net), April 22, 2001.

I learned B&W film development and basic printing techniques thru an adult education class offered by the local community college. Check to see if there is something like this in your area. Sure the web has lots of great info, but there's no substitute for actual hands on experience and the guidance of an expert instructor to help you thru the process!

Only one thing, beware, you'll get hooked on this and you won't be able to stop taking, developing, and printing pictures! Have fun and good luck!!

-- Ron Meyer (top_flite1@juno.com), May 16, 2001.