Supplies for Film Processing Labs

Keep your photo labs up and running with the right supplies

Many people set up their own dark room photo labs, so they can develop film. A darkroom can give businesses more control over their photo development, so they can manipulate photos or develop them in the most effective way. Working with your own photo lab equipment is best for industries where you need the freedom to manipulate your images, or you just need really high-quality prints.

In addition to the traditional supplies for film processing labs, most photographers and film developers use software to tweak photos and alter them. Many professional photo labs use programs like Photoshop to sharpen, touch-up and crop prints to your standards. However, before you invest in film processing supplies and software, consider the following:

1. Developing film must take place in an extremely dark area. Your film lab should be set up in a place where light will not penetrate. Some areas will need additional supplies, like curtains or screens, to prevent accidental exposure.

2. The area where you set up your film lab must be temperature controlled. Ideally, film is developed at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees F. You may need an air conditioning unit for your film lab.

3. Photo labs need a white light and a "safe" red light. These are often available from hardware stores or photography shops and websites.

 

Get developing tanks for your photography developing labs

Developing tanks are the containers where you develop your film. Generally, the film is submerged in a chemical solution within the tank and then agitated. These tanks can be made of fiberglass, wood or plastic, and usually hold a specific amount of film. It's best to look for tanks made without wood, since it can rot over time.
Try: Pick a developing tank from the selection available at Fibertech Darkrooms, or select one online from Adorama's website.

Purchase film drying racks for your color film processing and black and white film processing

While you can use clips or pins to hang your prints on strings like yesterday's wash, film racks allow you to let your prints dry in a more organized fashion. These racks often hold more than the traditional line-dry method and let you order your prints as well. Drying racks also give you greater freedom when positioning your prints to catch the air flow.
Try: Select a drying rack from Nova Darkroom, or get one from the Digital Foto Discount Club.

Buy chemicals for your film lab

Film labs require usually require an assortment of chemicals to complete the developing process. One of these chemicals is called a fixer, which "fixes" the prints so they can be viewed in normal light. Another, usually referred to as "soup," is used to develop the film. Other commonly used chemicals include a hypo eliminator and glacial acetic acid. These chemicals are essential for any functioning film lab.
Try: Get dark room chemicals from SPI Supplies or Calumet Photographic.

 

• Different types of film may require specific developers. Whether you're working with 16mm film processing or 35mm film processing, always check to make sure your developer will work with your film.

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