Developing Black and White Film with Ilford Chemicals
- March 27, 2025
- 4 weeks ago
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At Moler’s Audio Visual, we’re passionate about helping photographers bring their visions to life, and there’s nothing quite like the hands-on magic of developing your own film. For those diving into the world of analog photography, or seasoned pros looking for reliable chemistry, Ilford chemicals stand out as a trusted choice. With a legacy rooted in black-and-white photography, Ilford offers a range of products that make film developing accessible, consistent, and rewarding. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process and highlight why Ilford chemicals—available right here at Moler’s—are the perfect fit for your darkroom.
Why Choose Ilford Chemicals?
Ilford has earned its place in the hearts of photographers with decades of expertise in black-and-white photography. Their chemistry is designed to deliver exceptional results, pairing seamlessly with films like Ilford FP4 Plus or HP5 Plus, as well as other favorites. At Moler’s Audio Visual, we stock Ilford’s trusted lineup because it offers reliability and flexibility for photographers of all levels.
The Essentials: What You’ll Need
To start, you’ll need a developing tank, reels, a dark bag or room, and your chemicals. Here’s the Ilford setup we recommend, all available at Moler’s Audio Visual:
- Ilford ILFOSOL 3 Developer: A liquid developer prized for its fine grain and sharpness.
- Ilford ILFOSTOP Stop Bath: A concentrated liquid to cleanly halt development.
- Ilford RAPID FIXER: A fast-acting fixer to stabilize your negatives.
This trio gives you everything you need for a streamlined, high-quality developing process.
Step-by-Step: Developing with Ilford
Here’s how to process your film with Ilford’s classic chemicals, straight from Moler’s Audio Visual:
- Prepare Your Chemicals: Mix your Ilford chemicals according to the instructions. ILFOSOL 3 is typically diluted 1+9 with water (1 part developer to 9 parts water) for standard use, or 1+14 for greater economy. Keep the temperature steady at 20°C (68°F)—a thermometer is your friend here.
- Load Your Film: In total darkness (use a changing bag if you don’t have a darkroom), remove your film from its canister and load it onto the reel. Place the reel in the tank and secure the lid. You’re now free to work in normal light.
- Develop: Pour the ILFOSOL 3 into the tank. Agitate gently for the first 10 seconds, then tap the tank to dislodge air bubbles. Refer to Ilford’s development times for your specific film (check their charts or packaging), agitating for 10 seconds every minute. ILFOSOL 3 excels at producing crisp, detailed negatives with excellent sharpness—perfect for slower films like Pan F or FP4 Plus.
- Stop: Drain the developer and pour in ILFOSTOP (diluted 1+19). Agitate for 30 seconds to stop the development process, protecting your negatives from overcooking.
- Fix: Empty the stop bath and add RAPID FIXER (diluted 1+4 or 1+9, depending on your needs). Agitate for the first 10 seconds, then every minute for 3-5 minutes. This step locks in your images, making them permanent and light-safe.
- Wash: Rinse the film with running water for 5-10 minutes to remove any leftover chemicals. A thorough wash ensures your negatives stay archival.
- Dry: Hang your film in a dust-free area using clips. Let it dry naturally for a few hours—patience here prevents dust or scratches.
Tips for Success
- Follow the Times: Stick to Ilford’s recommended development times for consistent, repeatable results.
- Experiment Thoughtfully: Try ILFOSOL 3 at 1+14 dilution for softer contrast or to stretch your supply—just adjust the time accordingly.
- Store Properly: Keep your chemicals in airtight containers to maintain their strength, especially once diluted.
Get Started with Moler's Audio Visual
Developing film at home connects you directly to your photography, and Ilford’s classic chemicals make it a breeze. Stop by Moler’s Audio Visual to pick up ILFOSOL 3, ILFOSTOP, and RAPID FIXER to process your next roll. Whether you’re chasing sharp details or smooth tones, Ilford and Moler’s Audio Visual are your partners in the darkroom.
Happy developing!