How to Develop 35mm Slides ~ Enhance Photography Skill

Developing your own film is a way to intimately connect with your photography. Just as an artist puts the finishing touches on a masterpiece, you as the photographer can put the same care and dedication into your work by developling your own slides. Plus, it saves you money. Developing 35mm slides is a process similar to developling other types of film. With the proper materials, time and lots of patience, you can develop your 35mm slides in the comfort of your own home.

Instructions

Rinse your developing tank with hot water and dry thoroughly. The developing tank is a special tank available at most photography stores. In addition to its lid (which can be screwed shut), it has a column where a film reel can be placed. With the lid on, the developing tank prevents the film from being exposed to light. Clean it with hot water to prevent any damage to your slides.

Set up your equipment in a bathroom, basement or other place that is completely free of light. Use duct tape and towels to close off cracks or spots where light shows.

Lay out the 35mm slide-film canister (still closed), the developing tank and its lid, and the film reel in your developing space. Know where each item is. The next steps require total darkness; avoid mistakes by carefully laying out your materials.

Douse the lights. Steps 5 and 6 must be performed in complete darkness.

Load the film onto the film reel. Take a bottle opener and pry the cap off the 35mm slide-film canister. Next, take the 35mm film out of the canister and cut off the leader portion at the start of the roll. Handling the film by the edges only, carefully feed the end of the film into your film reel.

Place the loaded film reel onto the center column of the developing tank. Place the lid of the developing tank back on and screw it shut.

Turn the lights back on.

Pour water into the tank and let the film pre-soak for one minute (35mm film requires a one-minute pre-soak). Pour out the water after one minute.

Dilute the developer solution according to the specifics printed on your film's box. While many companies make 35mm film, various chemicals may be used by different manufacturers. Check your film's box to check how much you should dilute the developer solution.

Pour the diluted developer solution into the developing tank. Pour enough to completely submerge the film. Once filled, gently agitate the film by flipping the tank over every minute. Do this for at least eight minutes. Pour the developing solution out.

Fill the tank back up with water, shake it gently, and pour the water out. Repeat. Next, fill only half of the tank with water and shake vigorously. Pour the water out and repeat this process for 10 minutes.

Use a wetting agent to prevent water spots. Pour a small amount of wetting agent into the tank and fill the rest with water. Let the film soak for 30 seconds and then remove the film.

Open the reel and carefully hang the film up to dry. Once it is completely dry, you can cut the 35mm film into slides, put them in slide mounts and place them in your projector.