9 best darkroom chemicals

Darkroom chemicals are essential substances used in traditional film photography and darkroom processing. These chemicals are crucial for developing and processing photographic film and paper. Here is some information about common darkroom chemicals and their roles:

  1. Developer: The developer is a crucial chemical used to bring out the latent image on photographic film or paper. It reduces the exposed silver halide crystals, turning them into metallic silver. Different developers have varying characteristics, such as contrast, grain size, and development speed, making them suitable for different types of film and photographic styles.

  2. Stop Bath: After developing, stop bath is used to halt the action of the developer quickly. It neutralizes the alkaline developer, preventing further development. Common stop bath solutions contain acetic acid or citric acid.

  3. Fixer: Fixer, also known as hypo, is used to remove the remaining light-sensitive silver halide crystals from the film or paper after development. This makes the image permanent and prevents further darkening when exposed to light. Fixer typically contains sodium thiosulfate.

  4. Hypo Clearing Agent: Hypo clearing agent is used to remove fixer residues from the film or paper, ensuring that no residual chemicals can cause deterioration over time. It helps to maintain the archival quality of the processed photographs.

  5. Wetting Agent: After processing, wetting agent is used as a final rinse to promote even drying and prevent water spots and streaks on the film or paper's surface. It reduces the surface tension of the water, allowing it to flow off more evenly.

  6. Toner: Toning chemicals are used to change the color and tone of black and white prints. They can be used for artistic purposes, altering the final appearance of the photograph. Sepia and selenium toners are commonly used for this purpose.

  7. Chemical Storage: Proper storage of darkroom chemicals is essential to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. Chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. They should also be stored in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and degradation.

It's important to follow safety precautions when working with darkroom chemicals, including wearing protective gear like gloves and goggles and working in a well-ventilated space. Additionally, proper disposal of used chemicals is necessary to protect the environment.

Darkroom chemicals are still used by photographers who practice traditional film photography, although digital photography has largely replaced film in many applications. The choice of chemicals and their specific formulas can vary depending on the type of film and paper being used, as well as the desired final results in black and white or color photography.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best darkroom chemicals on the market
  

3X 500ml Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles with Caps Film Photo Developing Processing Equipment(White)

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Material: Material: HDPE plastic, chemical resistant and prevent light through.



Package include: 3x 500ml chemical bottle + 3x caps



Weight: 172g/6.60oz



Capacity: 500ml



Body outer diameter: 66mm/2.59in



Mouth inner diameter: 33mm/1.29in



Length: 192mm/7.55in



Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.

  • Material: HDPE plastic, chemical resistant and prevent light through.
  • Package include: 3x 500ml chemical bottle + 3x caps + 3x stickers
  • Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.
  • Capacity: 500ml/1pc
  • Total weight: 192g/6.77oz

3X 1000ml Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Film Photo Developing Processing 1L

eTone

Based on 134 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3x Bottles Photographic Film Chemicals Storage



Feature:

* Professional quality opaque plastic chemical storage bottle. Keeps darkroom chemicals fresh by avoiding exposure to air and light.

* Made from chemical resistant HDPE plastic, which is excellent for long term storing mixed chemicals. HDPE is anti-corrosion, acid resistance. In fact, the HDPE is almost similar to the AP/Kaiser bottles!



Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.

Material: HDPE

Package: 3x Chemical Storage Bottles

Dimension: 23.5 x 7 x 7 cm/9.25 x 2.76 x 2.76 inch

Weight: 86g/0.19lb

  • Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.
  • Material: HDPE
  • Package: 3x Chemical Storage Bottles + 3x stickers
  • Dimension: 23.5 x 7 x 7 cm/9.25 x 2.76 x 2.76 inch
  • Weight: 86g/0.19lb

3 PCS Dark Room 1000CC Darkroom Chemical Developer Storage Bottles Plastic 1L Film Processing 1000ml Black and White Color

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. Material: HDPE Package: 3x Chemical Storage Bottles Dimension: 23.5 x 7 x 7 cm/9.25 x 2.76 x 2.76 inch Weight: 86g/0.19lb

3pcs Darkroom 1000ml Chemical Bottle for Developer Stopper Fixer Film Processing Aarkroom Equipment Film Camera Accessories

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Material: HDPE, chemical resistant, lightproof. Protect chemical from air and light, prevent chemical reaction.



Package include: 3x 1000ml bottle



Suitable for developer, stopper, fixer, not deformation in long term storage and anti chemical corrosion and prevent chemical water permeate in bottle inner wall.

  • Material: HDPE, chemical resistant, lightproof. Protect chemical from air and light, prevent chemical reaction.
  • Package include: 3x 1000ml bottle
  • Suitable for developer, stopper, fixer, not deformation in long term storage and anti chemical corrosion and prevent chemical water permeate in bottle inner wall.

Kodak D-76 Developer Powder, B and W Film 1 Gallon

Kodak

Based on 166 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For general-purpose use with films such as Kodak T-MAX Professional, PLUS-X Pan, and TRI-X Pan Films; also for some spectroscopic films and plates. A favorite of pictorial photographers.Yields full emulsion speed and maximum shadow detail with normal contrast. Moderately fine grain, excellent development latitude.For use in: small and large tanks, trays, rotary-tubes, rack-and-tanks Keeping Properties:Stock solution (full strength ) in closed container (full) - 6 months; 2 months in a half full container Working solution (full strength) in a tray-24 hours (or tank-1 month) Diluted 1:1 solution-24 hours in a tray (N/A for a tank) Useful Capacity (unreplenished):Full strength in a tray; 16-8x10 sheets per gal (4 per L) Full strength in a tank; 16-8x10 sheets per gal (4 per L); useful capacity can be increased by replenishmentDiluted 1:1 in a tray; 8-8x10 sheets per gal in a tray (2 per L) Diluted 1:1 in a tank; 8-8x10 sheets per gal in a tank (2 per L)

  • D-76 provides full emulsion speed and excellent shadow detail with normal contrast, and produces fine grain.
  • One gallon mix is in powder form and must be mixed with water before use.
  • You'll find it an excellent choice for almost any general photo application.

User questions & answers

Question: Instead of mixing all the dry chemical to make one gallon, can you weigh out small amounts and make smaller quantities
Answer: Our camping multitool is built tough. It is made from Highest quality black steel with an anti-slip aluminum alloy handle to prevent slippage during use.
Question: After using the solution can you pour it back in and reuse it
Answer: Camping multitool is the lifesaver you need with you when you need a tool. It has 13 separate tools. Our camping multitool provides the following: nut plier, needle-nose plier, wire cutter, main knife, survival whistle, small scissor, rope cutter, bottle opener, steel file, 10 head screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, 9 additional type of screw heads, and finally a fire ignition rod. All these in one small multitool.
Question: Does this solution contain sodium hyposulfite? I used to use sodium hyposulfite for a science experiment when i was in school and wanted to teach it
Answer: Of course, as long as your daughter is not too young. Teenage girls will like these cool gadeges, and they need something to defend themselves. My 14-year-old daughter takes it with her every day. She loves it and recommends it to her friends.
Question: Would this work with the Unicolor developing kit if i were to use this along with the blix and stabilizer
Answer: Yes, an instruction card is included in the package, and there are structural analysis diagrams of each function of the tactical pen.

CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit for Processing C-41 Color Negative Film

Based on 122 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Processing your own color film doesn't have to be complicated or expensive! This liquid chemical, two bath processing kit can be used at a variety of temperatures with the same equipment you already process your black and white film with at home. No darkroom or automated processor required! If you already process your own black and white film, with this kit, there is no reason you can't process your own color negative film at home as well! With this simplified 2 bath process, you can have beautifully developed and fixed color negatives, ready to scan or print. All you need is water, a thermometer and any simple tank and reel system!

  • For processing any color negative (C-41) film
  • Easy to mix liquid chemicals to make 1 quart (just combine 3 parts with water)
  • 2 bath kit (just like most black and white processing)
  • No special processor needed (use standard processing tanks and reels)
  • Flexible processing temperatures

User questions & answers

Question: What is the shelf life once these chemicals are mixed
Answer: Hi!!! Put all the tools inside first then flip over to close it hope this helps!!! ❤️
Question: How many rolls of film will this kit process
Answer: Use a flathead screwdriver just under the circular tab to pop off the tab. Then the plastic hang tag will slide off .
Question: Why the more than $12 price hike
Answer: Very durable All their tools are the real deal. Got my daughters and myself all their tools and bag. Love them will last a lifetime and then pass them on.
Question: Can this develop kodak
Answer: Perfect for camping, nature hiking, mountain climbing, and other back to nature activities. Americans are self-reliant, independent, and self-sufficient. Own a tool that supports you wherever you go.

KODAK Fixer for Paper and Film, 1Gallon Mix

Kodak

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

KODAK FIXER 1 GALLON 5160320

  • Mixes to working strength

User questions & answers

Question: Does fixer powder need to be in an airtight container? The bag was ripped in transit & some powder spilt into the box. Is the entire pack ruined
Answer: This is NOT a self priming pump. There is an access hole at the top of the pump housing to pre-load liquid into the pump and hose. If you continue to have a problem, contact the DuroMax Service Manager Andrew Miller at 800 629-3325 Ext 208
Question: Do you have to mix the whole gallon at once, or are there directions to mix smaller batches
Answer: I draw water from about 5-feet below the surface. The discharge is about 6-feet above surface. It pushes water up about 2-feet and out about 8 to 10 feet. The discharge end is just the 2-nich opening. Hope this helps.
Question: When finally mixed into a gallon of water, is this a Stock solution or a (1+1) ratio? For looking at development times
Answer: Yes for sure. I lifted water 90ft vertical lift a total of 300+ft at an alarming rate
Question: For how many rolls is this fixer? Is it better to make 500 ml mix and keep the powder sheild
Answer: Mine did not come with a case

120 135 B&W Film Darkroom Kit Developing Equipment Processing Tool Developing Tank with Spiral Reel Chemical Bottle

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package included: 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1 + Chemical bottle x3 color in black + Rubber gloves x2 + 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 + 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 + 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1



Design for 120 135 film processing and developing.



Developing Tank come with 120 135 spiral reel , which can processing 2x rolls of 35 film or 1x roll of 120 film at same time, make of unbreakable plastic, heat resistant, waterproof.



The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. Accurate calibration of measuring cup and cylinder.



Brand: eTone

  • Package included: 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1 + Chemical bottle x3 color in black + Rubber gloves x2 + 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 + 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 + 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1
  • Design for 120 135 film processing and developing.
  • Developing Tank come with 120 135 spiral reel , which can processing 2x rolls of 35 film or 1x roll of 120 film at same time, make of unbreakable plastic, heat resistant, waterproof.
  • The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. Accurate calibration of measuring cup and cylinder.
  • Brand: eTone

Darkroom Developing Equipment Kit Film Processing 120 135 35mm Color B&W Film

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thermometer and timer not include battery



120 135 35mm Darkroom Film Processing Equipment Kit

Description:

The developing tank and spiral reels can be accommodated the 2 rolls of 135/35mm films at a time or 1 roll of 120 film, made of unbreakable plastic, the spirals compatible with Peterson and other tanks on the market. The timer clock have 3 independent channels can be started independently or simultaneously, clock in HR/MIN/SEC, AM/PM format. The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. The 10x magnifier loupe, it's more clear, high contrast, and let you see more details.



Package included:

1. Timer clock x1

2. Chemical bottle x3 (color in black or white, send in random but mostly in black color.)

3. Large changing bag x1

4. 135 35mm acid-free archival storage page x5 and 120 acid-free archival storage page x5

5. Rubber gloves x3

6. Film canister opener x1

7. 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1

8. 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2

9. 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1

10. 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1

11. Film Clip x5

12. Thermometer stirrer x1(not include battery)

13. 10x viewing loupe magnifier x1

  • Package included: 1. Timer clock x1 2. Chemical bottle x3 (color in black or white, send in random.) 3. Large changing bag x1 4. 135 35mm acid-free archival storage page x5 and 120 acid-free archival storage page x5 5. Rubber gloves x3 6. Film canister opener x1 7. 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1 8. 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 9. 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 10. 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 11. Film Clip x5 12. Thermometer stirrer x1 13. 10x loupe magnifier
  • The developing tank and spirals can be accommodated the 2 rolls of 135/35mm films at a time or 1 roll of 120 film, made of unbreakable plastic, the spiral reels compatible with Paterson and other tanks on the market.
  • The timer clock have 3 independent channels can be started independently or simultaneously, clock in HR/MIN/SEC, AM/PM format. timer not include battery
  • The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. The 10x magnifier loupe, it's more clear, high contrast, and let you see more details.
  • Note: Thermometer not include battery. these darkroom kit suitable for photography foundation buyer but it also suitable for beginner if you don't know how to use these darkroom kit please contact us, we will do my best to help you, we already equip correspond instruction for developing tank.

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