"Tonghang Zhou" wrote in message
...

hi, i'm looking to start doing some B&W processing myself
and would be interested in getting a kit for this purpose.
What I'm looking for, according to a B&W photo book I
recently read, are the following:


. Tank (wide mouth) and reels (plastic or Hewe brand stainless steel.)
See eBay


. thermometer.
local Dollar store.

Be sure to get one that reads same temp as MOST of the others nearby. It
should be the most accurate. If most read 72 F, 1 reads 78 and 1 reads 65,
then buy 1 that reads 72. The "odd-balls" are probably screwed up.



. film squeegee(?)
Use 2 fingers (God gave you squeegees for free) or Camera/Photo store or
order from B&H, Adorama, Porters, Freestyle, etc.



. water hose for film tank.
not needed, just flush/rinse well.
If you have a veg sprayer, try unscewing the head. (with the water turned
off!)

Most Home Depots & Lowes, etc sell adapters that screw to kitchen faucet.
They also have plastic tubing and hose adapters to connect them together. It
may take all day to find the few things needed unless you have decent help
(good luck). If you go this route, try to make it up all in one trip, else
you'll be going back. Look for cheap plastic parts, not expensive brass.



. thingies to hang film to dry.
clothes pins & string (Dollar store).

or refrigerator magnetic clips; 1 @ top & 1 @ bottom. Adjust so film doesn't
touch refrig.
Also, potato chip bag clips work. some have a hole & will hang on a tiny
nail in doorway.



. black bottles to hold chemicals.
Any plastic air-tight will do; just store in dark place/ cover w/black
plastic bag.
Some folks drop marbles into chem's to take up air space.



. beaker for measuring chemicals.
Local Dollar store, just don't use for food - ever.



. film changing bag.
Bathroom at night. Dark towel under door if needed. Sit in room w/lights out
a while & look for light leaks...

or try a dark jacket / saftey pin waist & neck closed.

or see eBay



. plenty expired film to practice reeling with.
1 junk roll should do. You can use it more than once!


. safelight.
Drugstore, Walmart : red "Party Light" (about $2.50)

or try a flashlight & red plasic cup. (2 or 3 cups maybe)




. wetting agent (photo flo?)
. film hardener (a liquid chemical additive for fixer.)
. fixer remover (a liquid chemical.)
Camera/Photo store or order from B&H, Adorama, Porters, Freestyle, etc.


Here's all you need :

1) a film developer for film & (1a) paper developer for paper.

2) 1 part white vinergar : 2 parts water makes a fine stop bath. That's all
I ever use on film and paper.
Cheap, safe & works great.

3) Fixer is used for both film & paper, but mixed in different
concentrations. (see label)

Photo-flo is just used on film. 1 small bottle will last you a lifetime.
It's not mandantory, but usually helps.

btw - Fixer is removed with water rinse. Orbit bath ("fixer remover") is not
needed; it just speeds up the rinse in a high volume operation. Forget it it
for now.




. whatever that is to test fixer life (a liquid chemical.)
When in doubt; throw it out.



In addition, I'd also be interested in:

. contact printing frame.
Try an art/hobby store for 8x10 picture frame glass. Tape edges if sharp.


. bulk film loader for 35mm.
See eBay



. unused film cassettes (must be unused.)
Camera/Photo store or order from B&H, Adorama, Porters, Freestyle, etc.

Be sure your camera doesn't require DX codes for ISO!

DX coded cassettes are available if needed, but if you want to push a roll
of 400 to 800, you'll need an 800 DX cassette, etc (unless camera allows ISO
setting). Can be very inconvienent...




Now that you see I'm a total novice, feel free to suggest other
things.

Start out with basics. The books were written by pros that have all the
fancy extras and/or expect you to be in a school that has all the fancy
equipment. You can add on / upgrade later.


While you're in your favorite Dollar store, pick up one or 2 plastic dish
pans ($1 each), a good funnel (or set of), a roll of masking tape and a
"Sharpie" laundry marker.
Two dark colored dish pans can be used for storage; 1 inverted on other. Or
just cover 1 with black trash bag to keep light & dust out.
They can also be used to get chemicals to 68 F / 20C without occupying the
whole kitchen sink.
The tape & "Sharpie" are for labling & dating bottles. Also, you may mark
bottles for proper chemical levels to save time later.
Mark all measuring cups and funnel(s) "NOT FOR FOOD" !!! Never use them for
food / drink again.




You'll probably find the plastic type tank/reel easier to load at first. Not
much practice needed for these.



Good Luck!


Thanks a lot.
Tonghang.