..There are three basic chemicals you will encounter when working with black and white film. These chemicals come in a liquid or powder form, and usually are concentrated. Therefore, they are mixed with a certain ratio of water. All photochmicals should be stored at room temperature in a dark area. This maximize the lifetime of these chemicals and their efficiency.

Developer - The developer typically consists of a developer agent and several other chemicals to make it practical. The developing agent reduces the silver ions in the exposed silver halide crystals to a metallic silver, to make the latent image visible. Since the agent is relatively slow, an activator is added to accelerate the process. This activator makes the developer alkaline. This is why developer often feels soapy, because soap is an alkaline. The strength of a developing solution is very important. Some developers can only be used once, then have to be discarded. Some can be used up to one week. It is important to be aware of these manufacturer recommendations and abide by them.

Stop Bath - Two baths are poured after the film has been developed. First, water is poured to wash away all the extra developer solution still on the film. Then a weak acid is poured in to neutralize the process and developer. Your film instructions should indicate whether or not an acid bath is required. These baths need to be replensihed usually after every one or two uses.

Hypo clearing agent - A solution for reducing the amount of time needed for washing the developed and fixed film.

Wetting Agent - A chemical not required, but preferred to ensure equal distibution of drying. Used mainly to prevent sports or streaks.

Besides the chemicals, there is some basic hardware needed. First a development tank and a film reel. This tank is light tight. It is important to not let any light ever touch your film till after it is fixed. The reel is a device used to roll your exposed film onto and also to provide equal distribution across the film surface. If you fail to roll your film properly you will have damaged areas that will be opaque purple blotches. You should consult with an experienced photographer to learn more about rolling film for it requires practice to master.

Always have some sort of timer available, for this critical variable will determine dramatic differences in film contrast and image quality. The temperature is also critical. It is recommended to measure the temperature every time you develop and compare the time with your film development chart.

You will also need some sort of washing system. Some photographers use a tornado wash, others simply place the film container with the film in it under cold running water for 2 minutes or so.

Once your film has been washed, you should hang it with saftey pins in a closet or protect area that is fairly dark. It should remain there for up to 1/2 hour or more. Unless you have equipment that will dry the film, it is dangerous to use such things as blow dryers, for the film may become damaged or spotted with dust.