Developing Color Film at Home - Everything You Need to Know

[@i3aluchi]

The amount of effort and thought put in making this video is quite remarkable. I watched this video a few times. Not only informative, but it also produces confidence which is much needed when processing C41 film for the first time. Thank you Mac for such an amazing video.

[@alpineflora586]

Just home-developed and home-scanned my very first roll of 120 using this method and cinestill's at-home kit. Thank you, Mac! You're the man.

[@ChrisLawrence]

About to develop my very first roll of film ever today. Wanted to say thank you. This video is staying near me the whole time. Much appreciated Mac!

[@klk1900]

I’ve been doing it 5yrs now and I completely agree with you. I’ve did some weird stuff on accident and I only messed the first test roll up because My first canister was one I could get next day shipping and it allowed the film to collapse on its self so it didn’t contact the developer or any fluid. But after I got my auto loading reel I’ve never screwed another one up. So yes this guy is 100% right don’t be afraid I’ve had the water temp 10-13deg off my first batches when I just used a tub of water and manual thermometer and I would add more hot water to the bucket. After 2 times I figured out that way of maintaining it. So you don’t even need fancy equipment. Just the biggest and easiest mistake is loading the film on a cheap take up reel. If it’s a cheap one the film doesn’t even fit it and it comes out of the slots. I recommend the auto loading one you slide the tab in and crank it and it sucks it on. I had got one for $5 cheaper because I could get it the next day the one that cost more was going to take 3 days because a back order. Just do yourself a favor and wait the few extra days if you run into that same problem. The cheap one the 35mm film the reel was like 33mm or less and it collapsed film in several spots.

[@noose7613]

finally a video that shows you how to do EVERYTHING

[@MacShootsFilm]

Hah! Right?! That's why I made this tutorial. I appreciate the feedback.

[@litttlewolf]

Your video is the only one that made me feel confident to develop film at home. I appreciate it so much. Im Glad you did put it out.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad I could help!

[@juans8356]

I used to work as a photo specialist at a Walgreens while we still processed film in house. This is an excellent tutorial. Brings back a lot of fond memories.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@b6983832]

This is just the beginning, developing the film. In my opinion the most interesting part is printing your pictures. It requires a little practice, but it is totally possible to print color papers by hand in a home darkroom. In my opinion, if you use film, you should also make your prints in the analog way, with an optical enlarger.

[@justrock28]

I never comment under a video but this helped me so much and took my fear of doing something wrong! Great video

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@homesteadingwithsilkiechic678]

Love the video could you please give me total cost of everything needed or that was in discription thank you

[@GirdHerd]

Mac, I know this comment is being posted 5 years later but thought I would post it anyway. An excellent in-depth "how to" video for any beginner. Just one comment and one suggestion. First, the comment, glad you use Photo Flo on your color negatives. You're the only KZbinr I've seen using it on color film. Second, the suggestion, when loading film using a changing bag, use a leader retrieval tool to pull out the film leader, cut the film leader off and start the film on the plastic spool BEFORE placing in the changing bag. That first few inches of film was already exposed to light when loading it into the camera and does not have any images on it so it's safe to do that procedure in daylight. This procedure eliminates the hardest part of loading film in a changing bag.

[@natecrossland3874]

Thanks for that suggestion! I was thinking that would be an okay way to do it. Quite literally sitting here, just before my first processing attempt, with a leader retriever in hand wondering if I can get away with that. Cheers! And thanks Mac!

[@eddyexpo]

Best tutorial on YT, even after 5yrs later…thanx

[@kylemccourt663]

Great video for getting people jazzes up to develop their own film! People should be aware though that inaccurate temp is not a big deal for those who choose to scan. The scanner hides inconsistences that you surely would not want to deal with as a dark room printer. It makes me laugh when people sing the praises of Kodak Gold that has even been home processed. I would just put them in the darkroom once with that stuff and they would soon be sending their Fuji film off the the lab:) I have obviously spent too many years as a commercial photographer and professional photofinisher.

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I used to do color slides back in the 70s. I love how easy you flow and work. Thanks for all the tips. I was so uptight and crazy. Way more chems, glass thermometers and hot water in a kettle. Getting back at it in retirement . Bang!

[@photonfantastic]

This is a crazy good video. Thank you, Mac! Easy on the Photo-Flo, though. So happy that I’ve found this channel.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelsingJiuJitsu]

I use like 12 drops of photo flo and I've been told thats too much lol Watching Mac splash it in there... He's gone completely mad lol

[@fatherdeha]

Finally a video that is completely thorough… I know it’s super long but it’s so worth it just to be sure of everything you need to know

[@Cocytus]

Very good video. I personally use a blacked out room with night vision binoculars. I never really took to the Dark Room Bag thing. I like to be able to see with my eyes, rather than "see" with my hands, if that makes sense.

[@jerry.cray..]

I followed along with this video step-by-step. I didn’t want to mess up lol. So glad I had images at the end! Now I just have to scan on the v600.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Easier than it seems, huh? Gladd you have images. LOL. Cant wait to see the scans!

[@ltmltm4945]

Hey would you happen to know if I can use the v600 scanner along with a MacBook Air??

[@Jack-qn6vy]

Thanks for this. Old timer black and white developer, getting ready for first color developing experience. I also love mystery movies: The case of the missing shirt!

[@rogerwalker3201]

Thank you so very much for this video. I’ve already purchased the kit, but I’ve been procrastinating on developing my two rolls of color film, mainly on a lack of confidence in being successful. Now, thanks to you, I’m ready a run through the gauntlet, as it were.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lcdmvdoact]

The BEST VIDEO on C41 Process....PERIOD

[@prpla145]

Fantastik! I've never had a clearer explanation than this... Congratulations!

[@decisive.moment1634]

Thank you so much for doing this! I watched it about 3-4 times in the last couple months before I finally got the courage to finally try it. Best piece of advice I got from it is not to worry too much if you mess up a little bit (though I did try to be as precise as possible). The lid popped off during an inversion cycle and blix got everywhere + it threw off my timers. I probably would’ve panicked if you didn’t share that helpful bit of advice about taking it easy. The negatives still came out great! This was the best tutorial I’ve seen, especially for a beginner like me. Definitely appreciate the time you took to make this video!

[@stevek8829]

Used the Cinestill kit last week for my first try at film development. I used a sixteen years expired non-refrigerated roll and it came out fine. The best part was no dust or water spots, a problem I've been getting with commercial development lately. Note: the blix only needs to be between 75º and 105º so not at temperature sensitive if you leave it on the counter.

[@spiritwalker6153]

I am very glad you mentioned water quality because I live in an area of the country where the water is hard and I am worried that will affect the chemistry. This is a very well thought out video/tutorial. Well done.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Great comment!! Maybe consider using filtered water for the final rinse because thats when it matters the most. The harder water the more sediments will be left over when the film is drying. Good luck!

[@spiritwalker6153]

@@MacShootsFilm I shall try to remember that. I tried developing a roll this past weekend with very limited success. I think I missed a step or two or maybe didn't agitate enough. I use the Lab box for my processing and it is easy to forget something. I will try again.

[@staha]

By far the best and most detailed developing video I've seen... big thumbs up! waiting for my Cinestill powder kit to get delivered! Can't wait. Thanks for the video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks so much for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@staha]

@@MacShootsFilm just so you know, I watched every minute of it and it's awesome. Received my powder kit and coming back to review the video. Thanks a million again for doing this.

[@Rico-ns5dt]

My only comments lol are damn I never seen someone rip a 35mm canister apart haha. The tab at the beginning of the roll is called the leader. If that matters. Lol that's a lot of photoflo Annnnnnnd... I really love your videos. I've seen almost all if them already since yesterday. Laying down all weekend even have 120 4ooh and ultrafine extreme on it's way today for my mat-124g. Thanks for sharing your passion. Thanks to Mary as well, for any patience or sacrifice that allows you to share your experiences with us. As well as her full support I'm sure.

[@MacShootsFilm]

I love tearing those canisters apart! Stress relief. LOL! Thanks for watching!

[@wilbmoore]

Mac this was excellent bro. Concise and to the point.

[@emorilong2818]

this is the most in depth video I’ve seen thank you so so so much!!!

[@izzyescandon4300]

Can’t tell you how much you helped me with this one. Much appreciated.

[@qnetx]

Great job Mac! I develop quite a bit of BW and color film and use the FPP powder for color. My work flow is similar although I don't have the fancy water heater that you do. I also cross process E-6 transparency film in the C-41 chemicals with good results. By the way, for less than $2 you can buy a pack of 40 clothes pins that I use for hanging the film instead of tape and pennies.

[@jgarcia8776]

Just ordered the CineStill kit with everything I'm so excited, thank you for this informative video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@alanstanway6118]

Maybe it was long but you did a great job for anyone who wants to have a go at C41 home processing. I've lost count of how many films I processed for customers when I had a minilab from Gretag, now sadly a company no longer in existence. Keep up the good work!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@rickrowell8465]

I usually clip off the film leader before putting it inside the dark bag for loading on the reel. I will also clip off the corners a little bit to make it easier to load onto the reel.

[@b6983832]

The temperature of water is not crucial when mixing liquid chemistry. It is more of an issue with powders, that may not dissolve correctly, if the water is too cold. Those accordion bottles are impossible to clean. There will be quite lot of residue in the bottle you store your color developer. And you are paying a premium price for those bottles. Buy your bottles from any store selling equipment for laboratories instead. Bottles cost almost nothing bought this way, and they are designed for chemistry. Same goes with measuring glasses, funnels, thermometers, etc. In photo stores you are paying a premium price for these. Also, the "stabilizer" in modern versions of C-41 is actually a final rinse. It is like Photo-Flo, but it contains also an antifungal and antibacterial agent to prevent mold and bacteria growing in emulsion during storage. It should not be washed off by Photo-Flo, which lacks this component. This stuff is meant for black and white only, where silver will prevent growth in the emulsion. Stabilizer, such as it was used before, for stabilizing the dyes, is no more used in C-41, but the old name remains.

[@1911geek]

Be confident follow your system it works for you so no need to worry about who does what. I had mini lab kid teaching me salary custom lab tech how to, all the time I smile and and say have you memorized 80% of timing for major film in the market notch codes. E-6,C-41 and BW

[@JonasWeckschmied]

Great video! Just one little thing: C41 Stabilizer is basically just Photoflo (and a little bit of Hexamine), so your last step is really not necessary

[@SuperAce780]

developing film for the first time this weekend and I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right with my cinestil liquid kit! thank you so so much.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad it helped!

[@SuperAce780]

Mac Shoots Film it sure did - the pictures came out awesome! :)

[@mjones410]

Great video Mac, was nice to see how the Cinestill TCS1000 works. Another tip for anyone struggling with loading the patterson reels is to get the ARISTA PREMIUM DEVELOPING REELs, Freestyle photo sells them. They fit in a paterson tank and they have over sized take up lugs for loading the film which make it much easier. So easy you can do it with your eyes closed ;)

[@stefanriegel9099]

Mac, that's a perfect explanation. Thanks for this video. Greetings from Germany.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@chriszietz1236]

I love your attitude, and really enjoyed this video. Thanks for putting this out.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@CalumetVideo]

Love his attitude! Not some stuck up kid!

[@HerfingPug]

Bloody marvellous. Thanks Mac.

[@lunarcontentxplosion]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I watched the entire thing. It was super, super helpful. You made it look easy. I bought the same kit you used for the video. Thanks!!!!!! I love all your content!

[@MacShootsFilm]

omar briseno Thanks so much for watching!

[@MysteryManBob]

I didn't think I'd be sitting through all fifty minutes of this but its all pretty helpful

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@pabloheimplatz]

Thank you! I develop some black and white film at home and had some worries so I don't want to try colour film. But you tipps are awesome and I order everything to try it myself. So than you very much to encourage me in this process! 🎞

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

You spoke about this process not being overly scientific, but it reminds me a lot of working in a genetics lab haha great video! I’m definitely going to need to try this someday soon!

[@MacShootsFilm]

You should! It's so easy and very rewarding!

[@nunca_te_acostaras]

everyminute is gold on this video. Just a pro tip. watch it at 1.5 speed ;) Mac, have you tried stand developing on color film?

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@loganmartinez6487]

Something you can do too when you are putting the roll on the wheel is to cut the film where the spool is and insert that side onto the wheel and you don’t have to cut the other side.

[@johnirby493]

Cut the leader off the film before putting it in the changing bag. You can easily cut it off straight and round off the corners, making it easier to feed onto the film reel.

[@andrewortiz687]

Dud this helped a lot as far as mixing the chemistry and when to maintain what temperatures. Thanks a lot developed my first successful roll of cinestill 800t after screwing up about 4 rolls of Fuji 400

[@MacShootsFilm]

That's awesome! Congrats and welcome to the world of developing! It gets fun now! :)

[@timothylarson3558]

Super informative! Glad to find out about the Cinestill TCS-1000. Thanks for making a quality lengthy video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@mplabs23]

Search vor "sous vide cooker" on aliexpress. Same product, different price ;)

[@kenblair2538]

Thanks for the great vlog, Mac . Been doing B&W for some time, been looking into this C 41 process and using Cinestill. Got temperature controller on the way, now to order the chems. KB.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Great to hear!

[@wotterdog]

Best video on developing I've seen! I'm attempting a few rolls today.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Have fun! You got this! 🙌

[@GeoffreyEduard]

There is a much easier way to put the film on the spool. Buy yourself a film picker aka film leader retriever. Then you just get the first 3 or 4 inches film out and cut the end into an arrow shape. While still out of the bag you already slide this part onto your spool. Put this, your tank and a pair of scissors into your bag and just roll your film further on the spool. Easy breazy.

[@Nicholasishappy]

thanks for making this video! it’s giving me the confidence to actually do my own processing!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@elmelmon]

To weigh the film down when drying instead of tape and pennies I us small magnets. Cool vid, great job! p.s. it did not feel like a long video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@kylemccourt663]

Or just use clothespins. One clothespin at the bottom is more than enough weight. For top, put a wire through the spring of the pin, bend the wire like an "L" to prevent it from slipping off and then form a hook on the other end that goes over the curtain rod. Been doing it this way since I learned it in photography school 30 years ago.

[@groovesme]

Pretty good share. Get some of the office binder clips they are what I've been using. Proper film clips are a bit better but hard to find these days for the better ones.

[@brianselfridge2182]

I have been developing B&W film for years. Have thought many times about developing colour film but what I have read on it turned me off of it , as you put it intimidated by it. I watched your very long video and loved it, I am now looking at colour film processing, your vid was long but on the other hand showed me how easy it really is and how cheep it is, lot cheaper than black and white

[@AnthonyGrisier]

Very informative video. I've been thinking about delving into color developing and this helped me realize that I just might be able to pull it off.

[@MacShootsFilm]

If I can do it, you definitely can do it! :)

[@noahsutton3787]

Thank you so much for this video this helped so much. My question is though, how would I be able to keep the water at 102°? That’s my one really big concern

[@miracleyacht__1538]

Get a something that fits all your chemicals and fill it up with very hot water from the tab. Then you wait for it to cool down to the right temperature and then pour it in.

[@boernes_bilder7194]

Great video with lots of information and great tips. Thank you for taking the time to record it.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@scotchtalks3252]

Thanks for this video! Hate writing comments on youtube, but really appreciate this video! Keep it up!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Scotch Talks thanks so much for watching!

[@abriewren3013]

thank you so much for making this video-- i was so confused before, but now i think i have a chance😊

[@MacShootsFilm]

I love hearing stories like this! Film should be approachable and accessible to all. Sharing knowledge and developing at home helps us get there! Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, Kaylyne!

[@alanabaxter8113]

oh my gosh thank you SO much for this video! literally every other video left me with questions so this video was insanely helpful!!!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@filmbyhari]

Most useful and thorough video ever... thanks for this!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@joachimlindback]

A goooooood instructional video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you, I have a bunch of new content coming out so make sure to subscribe!

[@AdrianDoyleIreland]

Cheers not developed any film myself yet so this was super useful to see the process.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@Nightwatch1986]

Very informative video Mac! I appreciate your time and dedication to making this. Stay safe brotha.

[@richmatthews9344]

Thank you gif sharing, awesome stuff ❤

[@haimtoeg]

This is a very good and helpful video, thank you. I haven’t developed film in 40 years, so this is a timely refresher. I’ll be using a friend’s hand-me-down sous vide machine for the temp control.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@kentonjoegibsonii2211]

Excellent video dude. Im starting to get into film developing and this has been a really helpful video.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@stephendeakin2714]

Thanks for such a detailed video. Investigating C41 process with the aim of developing XP2.

[@michaelsingJiuJitsu]

I develop xp2 using ilford ilfotec hc b&w chemistry. It turned out better than when my local lab processed it using c41 chemistry.

[@stephendeakin2714]

@@michaelsingJiuJitsu thanks for the info.

[@renzocipolla5403]

amazing thank you Mac

[@MacShootsFilm]

You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.

[@smokeybear390]

You should close your dev before pouring your blix. Don't worry about getting developer in the blix, worry about getting blix in your developer.

[@smokeybear390]

and it's mineral deposits not chemicals, same thing happens when you wash your car with hose water and let it dry in the sun

[@ungzheenedd2273]

Thank you for time to make this vid :)

[@MacShootsFilm]

Ung Zhee Nedd thanks so much for watching!

[@justinforpin2103]

Awesome video, Mac! Thanks!

[@johnhan9171]

That's a lot of work you put into this video, thank you!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdamAllen]

Great vid! Ordering my supplies right now!

[@GideonSmit]

Very useful to see you go through every step. Thanks!

[@ukr4ever]

It's hard to miss a pro when you see one! Thanks a lot for pro tips! Developed first colour film (KODAK PORTA 400), came out like a rainbow cr@p... Now I see why! :)

[@carlitodcreative]

Excellent Video!! Thanks mate!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheMPhotography]

Thanks for demystifying color development. Maybe I will also give it a try. So far I am only doing B&W development and that one is pretty straight forward and I feel comfortable so far.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Definitely give it a try. If I can do, you for sure can! :)

[@ugyentshewang9487]

Thank u

[@randallstewart175]

Certainly one of the best and most detailed videos on C-41 development. My minor concern is the use of the Paterson tank, which may be the worst tank ever made for inversion processing (It leaks; it mixes too much air into the chemistry owing the poor design of its internal funnel. Better: AP.)

[@randallstewart175]

Uses way to much Photoflo: waste of money and may leave scum on dried film. Just read the directions on the bottle. Here, that would have been about 4 DROPS, not his generous "slosh". About half the Kodak recommended dilution has worked well for me over 50 years.

[@randallstewart175]

Just rewatched this and noted a significant error which I missed originally. He is using the mixed stabilizer after wash, then doing a further bath of Phioto-Flo. The problem is that the Photo-flo bath will wash out any benefit of the stabilizer, which is meant to be the final solution for the film before it dries. To do this correctly, you just use distilled water to mix up the stablizer, then add about 2 m,l of Photo-Flo per liter of prepared stabilizer (about half the Kodak recommended amount). After wash, use this stabilizer as normal, and you are done while getting the benefits of both the final distilled water and Photo-Flo soak. Hang film to dry. (Using too strong a concentrate of Photo-flo as he does in the video will actually slow down the drying process.)

This is a great help, thanx man!

[@persiacampbell9339]

Thanks for this video

[@MacShootsFilm]

I appreciate your feedback.

[@GamertagYODER]

Great video!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks!

[@Fairychild432]

I bought my first 35mm SLR recently. Cannon rebel k2. I was disappointed to find out no stores develop this type of film. Photography hobby is expensive... I took a B/W class in school. So much expensive equipment, englarger and chemicals for the prints.

[@anthonycox5245]

Great video. Thanks.

[@carandmel]

Great video! Thank you!

[@MacShootsFilm]

You are welcome!

[@codeastronomer]

My concern is how to dispose of the chemicals later. I can't seem to find info for disposal in Singapore.

[@cosminmoldovan3526]

I usually load the film up to the bearing while it's outside the bag so I don't get a hard time trying to put it into the slots in the dark.Part of the film is already exposed to the light when loading it into the camera so it's safe.

[@RM-xd6ke]

Do you still remove the film from the canister when you’re in the dark or do you just cut it at the end of the canister? Im going to develop my own film for the first time, so trying to get tips before I do it.

[@cosminmoldovan3526]

@@RM-xd6ke I cut it at the end without removing it from the canister.Since I leave the lead out and never wind it all the way back in,there is no need for opening the canister and removing it.I think I'll make a video showing the process.I'll send you the link when it's done.

[@thehoep]

You are a legend

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you! Make sure you're subscribed, lots of new content coming out soon!

[@jameslowry1]

I liked your video as I found it very informative and detailed but I didn't need to watch it because I had already done it all before colour negative (print) colour positive (slide) and of course monochrome (B &W) films and then printing them as well YES I has done them all that is before I could no longer get the materials to continue which is why I went into digital but now I wouldn't go back to analogue photography as it is very messy compared to digital and not as instant as well

[@schwaggbagYES]

Really helpful video - thanks man

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad it helped!

[@waldemirqueiroz3483]

Great videos. You got a new subscriber. Do you have a video for your scanning process ?

[@MacShootsFilm]

Soon! Have a 3 vids coming out over the next 3 weeks then it's time to geek out about scanning!

[@javiersalguero1896]

Any idea on how to reduce noise on the developing process? Thanks!

[@xxmtfkxx]

Great educational video!!! I've just bought a canon A1..and this really helps a lot!! Anyway what scanner do you recommend?.. thank you!..😊

[@grapeful6899]

Tauffik Hassan try the epson v600 scanner

[@Wildmountainsafaris]

Thank you! Very informative !

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@loading12342000]

The TCS-1000 can go up to 125 F needed for mixing the blix or you just mixed the chemicals on a lower temperature than recommended? Sorry, I'm new to this and probably I am missing something? Cheers

[@MacShootsFilm]

loading12342000 it does go to 125, but 102F is sufficient. Thanks for watching!

[@sbarronmd]

Thanks for video. You have inspired me to try this