Far Out Aunt with Plastic Camera
Developing the film from a disposable camera is similar to developing a traditional reel of film. If you are familiar with film developing, one of the most difficult tasks about developing a disposable camera is getting the film out of the camera. If you are new to developing film, read on to learn develop the film in your disposable camera.
Instructions
Retrieving the Film
1. Remove the outside cardboard and paper casing from your disposable camera. You might need to cut it away with scissors.
2. Unscrew the screws or unclasp the clasps that are holding your camera together. If you have difficulty popping the camera open, use a paper clip to pry open the camera body.
3. Put the camera inside a developing bag, or set up your tools in your dark room. Only open the camera in a dark space to avoid exposing the film to light.
4. Open the camera and clip the film from the inside spool. Insert the straight edge into your film reel and wind the film onto the reel.
5. Place the loaded reel of film inside your developing tank. Put the lid on the tank and turn on the lights.
Developing the Film
6. Read all of the instructions on the chemical containers before you begin developing your film. Use exact measurements, and read the time requirements for your film type.
7. Pre-wash your film by filling the developing tank with water and allowing it to soak for about two minutes. Pour out the water.
8. Add the developer solution and tap the developing tank to break up bubbles. Agitate for the recommended length of time. Timing with this step is critical, so be sure to read instructions and follow them to the letter.
9. Pour developer solution back into its container to be used again at a later date. Perform the stop bath by filling the tank with water. Shake the water in the developing tank and then empty. Repeat the stop bath process a second time.
10. Pour the fixer solution into the tank and agitate briskly every 10 seconds for five to 10 minutes. Pour contents back into the storage container and rinse film.
11. Unscrew the lid to begin the washing process. Your film now can be safely exposed to light. Fill the tank with water and swish vigorously for about 20 seconds, then empty it into the sink. Repeat this process for 10 minutes.
12. Add a half-inch of wetting agent to your developing tank and fill slowly with water until your reel of film is completely submerged in the mixture. Tap the tank to burst unwanted bubbles, and allow the film to soak for about 30 seconds.
13. Empty the developing tank, and take out the reel of film. Begin unraveling the reel and hang the film to dry in a dust- and dirt-free environment for at least four hours.
14. Cut dry film with your scissors into manageable negatives, and store them in a paper or plastic sleeve.
Tips Warnings
Follow all chemical directions to the letter.
If, after your film has dried, you notice strange spots or bubbles on the film, you might want to roll it back onto the reel and wash it again.
Do not expose your film to the light before the recommended time, as this will damage your negatives.
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