I LOVE YOU THANK YOU. You made it feel less stressful, the teacher I have didn't clearly describe each step and left us with stack of heavily detailed papers to learn from and then asked for us to process our film anytime of the week. Thanks again, you really made this easy breezy and sound nothing like complex but much like a fun gentle experience.
Thank you so much for your kind words!! It's like music to my ears :)) I'm glad you were able to fill in the gaps your teacher left you with and learn from Professor Agar. I hope you get an "A" in your class!! Good luck to you!
Trangent Thanks! Professor Agar is an excellent teacher because I went yesterday to process my film like no problem gurllll! I did very well on my own!!! Thanks again, have a good day!
I haven't done B&W since High School! This brings back memories! Even Professor Agar was just like my instructor. Very informative and fun. The reason I'm watching these videos is to show a friend of mine why digital SLR cameras have all these settings like ISO, fStop, speed, etc. He has no idea what it took to make a photo manually. Effects like Dodge and Burn were all done by hand in the dark room. Thanks for posting these videos :-)
Thanks Captain Jack!! I'm glad you enjoy our videos and find them useful even while using a digital SLR! I hope your friend found the information useful and is taking great pictures. Good luck to you!! :)
I’m taking a print photography class and this saved my life. My professor is an adjunct professor who seems to not understand I need help and have ruined a roll of film. This video saved my grade!
He seems like the kind of teacher I'd enjoy having. :) Appreciate these instructions! I'm currently writing a subject on differences between traditional film photography and digital photography, and this helped a lot ^^ Made a fine reminder for how the process went, when I did this exact same thing in high school! :)
Thank you!! I'm glad you were able to use this information!! I really enjoy digital because I love to see what I shot right away. I also like to manipulate my images in Photoshop. With digital, I just shoot a lot without always thinking (which is fun and can yield interesting results...). I take more time and think first when I'm shooting with film. Because I plan my shots to get the best results, I see things differently. These are reasons why I like traditional photography :)
When I was in middle school decades ago, the photography teacher (Mr. Truman) has us keep the film on the reel after a dunk in the PhotoFlo, and wave it through the air until you couldn't feel any more drops of water on your other hand. It's the method I still use to this day.
That would be an interesting method to watch :) There are many ways to do the same thing. It's awesome to continue to do things the way a beloved mentor taught you!! You're lucky to have that tradition to carry on! Professor Agar has techniques he still does the way he was taught by his dad who learned from photography masters--you'll see some of them in his newest videos: Developing Your Film... Wrong! (ua-cam.com/video/OdpfRqDDZyw/v-deo.html) and Practical Problems Solved in the Darkroom (ua-cam.com/video/7eha7v1tVzA/v-deo.html). Best of luck to you!
I used to whack the protruding end of the spool of the cassette on the counter to push the cap off the other end, and if that didn't work, I'd use a bottle opener. The bottle opener method would usually bend the end cap and make the cassette unuseable for re-loading. Cutting my negatives into six strips of six allowed me to make a contact print of all 36 frames on one sheet of 8 X 10 paper. A newer version of the Patterson proof printer which I used to use is still available at Adorama.
Bulk loading film is awesome if you are an avid 35mm shooter and want or need to save money. You can also make your own custom length (16, 20, 24-exposure) rolls. But it takes some effort and won't work for every camera, and you probably will lose some shots in the process. I found a great article and how-to on bulk film: www.35mmc.com/27/12/2019/worried-about-the-price-of-film-some-thoughts-on-bulk-loading-and-my-process-by-daniel-sigg/. And, I think the author might be from MN!! I always used a bottle opener to open the film-and hadn't heard of loading your own film at that time!! Instead I used the canister pieces for art projects... :)) Thanks for the tips!! -L
Thank you so much for this! I finally moved somewhere where there is a public darkroom and I'm able to develop my own film again. Unfortunately, it has been YEARS since I was able to do so, so this is very, very helpful.
May I suggest extracting the leader in the light, using a device which may still be available, then cutting the corners off in the light. You may then locate the leader in the spool, turn the light off and then pull the cassette down. This will enable you to load using the ratchet without the film coiling up. Pull the cassette down again as it gets to the spool.When fully loaded you cut the cassette away from the spool quite easily. This also works if you are using a centre loading spool though this takes a lighter touch. I also used to check the dev temp and stand the tank in a bowl of warm or cool water depending in which direction I needed to nudge the temp. Also agitate every 30 secs to increase contrast. I just checked - you can still buy a film leader extractor. If I am going on a bit I apologise but these videos are bringing it all back to me. I really need to get all this gear back again. I started as a kid in the 1960's and printed my last in the late 90's. I was pro by then but colour was replacing B&W and, of course, digital came not long after. There's a lot of nostalgia in this for me. All the best Jon
There are lots of different ways to do the same things :) We're glad our videos are bringing back memories for you and inspiring you to get back into black and white photography!! Film photography is not dead! There are many wonderful articles on the Internet that say so and that in fact it's making a comeback. Nothing will ever replace the experience and beauty of black and white photography. Good luck to you Jon!!
I prefer the convenience (and ease) of digital, but I cannot give up my old camera, a Minolta 7000i. When I used it on purpose (instead of as a point and shoot), I got excellent results. I especially love the ones I developed myself :)
I was about to say that you could load the film with the light on but then I remembered back in my high school photography class we loaded it in a special black bag. We were in normal light but we had to do it with our hands and the supplies in the bag. It was quite a process, however it was nice working with your work like that.
Hello Rez :) You can do it like that too! Some would prefer your way-less scary...! I'd prefer to see the film-loading darkroom with the lights on first so I knew what I was getting into lol. Thanks for watching!!
I had no idea John Lithgow was into photography! (I did not read all the comments, please let me know what number “Lithgow” reference my comment was) Great presentation. I was a B&W hobbyist back in 1968.
I did this stuff years ago when I was in the navy (64-68), only we used a stainless steel reel and container. Technique is virtually the same with some minor differences. One point was I used a bottle opener for getting the film canister apart, although in the navy we bought our 35mm film in bulk and used reusable film canisters.
A Purvere When I took his class a few years ago, we used can openers to get the film containers opened. There are still some hanging around--stuck by magnets to anything metal. Thanks for watching!!
You are too funny. Excellent presentation. I love your attention to detail. I feel like I can do this. You are a great teacher. Thank you very much for posting this! Excellent!
Seems like one fun professor, thanks for this. I never did a photography study but he would make it fun as hell I guess. About to develop my first film next week or so. Excited.
***** The way he agitates the tank is the best way to keep the film covered with “fresh” solution. Developing chemicals become “exhausted” shortly after being in contact with the film (a part of the developing process). Properly agitating the tank is very important to getting great results. Under agitating usually yields less contrast, while over agitating tends to increase the contrast, but could also damage the film. The invertible tank he uses does not come with a part like that. There are other types of tanks-some you slide back and forth or some with a handle to turn. Inverting the tank as Professor Agar does causes some of the liquid to escape, but not much. Good luck to you!!
DoeDoeJohn Thank you for your prompt reply about touching the film. For some reason, UA-cam is not informing me of comments. I've checked my settings and they seem to be set right.... Thank you for helping out!!!
@TVJustJack Very sorry for the late reply--UA-cam used to email me with comments and they haven't been! The answer to your question is: When film is wet, with clean hands, make sure you handle the film on its edges and as little as possible until it is dry. It is best to air-dry it overnight. I'm sorry for the confusion and hope you've been developing your film with no problems! Good luck to you!
You can extract the first 2 or 3 inches of film with a handy device and trim the end in the light. I still have this gadget. Certainly made life easier. Whats also handy is that you can reload the cassette from a bulk stock of film. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
+jj53 Thanks for the tips, although it is always best to work with undeveloped film in complete darkness. Even though there is usually a generous area of blank film at the beginning, even a very small amount of light getting into the canister can ruin those first shots. I like the idea of reloading bulk stock into an empty film container. How did that work for you? Thanks for watching and good luck to you!! :)
Never had a problem with light getting around the tool. The bulk film loader was great and enabled you to recycle used film cassets. The is no darkroom stage in loading the cassets and you could cut film costs considerably. I think the bulk FP4 or HP5 came in 100ft lengths.
Bulk film sometimes comes unnumbered - it maybe ex movie stock - I don't really know - but it worked. I was a kid then and doing things in a different way was part of the attraction as well. I haven't shot film in 14 years now. Processed my last B&W pics in the late 90's. May go back to it one day :)
jj53 Bulk film wouldn't work very well if you were trying to have a photo company reprint some of your negatives! You're so right-not doing things the way everyone else did them was/is very attractive!! Sounds like you had fun back then! Hopefully you can get back into developing and printing one of these days :)
¡Gracias, gracias, gracias! We are thrilled you've gained so much from our videos!! We're having a contest and want to encourage you to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. But hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to try something new or enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Best of luck to you!!! -L
if only i had had a teacher like will ours in the uk did not do photography it did not stop me having a life long interest though keep up the good work
¡Eres muy bienvenido! How exciting to have your own place to develop film! We are happy our videos are so helpful to you and your girlfriend! Have you seen any of our newer videos? We're having a contest and want to encourage you both to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. Hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Best of luck to you!!! -L
Hey Trangent:) It's going super well! I am actually starting with experimenting with lith printing tommorow:) Am rather excited! Have done quite a bit of alternative processes! It's so much fun!! Thanks for asking!
t3r080 Thank you!!! Good luck on the darkroom--you will have so much fun!! I hope to record a video about various home darkrooms, but it may be awhile. They are often not as organized or high-tech like the one in the videos.... :) Thanks for watching!!
It is best to use gloves and other precautions but easier to not... The majority of chemicals used in the black and white darkroom are classified in the range of non-toxic to slightly toxic. However, black and white developers can be toxic, especially when ingested or inhaled or when in contact with bare skin. Some, but not all, people are extremely sensitive to chemicals present in some developers which can cause severe skin reactions.
Hey guys great stuff I must say I love your videos a lot they are absolutely helpful. Still I have one question: Right after I got the film out of the Cassete, is it possible for me to touch it the way Mr Agar did it? Or do I have to be careful?
Elainiel Baldwin You have to be in complete darkness--you cannot see your hands when loading film onto the reel!! If you don't want to be in total darkness, you can get a black bag specially made to use when loading film. Your hands, film, reel, and tank go in the bag. You won't see what your hands are doing, but you will be able to SEE. There is another kind of film you can use that can be loaded while using a red safe light--it is called orthochromatic. "Orthochromatic photography refers to a photographic emulsion that is sensitive to only blue and green light, and thus can be processed with a red safelight. The increased blue sensitivity causes blue objects to appear lighter and red ones darker" (from Wikipedia). Ilford makes orthochromatic film.
loved the video, I just wanna leave another tip for beginners when loading the film on the real! wen rewinding the film in the camera, don't rewind it all the way in the canister live the leader (the little bit of the film when it is new) and just fold it over a bit so that you know it's used, that makes it easier to load the film on the roll since you can begin to load it in the light. But only the first bit! that's what i do and it saves me a lot of time
Thank you David!! He is a doppelgänger for a few others too! Other views thought he also looks like Paul Newman and John Lithgow. There may be others but those two come to mind... Thank you for your kind words about our video!! 🥰 -L
Hi Ruby! Thank you!!! You should only touch the edges of the negative. If you don't, you could scratch the negative or leave finger prints on it. Professor Agar is much more careful when he is actually developing and printing film. Here he is only demonstrating the technique. Sorry for the confusion! Thanks for watching!!!
This is a great video and it will help me a lot. I love film photography and now i have the confidence to try developing myself. Thanks for the video and I hope you got an A in the class :)
In your opinion how did Ansel Adams achieve such smooth tonality and detail. I understand how the zone system and contrast control but finest of detail, sharpness is still a mystery. Which developer compounds and formulas should I consider. Thanks in advance
Appreciate it! This whole series has been such a great supplement to learning the process in class at my university. It's one thing to have 30 students gathered around a tacking iron or enlarger with one professor trying to teach everyone at once, but a complete other to have a one on one lesson with a veteran photo professor on UA-cam that can be rewound over and over til you've got it down. I now come to class fully grasping each new step in the process and CONFIDENT, while other students struggle.
Great to hear, Clarissa!! Glad you enjoyed our video and it helped you. Good luck to you!! I hope you continue developing your film and get amazing results!! Thanks for watching :)
Thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed the video :) Have you seen any of our newer videos? We're having a contest and encourage you to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. Hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to try something new or enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Good luck to you!! -L
This is an awesome video, just keep in mind that when attempting in real life, all the agitation should be done over the sink!! The puddles of photochemicals on the floor can cause someone to slip, or can dry into a powder kicked up by walking feet and inhaled straight into your lungs.
I taught Photography in the 1980's at a College. The 'Normal Home Snapper' does not use ' 5 gallon Deep Tanks OR a posh 'Film Washer' --- also in UK we have to 'save water' SO we use the 'Ilford Ltd' method of washing : Rinse off gross Fixer, fill tank with Water and give 5 inversions, Empty, fill with water and give 10 inversions, Empty, fill with water and give 20 inversions, Empty, put reel into Water with Wetting Agent for about a minute, get off reel, hang to dry. Also you used loads of Developer -- you just need enough to cover that spiral set for 35mm which is 280mls I use -- luckily the College is paying for the expensive Chemicals and Water Rates not you personally . Hope you don't mind this comment -- just my 2 pence worth ( in Sterling Currency)
Professor Agar says, "Compared to a membership in an exclusive Golf Club, the developing and printing are cheap. Like a gallon of gas in the 1970s, prices have gone up but chemistry is cheap. Film and paper, which contain silver, is the most expensive investment. I always throw out chemistry-preferring to make sure everything is fresh." Thanks for your 'two pence' and thanks for watching, Peter!! Good luck to you in everything you do! :)
Always a good idea to load as many spools as the tank will take, even if you are only developing one film. This will ensure that the film spool will not move up the spindle and out of the developer. Of course the film spool goes in first!
This is lovely!! I'm soon getting my first SLR, a Canon AE-1 and it's my first experience with film camera! I'm really excited to learn something completely new than working with my DSLR, and the developing process actually looks so fun and exciting ! Awesome! :D
Bertnahhaha Thank you!! How exciting!! Using film is really nice--you will see things differently using it. Developing your film yourself and making your own prints is an amazing experience--one you cannot know using a DSLR! Good luck to you!!!
Hey. I have the same tank and i have a problem with it. When i put the developer in etc it leakes on the top part (the orange part) the lid. It doesnt matter how much i press. Any suggestions? Thanks
You would use different chemicals but it's the same idea in processing. It's probably best to have a service do it to save time and so that you can concentrate on statement rather than process. Good luck with those old movies!!! Thanks for watching :)
Professor Agar says, "From beginning to end the ideal temperature for all chemicals and washing is the same. 68 and 70 degrees tend to be the standard favorites but I have heard of other technicians who claim 75 degrees is best. They often live near the equator." Thanks for watching Ferrari! Good luck with your photography :))
Developers are made from many chemicals, some of which are fairly toxic. At North Hennepin, they use both Marathon and D-76. Professor Agar says they find no apparent difference between the two, but since Marathon comes in a liquid, it is easy to mix and to use different dilutions.
Brings back memories when I was taking photography in high school three years ago. Unfortunately for me I did not take this class serious at all since it was my senior year and I needed one more class to fill up my schedule. However, i recently got back into photography and bought a t5 rebel. I might go back to film once i mastered digital photography.
This story resonates with me so much, I took photography in my senior year as well because it was an easy class and I needed credits. Didn't take the class seriously, just flew through it for the credits. 6 years later (last month) I purchased a Nikon D90 and I've been trying to recall any little piece of information I can from that class to help me take better photos. So far I've got 3 pictures on Shutterstock and dozens online for friends and family, but I'm constantly trying to learn and improve my skills, wishing I had paid more attention back in high school lol.
+WarriorDescision Sounds like me too :) I had film photography in high school in my senior year as well. I didn't pay much attention to the basics but had lots of fun...! Many concepts of film photography (that Professor Agar demonstrates in these videos) apply to digital and some of the things you learn while shooting digital apply to film. I hope you get a chance to try film again-it's a very rewarding experience. Good luck to you!!
+Mark H: I did the same in my HS photography class :) Congrats on getting pictures on Shutterstock!!! You must be doing something right! I hope you've found some of Professor Agar's other videos helpful and inspiring to you. Wishing you continued good fortune with your photography!! Thanks for watching :)
I had to ask Professor Agar this question :) You did!! It is a postcard from his Walker Art Show a few years back of a model in Paris while he was shooting fashion for Magnum. Thanks for watching!!
This man is a true teacher. His whole being is dedicated to his work and we can see this. Love these videos!!!
Thank you Pityu!! That is so kind of you to say!! Glad you love the videos! Thanks for watching :)) Sok szerencsét!!
Stop simping
hes a legend. I wish I lived close enough to his school so I can use the darkroom. I cant find any good darkrooms in my area with someone to teach.
I LOVE YOU THANK YOU. You made it feel less stressful, the teacher I have didn't clearly describe each step and left us with stack of heavily detailed papers to learn from and then asked for us to process our film anytime of the week. Thanks again, you really made this easy breezy and sound nothing like complex but much like a fun gentle experience.
Thank you so much for your kind words!! It's like music to my ears :)) I'm glad you were able to fill in the gaps your teacher left you with and learn from Professor Agar. I hope you get an "A" in your class!! Good luck to you!
Trangent Thanks! Professor Agar is an excellent teacher because I went yesterday to process my film like no problem gurllll! I did very well on my own!!! Thanks again, have a good day!
+Musical Cacophony Awesome!!! So glad to hear that!! We wish you continued success in your photography :))
I haven't done B&W since High School! This brings back memories! Even Professor Agar was just like my instructor. Very informative and fun. The reason I'm watching these videos is to show a friend of mine why digital SLR cameras have all these settings like ISO, fStop, speed, etc. He has no idea what it took to make a photo manually. Effects like Dodge and Burn were all done by hand in the dark room. Thanks for posting these videos :-)
Thanks Captain Jack!! I'm glad you enjoy our videos and find them useful even while using a digital SLR! I hope your friend found the information useful and is taking great pictures. Good luck to you!! :)
I’m taking a print photography class and this saved my life. My professor is an adjunct professor who seems to not understand I need help and have ruined a roll of film. This video saved my grade!
That's wonderful Aislan! We're glad our video helped you get greats results and a good grade!! Best of luck to you!!! :)
big thank you to you and professor Will Agar. keep film alive, believe in film.
Way better of a teacher than my photography teacher.
Thanks GoldenTV3!! We're glad you like our videos!! :))
The "Don't drink it" part was funny haha.
Thank you @Frank Wong! Glad you enjoyed the video!! :))
LOL
He seems like the kind of teacher I'd enjoy having. :) Appreciate these instructions! I'm currently writing a subject on differences between traditional film photography and digital photography, and this helped a lot ^^ Made a fine reminder for how the process went, when I did this exact same thing in high school! :)
Thank you!! I'm glad you were able to use this information!! I really enjoy digital because I love to see what I shot right away. I also like to manipulate my images in Photoshop. With digital, I just shoot a lot without always thinking (which is fun and can yield interesting results...). I take more time and think first when I'm shooting with film. Because I plan my shots to get the best results, I see things differently. These are reasons why I like traditional photography :)
When I was in middle school decades ago, the photography teacher (Mr. Truman) has us keep the film on the reel after a dunk in the PhotoFlo, and wave it through the air until you couldn't feel any more drops of water on your other hand. It's the method I still use to this day.
That would be an interesting method to watch :) There are many ways to do the same thing. It's awesome to continue to do things the way a beloved mentor taught you!! You're lucky to have that tradition to carry on! Professor Agar has techniques he still does the way he was taught by his dad who learned from photography masters--you'll see some of them in his newest videos: Developing Your Film... Wrong! (ua-cam.com/video/OdpfRqDDZyw/v-deo.html) and Practical Problems Solved in the Darkroom (ua-cam.com/video/7eha7v1tVzA/v-deo.html). Best of luck to you!
Its really nice to hear these instructions from a professor.
I used to whack the protruding end of the spool of the cassette on the counter to push the cap off the other end, and if that didn't work, I'd use a bottle opener. The bottle opener method would usually bend the end cap and make the cassette unuseable for re-loading.
Cutting my negatives into six strips of six allowed me to make a contact print of all 36 frames on one sheet of 8 X 10 paper. A newer version of the Patterson proof printer which I used to use is still available at Adorama.
Bulk loading film is awesome if you are an avid 35mm shooter and want or need to save money. You can also make your own custom length (16, 20, 24-exposure) rolls. But it takes some effort and won't work for every camera, and you probably will lose some shots in the process. I found a great article and how-to on bulk film: www.35mmc.com/27/12/2019/worried-about-the-price-of-film-some-thoughts-on-bulk-loading-and-my-process-by-daniel-sigg/. And, I think the author might be from MN!! I always used a bottle opener to open the film-and hadn't heard of loading your own film at that time!! Instead I used the canister pieces for art projects... :)) Thanks for the tips!! -L
Thank you! His classes at North Hennepin fill fast!! Professor Agar has been using film for YEARS and prefers it over digital!
Thank you so much for this! I finally moved somewhere where there is a public darkroom and I'm able to develop my own film again. Unfortunately, it has been YEARS since I was able to do so, so this is very, very helpful.
+Amber Finnegan Thanks Amber!! Glad you found the video so helpful! We wish you much success in all your photographic endeavors!! :)
+Amber Finnegan I hope you've been able to use that public darkroom and amazing things have developed!! :)
Awesome. Used this video as a precursor to film development for my middle schoolers. Excellent results. Thanks!
@Dan Will Thank you!! In answer to your question, as long as your hands are reasonably clean you should have no problem. Good luck!!
May I suggest extracting the leader in the light, using a device which may still be available, then cutting the corners off in the light. You may then locate the leader in the spool, turn the light off and then pull the cassette down. This will enable you to load using the ratchet without the film coiling up. Pull the cassette down again as it gets to the spool.When fully loaded you cut the cassette away from the spool quite easily. This also works if you are using a centre loading spool though this takes a lighter touch. I also used to check the dev temp and stand the tank in a bowl of warm or cool water depending in which direction I needed to nudge the temp. Also agitate every 30 secs to increase contrast. I just checked - you can still buy a film leader extractor. If I am going on a bit I apologise but these videos are bringing it all back to me. I really need to get all this gear back again. I started as a kid in the 1960's and printed my last in the late 90's. I was pro by then but colour was replacing B&W and, of course, digital came not long after. There's a lot of nostalgia in this for me. All the best Jon
There are lots of different ways to do the same things :) We're glad our videos are bringing back memories for you and inspiring you to get back into black and white photography!! Film photography is not dead! There are many wonderful articles on the Internet that say so and that in fact it's making a comeback. Nothing will ever replace the experience and beauty of black and white photography. Good luck to you Jon!!
I'm working on a book with a photographer protagonist - thanks so much for these video's, they have helped me enormously!
Awesome Sarah!! Glad we could be of help! Thanks for watching and best of luck to you!!
I prefer the convenience (and ease) of digital, but I cannot give up my old camera, a Minolta 7000i. When I used it on purpose (instead of as a point and shoot), I got excellent results. I especially love the ones I developed myself :)
I was about to say that you could load the film with the light on but then I remembered back in my high school photography class we loaded it in a special black bag. We were in normal light but we had to do it with our hands and the supplies in the bag. It was quite a process, however it was nice working with your work like that.
Hello Rez :) You can do it like that too! Some would prefer your way-less scary...! I'd prefer to see the film-loading darkroom with the lights on first so I knew what I was getting into lol. Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for sharing! This is like the 5th time watching these videos and i learn something new every time.
Thank you Jorge!!! I'm glad you like our videos!! Thanks for watching! :))
Thank you!!! Mr. Agar is great and so fun to work with!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I had no idea John Lithgow was into photography! (I did not read all the comments, please let me know what number “Lithgow” reference my comment was) Great presentation. I was a B&W hobbyist back in 1968.
I did this stuff years ago when I was in the navy (64-68), only we used a stainless steel reel and container. Technique is virtually the same with some minor differences.
One point was I used a bottle opener for getting the film canister apart, although in the navy we bought our 35mm film in bulk and used reusable film canisters.
A Purvere When I took his class a few years ago, we used can openers to get the film containers opened. There are still some hanging around--stuck by magnets to anything metal. Thanks for watching!!
Thank God I live in the digital age. Just take a picture and get the final outcome instantly, brilliant!
I like instant too Andrey. However, taking a more active role from developing the film to the final print is very rewarding! Thanks for watching :)
You are too funny. Excellent presentation. I love your attention to detail. I feel like I can do this. You are a great teacher. Thank you very much for posting this! Excellent!
+fuseman911 I hope you have had great results in your photography!!
Seems like one fun professor, thanks for this. I never did a photography study but he would make it fun as hell I guess. About to develop my first film next week or so. Excited.
Hey what ever happened to waiting your turns, doing it all by hand?
Automatic
Beh
+187onaPigeon Thanks for watching!! I'm glad you enjoyed our video :) Hope your film developed into something awesome!!
+Michael Park Ya you betcha' :)
The first ever guy to come up with this.
Thank you for watching our video.
***** The way he agitates the tank is the best way to keep the film covered with “fresh” solution. Developing chemicals become “exhausted” shortly after being in contact with the film (a part of the developing process). Properly agitating the tank is very important to getting great results. Under agitating usually yields less contrast, while over agitating tends to increase the contrast, but could also damage the film.
The invertible tank he uses does not come with a part like that. There are other types of tanks-some you slide back and forth or some with a handle to turn. Inverting the tank as Professor Agar does causes some of the liquid to escape, but not much. Good luck to you!!
This teacher is very funny and interesting. I wish I had him as my instructor!! Good video
+Sweaty Muscles Virtually he is your instructor :)) Thanks for watching!!
DoeDoeJohn Thank you for your prompt reply about touching the film. For some reason, UA-cam is not informing me of comments. I've checked my settings and they seem to be set right.... Thank you for helping out!!!
@TVJustJack Very sorry for the late reply--UA-cam used to email me with comments and they haven't been! The answer to your question is: When film is wet, with clean hands, make sure you handle the film on its edges and as little as possible until it is dry. It is best to air-dry it overnight. I'm sorry for the confusion and hope you've been developing your film with no problems! Good luck to you!
You can extract the first 2 or 3 inches of film with a handy device and trim the end in the light. I still have this gadget. Certainly made life easier. Whats also handy is that you can reload the cassette from a bulk stock of film. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
+jj53 Thanks for the tips, although it is always best to work with undeveloped film in complete darkness. Even though there is usually a generous area of blank film at the beginning, even a very small amount of light getting into the canister can ruin those first shots. I like the idea of reloading bulk stock into an empty film container. How did that work for you? Thanks for watching and good luck to you!! :)
Never had a problem with light getting around the tool. The bulk film loader was great and enabled you to recycle used film cassets. The is no darkroom stage in loading the cassets and you could cut film costs considerably. I think the bulk FP4 or HP5 came in 100ft lengths.
Nice!! It's always great to save money!!
Bulk film sometimes comes unnumbered - it maybe ex movie stock - I don't really know - but it worked. I was a kid then and doing things in a different way was part of the attraction as well. I haven't shot film in 14 years now. Processed my last B&W pics in the late 90's. May go back to it one day :)
jj53 Bulk film wouldn't work very well if you were trying to have a photo company reprint some of your negatives! You're so right-not doing things the way everyone else did them was/is very attractive!! Sounds like you had fun back then! Hopefully you can get back into developing and printing one of these days :)
I learned how to develop and print film with these videos!
This guy has a way better personality than my B&W photography teacher.
Gracias caayero, you save our lives, gracias gracias muchas gracias, from Chile with love 😘😘😘💜
¡Gracias, gracias, gracias! We are thrilled you've gained so much from our videos!! We're having a contest and want to encourage you to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. But hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to try something new or enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Best of luck to you!!! -L
if only i had had a teacher like will ours in the uk did not do photography it did not stop me having a life long interest though keep up the good work
That working space is awesome! Very informative and well done video! Thanks for you time!
This video was very helpful for my girlfriend an I. We just started a lab and develop our film and others' at home. Love ya.
Gracias caallero.
¡Eres muy bienvenido! How exciting to have your own place to develop film! We are happy our videos are so helpful to you and your girlfriend! Have you seen any of our newer videos? We're having a contest and want to encourage you both to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. Hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Best of luck to you!!! -L
fuseman911 Thank you for your kind words about "Developing Film"!!!
Thank you!! We all enjoy his sense of humor!
Dylan Barnes Thank you!! I'm glad you were able to use it for your class!
We used a can opener to open the 35mm film many years ago.
They use either a fancy gadget or can openers to open film canisters there :)) Thanks for watching!
Thank you--I'm glad you liked it!! He is a cool guy and a great photographer!!
Professor Agar does like this camera--especially the large view finder.
These videos are excellent. Thanks for taking the time to make them!
Thank you for your kind words, Mister Film Guy!! I'm glad you like them :)
i watch this video like every year! Im ready to get in to developing at home!
Awesome!! Thanks +HIMAGES eL Puru!! Glad you like the video and can learn from it! Good luck to you-hope developing at home goes very well!!
So So rad!!! I have just started studying photography and am soon amped to start with film!!
Thanks for the cool videos:)
+Gideon Horn Thanks Gideon!! Good luck to you!!
+Gideon Horn How has your film photography been going? Hope you are getting great results!!
Hey Trangent:)
It's going super well!
I am actually starting with experimenting with lith printing tommorow:) Am rather excited!
Have done quite a bit of alternative processes! It's so much fun!!
Thanks for asking!
Gideon Horn That's awesome Gideon!! I'm glad things are going really well with your photography. Stay excited and you'll create amazing stuff!!
Absolutely fantastic.
This made me want to build my own little darkroom etc. Cool stuff! Thanks.
t3r080 Thank you!!! Good luck on the darkroom--you will have so much fun!! I hope to record a video about various home darkrooms, but it may be awhile. They are often not as organized or high-tech like the one in the videos.... :) Thanks for watching!!
Me: Wears gloves, tries to work as clean as possible, doesn't dispose chemicals to the sink...
Will Agar: hold my rodinal
It is best to use gloves and other precautions but easier to not... The majority of chemicals used in the black and white darkroom are classified in the range of non-toxic to slightly toxic. However, black and white developers can be toxic, especially when ingested or inhaled or when in contact with bare skin. Some, but not all, people are extremely sensitive to chemicals present in some developers which can cause severe skin reactions.
Thank you! He is a great teacher and so very funny! Glad you liked it!!
***** Any good film cleaner can be used. Professor Agar likes the Edwals brand :) Thanks for watching!
Just like our school back in the 70’s! Thanks!
I love this guy! he makes it look so easy
Thanks Jonathan!! It isn't really that difficult-you can even do it at home! And it is fun!! Thanks for watching :)
Thank you so much video is clear and to the point and made me smile and feel like I can totally do this at home. You rock!
Thank you so much Phase Lola! Glad we made you smile!! You CAN do it-good luck to you!!
Hey guys great stuff I must say I love your videos a lot they are absolutely helpful. Still I have one question:
Right after I got the film out of the Cassete, is it possible for me to touch it the way Mr Agar did it? Or do I have to be careful?
Thank you for this video it really helps. My professor explained it in such a complicated way :/ But now it makes sense, so thank you so much! :)
You're welcome!! I'm glad it helped you! We've got two more in the works--check back!
This guy is awesome! Love all the videos. Wish I was closer, I would take his class...
+Spencer Pullen Thank you Spencer!! He teaches digital photography online so you COULD take one of his classes... :) Thanks for watching!
Would be great if he could do a series on 4x5 and 8x10 film.
Spencer Pullen I have mentioned this to Professor Agar. Thanks!!
Elainiel Baldwin You have to be in complete darkness--you cannot see your hands when loading film onto the reel!! If you don't want to be in total darkness, you can get a black bag specially made to use when loading film. Your hands, film, reel, and tank go in the bag. You won't see what your hands are doing, but you will be able to SEE. There is another kind of film you can use that can be loaded while using a red safe light--it is called orthochromatic. "Orthochromatic photography refers to a photographic emulsion that is sensitive to only blue and green light, and thus can be processed with a red safelight. The increased blue sensitivity causes blue objects to appear lighter and red ones darker" (from Wikipedia). Ilford makes orthochromatic film.
loved the video, I just wanna leave another tip for beginners when loading the film on the real! wen rewinding the film in the camera, don't rewind it all the way in the canister live the leader (the little bit of the film when it is new) and just fold it over a bit so that you know it's used, that makes it easier to load the film on the roll since you can begin to load it in the light. But only the first bit! that's what i do and it saves me a lot of time
Thanks for the tip Max! Best of luck to you in everything!!
@@Trangent thanks, you too
Nice video, thank you! I've been working on agitation technique and the demonstration was great.
Hi Ryan! We're glad our video helped you! Thanks for watching and good luck to you in your photography!! :))
Thank you!! More coming...
Excelente. Muy interesante muy sencillo de seguir.
Tim Gunn’s doppelgänger has spoken. Brilliant video.
Thank you David!! He is a doppelgänger for a few others too! Other views thought he also looks like Paul Newman and John Lithgow. There may be others but those two come to mind... Thank you for your kind words about our video!! 🥰 -L
I wish I had a professor like him at my school. Great tutorial! One question. Are we able to touch the bottom part of the negative?
Hi Ruby! Thank you!!! You should only touch the edges of the negative. If you don't, you could scratch the negative or leave finger prints on it. Professor Agar is much more careful when he is actually developing and printing film. Here he is only demonstrating the technique. Sorry for the confusion! Thanks for watching!!!
This is a great video and it will help me a lot. I love film photography and now i have the confidence to try developing myself. Thanks for the video and I hope you got an A in the class :)
+FOMH I hope you have been enjoying photography and making great prints!!
In your opinion how did Ansel Adams achieve such smooth tonality and detail. I understand how the zone system and contrast control but finest of detail, sharpness is still a mystery. Which developer compounds and formulas should I consider. Thanks in advance
Which liquid is he using in the light table aftter the film is dry and to get the streaks off?
Thank you for this video! Makes the process so clear and easy to follow. Cheers
Thank you Brian!! :)) Glad you like our video! Good luck to you!!
Appreciate it! This whole series has been such a great supplement to learning the process in class at my university. It's one thing to have 30 students gathered around a tacking iron or enlarger with one professor trying to teach everyone at once, but a complete other to have a one on one lesson with a veteran photo professor on UA-cam that can be rewound over and over til you've got it down. I now come to class fully grasping each new step in the process and CONFIDENT, while other students struggle.
❤️❤️ Thank you Brian!!!!! ❤️❤️
I haven't developed since my freshman year, I'm a little rusty but this video helped out a lot film came out great :)
Great to hear, Clarissa!! Glad you enjoyed our video and it helped you. Good luck to you!! I hope you continue developing your film and get amazing results!! Thanks for watching :)
Best description ever
Thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed the video :) Have you seen any of our newer videos? We're having a contest and encourage you to enter: ua-cam.com/video/IPbS7K0Wmfw/v-deo.html, ua-cam.com/video/Qzyfgz0nl0Q/v-deo.html, and ua-cam.com/video/hXJYErB22VY/v-deo.html. Hurry-entries are due soon: Nov. 30. This is a perfect time to try something new or enter something you've shot during the quarantine! Good luck to you!! -L
I would love to be his pupil. This was highly entertaining I never knew there were so many steps.
+Victoria Jackson Thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked our video!! :))
he is just such a sweetheart lol
+Grandmuva Awwe thank you!! Glad you enjoyed the video! :))
This is an awesome video, just keep in mind that when attempting in real life, all the agitation should be done over the sink!! The puddles of photochemicals on the floor can cause someone to slip, or can dry into a powder kicked up by walking feet and inhaled straight into your lungs.
Great tip Emily!! Caution with chemicals is very important-thanks for the reminder!! Best of luck to you :))
Thank you Teacher!!!! And you are just the greatest Teacher!!!!! Very good lesson, see you tomorrow? )))
Thank you for your kind words!! Much as we'd like to see you tomorrow... 😁
Wow great instructor and great facility! I wish the darkroom I used when I was in school looked as nice as that. Great video!
+Julia Scheckel Thanks Julia!! Good luck with your photography!!
I taught Photography in the 1980's at a College. The 'Normal Home Snapper' does not use ' 5 gallon Deep Tanks OR a posh 'Film Washer' --- also in UK we have to 'save water' SO we use the 'Ilford Ltd' method of washing : Rinse off gross Fixer, fill tank with Water and give 5 inversions, Empty, fill with water and give 10 inversions, Empty, fill with water and give 20 inversions, Empty, put reel into Water with Wetting Agent for about a minute, get off reel, hang to dry. Also you used loads of Developer -- you just need enough to cover that spiral set for 35mm which is 280mls I use -- luckily the College is paying for the expensive Chemicals and Water Rates not you personally . Hope you don't mind this comment -- just my 2 pence worth ( in Sterling Currency)
Professor Agar says, "Compared to a membership in an exclusive Golf Club, the developing and printing are cheap. Like a gallon of gas in the 1970s, prices have gone up but chemistry is cheap. Film and paper, which contain silver, is the most expensive investment. I always throw out chemistry-preferring to make sure everything is fresh." Thanks for your 'two pence' and thanks for watching, Peter!! Good luck to you in everything you do! :)
Fancy seeing you here, Peter!
Always a good idea to load as many spools as the tank will take, even if you are only developing one film. This will ensure that the film spool will not move up the spindle and out of the developer. Of course the film spool goes in first!
Thanks jj53-that is very good advice! :) Thanks for watching our videos!!
Nice I had no idea how this process worked.
This is lovely!! I'm soon getting my first SLR, a Canon AE-1 and it's my first experience with film camera! I'm really excited to learn something completely new than working with my DSLR, and the developing process actually looks so fun and exciting ! Awesome! :D
Bertnahhaha Thank you!! How exciting!! Using film is really nice--you will see things differently using it. Developing your film yourself and making your own prints is an amazing experience--one you cannot know using a DSLR! Good luck to you!!!
+Bertnahhaha I hope you've been having fun with your film camera and are making amazing prints!!
lovd the game of trying to winde it enough so i still have a bit of a tab so i dont have to open the case.
+Dom Kelly Just have to make sure that the lip of the cassette does not have dirt or you may scratch the film.
Good tutorial, the only thing we used to do differently was leave the film spool on when loading the spiral, that way it didn't curl up on you.
The Photo Show I hate it when the film curls!! Thanks for watching!!
Will Agar is such an incredible lecturer. He is God.
Whoa-God has really big shoes to fill! Thank you Idwan!!! :))
Hey. I have the same tank and i have a problem with it. When i put the developer in etc it leakes on the top part (the orange part) the lid. It doesnt matter how much i press. Any suggestions? Thanks
I have a question can this apply to 16mm and 8mm movie film because i really want to develop my films !?
You would use different chemicals but it's the same idea in processing. It's probably best to have a service do it to save time and so that you can concentrate on statement rather than process. Good luck with those old movies!!! Thanks for watching :)
What's the temp. Supposed to be when washing the film at min13? Warm water? Cold? In between?
Thank you!
Professor Agar says, "From beginning to end the ideal temperature for all chemicals and washing is the same. 68 and 70 degrees tend to be the standard favorites but I have heard of other technicians who claim 75 degrees is best. They often live near the equator." Thanks for watching Ferrari! Good luck with your photography :))
This professor is awesome! :) Helped so much! Thank you
Thanks, Eric!! I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
I’m taking a photography class and we need to develop film. This was very helpful. It’s a lot of work tho wow
Thanks Austin!! Glad you liked our video. I hope you did very well in your photography class!! Best of luck to you!!!
Trangent I dropped it bc it was too long but I’ll probably take it later
You should!! Best of luck to you either way!!
Cool video, very informative and great technique
+andy T Thanks Andy!! Glad you liked it :))
I always liked the Olympus as the view finder was really big!
w
Developers are made from many chemicals, some of which are fairly toxic. At North Hennepin, they use both Marathon and D-76. Professor Agar says they find no apparent difference between the two, but since Marathon comes in a liquid, it is easy to mix and to use different dilutions.
Brilliant! You are quite the entertainer.
Thank you! He's great with people!
Brings back memories when I was taking photography in high school three years ago. Unfortunately for me I did not take this class serious at all since it was my senior year and I needed one more class to fill up my schedule. However, i recently got back into photography and bought a t5 rebel. I might go back to film once i mastered digital photography.
This story resonates with me so much, I took photography in my senior year as well because it was an easy class and I needed credits. Didn't take the class seriously, just flew through it for the credits. 6 years later (last month) I purchased a Nikon D90 and I've been trying to recall any little piece of information I can from that class to help me take better photos. So far I've got 3 pictures on Shutterstock and dozens online for friends and family, but I'm constantly trying to learn and improve my skills, wishing I had paid more attention back in high school lol.
Actually film is more beginner orientated.
+WarriorDescision Sounds like me too :) I had film photography in high school in my senior year as well. I didn't pay much attention to the basics but had lots of fun...! Many concepts of film photography (that Professor Agar demonstrates in these videos) apply to digital and some of the things you learn while shooting digital apply to film. I hope you get a chance to try film again-it's a very rewarding experience. Good luck to you!!
+Mark H: I did the same in my HS photography class :) Congrats on getting pictures on Shutterstock!!! You must be doing something right! I hope you've found some of Professor Agar's other videos helpful and inspiring to you. Wishing you continued good fortune with your photography!! Thanks for watching :)
+Arhus Babcock Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier Bresson did ok...
These videos are wonderful!
This video was incredibly helpful! Thanks!
Thank you Sarah!! Glad you enjoyed the video! Have a great 2017!!
This was so helpful! He's so much nicer than my professor lol wish he was my teacher!
+Melissa Borges Thank you Melissa :)) He is a nice professor. Thanks for watching!!
@Ante Matković Mr. Agar says, "Wrap a towel around it and hunt for a new tank and reel. Patterson is very good."
I loved this!! watching on my lunch break :)
+Mars Volta Thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm very new to all this, and I wanted to know what the Marathon solution is made up of.
I spotted an Alec Soth print at 15:18 !
I had to ask Professor Agar this question :) You did!! It is a postcard from his Walker Art Show a few years back of a model in Paris while he was shooting fashion for Magnum. Thanks for watching!!
Hey, Is it the last to use to clean?