Developing Film with Coffee [

In this short video, I demonstrate the caffenol film development process on several rolls of Fomapan 35mm (400iso) film and showcase images that I’ve developed using this caffenol process. I’ve used caffenol to develop a few rolls of 35mm and 120 Fomapan films, and I’ve been very happy with the creative results. I’ve also been experimenting with my development times, and digitization methods. The goal has been to keep the entire film development and digitization process as simple as possible. Caffenol perfectly aligns with that goal.
I first heard about caffenol from Field Mag. Who is Field Mag!? Well “…they are a modern outdoor lifestyle publication for lovers of good design and the great outdoors”. 🏔 📷 😎
Last night I posted an Instagram Reel about caffenol, and the attention it got motivated me to finish the process video. I tried about 6 months ago to create a caffenol process video but gave up before I finished it. Thank all you that viewed, liked, and commented on that IG Reel. I’ve linked the original Field Mag article and caffenol’s primary website below if you are looking for recipes or another process tutorial.
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Caffenol Development Information
* The caffenol bible is here: www.caffenol.org/
* Field Mag caffenol article is here: www.fieldmag.com/articles/how...
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Music Credit:
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Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
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[@dalehammond1749]

Excellent video coverage of the entire process.

[@joshuasurprenant]

Thank you! I tried to get it all in one video :)

[@anthonys_expired_film]

Love this video! I develop with caffenol too and am wondering if you adjusted any of the development or fixing times, or any recipe adjustments? I’d love to see a follow up. Thanks! Anthony.

[@joshuasurprenant]

Hi Anthony! Thanks for the view/comment. I have explored 10-12 minutes developments. I have not seen a huge difference in image quality. A follow-up video is a GREAT idea. I will go take some pictures! Do you have any of your caffenol images online? Send a link! :) Take care. -Joshua

[@voyagerfilms]

Is it necessary to dry for 24 hours? Is that bc of the caffenol process? When I was hand processesing b&w in a darkroom (with the chemicals not caffenol) it didn’t require us to dry for 24 hours

[@joshuasurprenant]

Hi. No, you could make the call on when the negatives are dry. I made a habit of letting my negatives dry for 24 hours no matter what process I was doing.

[@unknownartdivision]

It seems interesting, I should try at least once. Probably isn't a bad idea to overexpose a bit, maybe one or two stops, I suspect that the real sensitivity with Cafenol is much lower than a standard developer. Maybe this could improve the results that are already very good.

[@joshuasurprenant]

Hello Marco, I think you are correct with your overexposure suggestion. I am going to try it. Thanks for watching, and thanks for posting a comment to the video. I think your suggestion will help improve my results.

[@unknownartdivision]

​@@joshuasurprenant I didn't see the reply, it was a pleasure and I'm curious to see if there are any improvements ;)

[@randallstewart175]

His result here are about average for caffneol. Reduced film speed. Lack of density (image highlights), partly from undevelopment, however.... Excess fog; this gets worse as you further develop the film The combination of excess base density (fog) and lack of full development density means you get what he got here, very low contrast. Why? Caffenol formulas mostly do not include the additional chemical(s) required to adjust or regulate these aspects of development. Then you run into other possible issues: (1) No (zero) shelf life. You mix it and use it, or it dies right there. (2) Poor grain development - this is not a "fine grain" developer, and it shows. (3) It smells bad! (4) Contrary to its "all in the kitchen" presentation, it's cost per roll to make is quite high, higher than many conventional developers. This is because the source products, instant coffee and vitamin C tablets or powder both contain very little of the chemicals which they contribute to the developer, so you end up using a large amount of expensive food products, 95% or more of which is all waste and is unnecessary. Some caffenal formulas do better than here, some not so much. If you want to experiment, download the "Caffenol Cookbook" on line. You will find those variations and a lot of researched advice on the differences. And, be accurate in measurements. A couple of spoonfuls here and a few more there just doesn't cut in DIY photochemistry.