Originally posted by Nesster snip.... The front end costs are fairly modest - a tank + accessories, the chemistry + accessories, a good size changing / dark bag. snip...
For ultimate cheapness, my choice of home processing equipment:
1. Clips: Any clips laying around the house will do. Heck, I've used paperclips bent to fit in the perforations. I hung the films in my bathroom, next to the shower curtain.
2. Thermometer: I stand develop, so I ignore temperature.
3. Timer: I stand develop, so accurate time isn't really important. However, every cell phone, laptop, and watch has stopwatch/timer features.
4. Measuring cups and things: I had measuring equipment in my cooking supplies. Just make sure you wash them very carefully after pouring chemicals inside.
5. Stop Bath: Diluted vinegar. As cheap as you can find it.
6. Changing bag: I duct taped a medium sized cardboard box until it was lightproof, and then taped arm sleeves made from black garbage bags and duct tape. To make sure no light leaks in, I toss my blanket over the whole thing and try to find a dim/dark room.
7. Scissors
8. Tank: fleabay special cost me $8 shipped. It came with two plastic reels. Hint: if you don't wind the leader up, you can actually start the spooling process with the leader and the couple inches of exposed film in the light and then toss the whole thing into the changing bag/box to finish with the light sensitive stuff.
I think that's all I use.... The only thing I actually bought for the home developing purposes was the tank.
Good luck!