I really enjoy this little segment of Pentax Forums -- this one ongoing thread on the topic of B&W film. But one thing that's always bothered me is reading about members sending their B&W film out for developing, and then often bemoaning the quality of the service they've received. This just doesn't make sense to me. I've been developing my own B&W almost as long as I've been a photographer, and I've been doing it for as long as I've been shooting B&W. From the outset, I've always developed my own B&W film. And the number of problems I've incurred as a result of my own developing? Almost zero. This is no exaggeration. So, really, I just don't see why everyone doesn't do it. Yes, a minimal investment is involved. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $100, often less. But this is the initial outlay. And it can often be much less, if one is willing to buy used gear. But from that point forward, the only additional costs incurred are consumables. So it quickly turns into a real money saver, as well as a time saver. But most important -- the photographer has the gratification of seeing his works being treated correctly, and the quality of that treatment shines through.
So, it is in the spirit of sharing with those who might not know how to proceed that I humbly offer my "Intro to B&W Film Developing." It is a very short guide, and you can find the complete text here:
Michael McBroom's Intro to Black and White Photo Developing
Now, I realize there are as many ways to develop B&W film as there are ways to shoot the photos with it. And most all of them will achieve great results. And I'm not trying to be comprehensive about this -- not in the least. I'm just discussing how this one man has been doing it for the past 30 plus years and been getting very good results. And I've decided to share what I do. That's all.