question regarding film development?

Question

When you handle your roll of film inside the black bag, are you supposed to touch it(in the middle section) at all? It seems pretty impossible to NOT lay your fingers on the film when you're supposed to wrap it around the wheel thing.

Answer 1

As impossible as it seems, you should avoid touching the film surface. That's why Kodak, Ilford, and other makers have spools that curl and hold the film or wind it in otherwise.

Do what I did when I was shooting film (and developing my photos in a converted walk-in closet). Practice with some "dummy" film (old expired film). I also used that practice film to practice loading my camera in the dark. Excellent to learn if you have to change film at night or in an unlit setting.

I hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

As mentioned you will have to hold the edges of the film to wrap it around the developing wheel. The best way for you to learn this is get an old roll of film and use that to practice on until you can learn to roll it onto the wheel correctly. Use do this practice with your eyes closed once you get the hang of it. You can test your film if it is going on properly by slightly pushing and pulling the film and it should slightly move on the reel (stainless steel models).

Make sure your hands are clean before doing this because if your hands have oil on them (finger prints) and you accidentally touch the emulsion side of the film this can damage your film permanently with finger prints etc.

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 3

Practice using an old roll of film. I always taught students to grasp the film by the edges and "bow" it slightly. Once its attached under the spring inside the reel its simply a matter of rotating the reel and letting the film slide through your fingers. As it "unbows" it slips securely into the openings in the reel. If you're really concerned about fingerprints on your film use the white gloves sold at camera stores.