Developing B&W film?

Question

I have some old film left over from school. It is the type that cannot be developed at Walmart or any other store like that (it is not the C-41 type). Would it be cheaper to buy the chemicals myself (and buy some more film just to use it all up) or to take it to a professional to get it developed? I don't want to waste it because it is nice film and I have had some good results with it.

If it is cheaper to buy it, what type of developing fluid do I need? I already have the film canister, but I will need to buy the film opener and bag (which I assume is pretty cheap). It has been over a year since I developed my own film, so I forgot exactly what I need.

I can't sell the film to another student because I graduated. I have no idea who is taking the class.

I already have a film canister which I have used for four years.

I would take the developed film to a store and let them print the pictures. I don't have any equipment for a dark room and have no place to put it if I wanted one.

Answer 1

If you want to know which is cheaper, do like others have suggested and send it out, it's not expensive at all and virtually every 1 hour photomat like Walmart, Costco, or Wolfcamera can send film out to be processed using pretty much any process. You're talking a few bucks compared to at least $50 to get everything you need to do it yourself. So, unless you just want to do it on your own for the sake of nostalgia or bordem, go to Walmart or Costco.

Answer 2

You would have to buy not only chemicals but a loading tank...then you would want an enlarger, more chemicals, trays etc If you really want to get into it, it's a very rewarding pass time, if not, why not sell the film to another student?

Answer 3

In the end, it will be cheaper, easier, and more efficient for you to send the film to a pro.

Answer 4

Drop it off at Wal-Mart in the out going box.

Mark it "Special" "Process B&W only" "No Prints".

About 2 bucks.