user: I am looking to get back into black-and-white film development. Can you give me the process and materials needed to develop both the negatives and make prints in my own custom darkroom?

assistant: Certainly! Developing black-and-white film can be a rewarding and satisfying process. Here are the steps and materials needed for developing the negatives:

Materials:
- Film
- Developing tank and reel
- Developer
- Stop bath (or water)
- Fixer
- Wetting agent
- Graduated cylinder
- Thermometer
- Timer
- Scissors
- Film clips
- Storage bottles

Steps:
1. Load the film onto the reel in total darkness.
2. Mix the developer and water according to the dilution instructions on the bottle and the amount of chemistry needed for your roll of film.
3. Fill the developing tank with water at the correct temperature and let sit for one minute.
4. Pour in the developer and start the timer.
5. Agitate the tank according to the instructions on the developer bottle for the required amount of time.
6. Pour out the developer and save it for reuse.
7. Rinse the film with water to stop the development process.
8. Mix the fixer and water according to the dilution instructions on the bottle.
9. Pour the fixer into the tank and agitate for the required amount of time.
10. Pour out the fixer and save it for reuse.
11. Rinse the film thoroughly with water.
12. Use a wetting agent solution to avoid water marks on the film.
13. Hang the film to dry using film clips.

For making prints in your own custom darkroom, you will also need:
- Enlarger
- Photographic paper
- Trays for chemicals
- Developer for paper
- Stop bath for paper
- Fixer for paper
- Graduated cylinder
- Thermometer
- Timer
- Tongs for handling paper

Steps:
1. Load the negative onto the enlarger and project it onto the photographic paper.
2. Adjust the size and focus of the image.
3. Mix the developer and water according to the dilution instructions on the bottle and the amount of chemistry needed for your paper.
4. Fill the developer tray with the developer solution and the stop bath tray with stop bath solution.
5. Expose the paper to light according to the instructions on the paper box.
6. Develop the paper by placing it in the developer tray and agitating for the required amount of time.
7. Rinse the paper in the stop bath tray and then rinse it thoroughly in water.
8. Fix the paper by placing it in the fixer tray and agitating for the required amount of time.
9. Rinse the paper thoroughly in water.
10. Hang the paper to dry.

Keep in mind that developing film and making prints require a darkroom or a light-tight space with the necessary equipment and materials. It's important to follow safety instructions and use proper ventilation when handling chemicals.

user: Is there any other technics I can apply whilst I'm processing the negative.

assistant: Yes, there are a number of techniques that can be applied during film development to achieve specific effects in the final image. Here are a few common techniques:

Push/Pull Processing: This technique involves adjusting the developing time to increase or decrease the film's sensitivity to light. Push processing involves increasing the developing time to produce a higher-contrast image with more grain, while pull processing involves decreasing the developing time to produce a lower-contrast image with less grain.

Stand Development: This technique involves diluting the developer and leaving the film to develop for an extended period of time without agitation. Stand development can produce a high level of detail and low contrast in the final image, as well as reduce the appearance of film grain.

Cross Processing: This technique involves using a different type of developer than is typically used for the film type. For example, processing black-and-white film in color negative developer can produce unusual color shifts and contrast effects in the final image.

Pre-Soaking: This technique involves soaking the film in water before developing to soften the emulsion and reduce the appearance of grain in the final image.

Reversal Processing: This technique involves using a special developer to create a positive image directly from the negative. Reversal processing is used in slide film to produce transparencies, and can also be used with black-and-white film to produce positive prints without the need for an enlarger.

Keep in mind that these techniques require some experimentation and can produce unpredictable results, so it's important to carefully record your processing times and techniques for future reference.

user: User
Thank you so much for the detailed reply, I'm really looking forward to trying out the techniques you've shared with me. Is there any specific film or paper you would recommend for beginners?

Assistant
You're welcome! For beginners, I would recommend starting with a medium-speed black-and-white film such as Kodak Tri-X or Ilford HP5 Plus. These films are widely available, have a forgiving exposure latitude, and are capable of producing excellent results in a range of lighting conditions.

For photographic paper, Ilford Multigrade IV is a popular and versatile option. It comes in a range of sizes and surfaces, including glossy, pearl, and matte finishes. It's also compatible with both graded and variable-contrast printing techniques, which makes it a good choice for experimentation.

Remember that film and paper choices can affect the look and feel of your final image, so don't be afraid to try out different brands and types to find the ones that suit your personal style and preferences.