Question about 35mm film processing (black & white)?

Question

I've heard of 35mm B&W film that can be developed through normal colour methods...? (as opposed to the more pricey B&W processing methods)

Can anyone please give me more info on whether this is true, and if so, please give examples of what I should buy.

Thanks again....!

Answer 1

Yeah, you're right, but it isn't traditional B&W film. Kodak makes it (BW400CN) and I believe Fuji & Ilford do too (according to wikipedia).



The purists would say don't do it, and it doesn't have all the benefits of traditional b&w, especially in the developing process. For instance, with typical b&w film you have lots of room for interpretation in the developing process; you can "push it" or "pull it", that is, expose it beyond normal or underexpose it (this is good for counteracting bad exposures in the first place). Also, there are many, many different chemicals that you can develop b&w in & each one has its own character.



But I digress... the normal colour method is known as C-41, so look for any black & white film that says you can develop it as such.



Good luck!





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359133-USA/Kodak_8059370_135_24_BW400CN_Chromogenic_C_41_.html#features

Answer 2

That is another type of film. It isn't a true black and white film. Kodak makes BW400CN, a C-41 process B&W film that you can get developed anywhere. However, if you really want to use black and white film, you should get the 'real' kind and develop it yourself.



You need the chemicals, a developing tank, and a changing bag. The tank should come with a reel to wind the film onto, and you might need a film can opener to pop the tops off. You should read more into it first, but it's a lot cheaper to do it yourself. I think my local lab said it would cost around $25 to do a roll, which is insane. You also get more control doing it yourself and you can experiment. Just take the developed roll to the lab and get the frames printed that you want. Because printing equipment is more expensive.

Answer 3

It is true. There are several different black and white films that can be processed via C-41 color processing equipment. See the links below for some examples. This film can be processed at any one hour lab. If the prints come out a little green tell the clerk to do them over again. They are not generally trained very well and don't see black and white that often. I prefer the Ilford one.



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/153913-REG/Ilford_1839584_XP_2_Super_135_24_B_W.html



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359133-USA/Kodak_8059370_135_24_BW400CN_Chromogenic_C_41_.html