Best Darkroom Chemicals of 2026

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Darkroom chemicals are essential components for developing and processing film and photographic paper. Different chemicals are used for different stages of the process, such as developers, stop baths, fixers, and toners. Developers are used to bring out the image on the film or paper, while stop baths halt the developing process. Fixers are used to stabilize the image and prevent further development, while toners can be used to alter the color or tone of the final image. It is important to handle these chemicals with care and dispose of them properly to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit Cover #TOP 1
CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution 16oz Cover #TOP 2
Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution 16oz
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Kodak D-76 Developer Powder Cover #TOP 3
Kodak D-76 Developer Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Darkroom Chemicals

#TOP 1

CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit

CS41 Quart Kit
CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit Cover
C-41 Color Negative Film Liquid Developing Kit by CineStill (Makes 32 oz)

The CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit allows you to process any color-negative film easily at home with two simple chemistry mixtures. It can be used at a variety of temperatures with the same equipment you already use to process your black and white film, and it's specially formulated for modern color films, eliminating the need for a stabilizer bath. The modern emulsions were designed to simplify the process, and you can have beautifully developed, bleached, and fixed color negatives ready to scan or print in no time.

What We Like
Easy to use with no special equipment needed
Can be used at a variety of temperatures
Eliminates the need for a stabilizer bath
#TOP 2

Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution 16oz

Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution 16oz Cover
Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution, 16oz

Kodak Photo-Flo 200 is designed to improve your film processing experience by reducing water tension, which helps water spread evenly on the film surface. This means fewer water spots and streaks, so your photos come out cleaner and clearer. The solution also helps your film dry faster, saving you time when you’re working in the darkroom. As a wetting agent, it ensures that water does not cling in droplets, making the drying process smoother and more efficient. With Kodak Photo-Flo 200, you get a more professional finish on your film with less hassle.

What We Like
Reduces water spots
Minimizes drying streaks
Speeds up drying time
Effective wetting agent
#TOP 3

Kodak D-76 Developer Powder

1464817
Kodak D-76 Developer Powder Cover
Kodak D-76 Developer Powder, B and W Film 1 Gallon

Kodak D-76 Developer is a high-quality darkroom chemical offered by Kodak. This developer powder is designed to provide full emulsion speed and excellent shadow detail with normal contrast, resulting in fine grain photos. With its one-gallon mix in powder form, you can easily mix it with water before use. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, Kodak D-76 Developer is an excellent choice for almost any general photo application. Its outstanding features make it versatile and reliable for capturing stunning black and white images. Experience the convenience and benefits of using Kodak D-76 Developer for your photography needs.

What We Like
Full emulsion speed
Excellent shadow detail
Fine grain photos
#TOP 4

KODAK Dektol Paper Developer

KOD5160270NEW
19.4 Ounce
KODAK Dektol Paper Developer Cover
KODAK Dektol Black & White Paper Developer, Powder to Make 1 Gallon.

KODAK Dektol Developer is a high-quality powder concentrate designed for developing black and white photographic paper. With the ability to mix with water to create 1 gallon of developer, this product offers convenience and cost-effectiveness. The developer is specifically formulated to enhance the development process of black and white paper, ensuring optimal results. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast, KODAK Dektol Developer provides reliable and consistent performance, allowing you to achieve rich and detailed prints. Its compatibility with black and white photographic paper makes it a versatile choice for various applications. Experience the convenience and exceptional results with KODAK Dektol Developer.

What We Like
Convenient powder concentrate
Cost-effective with 1 gallon mix
Enhances black and white paper development
#TOP 5

Ilford Rapid 1984253 Photo Paper Fixing Bath 0.5L

1984253
White
500ml
Ilford Rapid 1984253 Photo Paper Fixing Bath 0.5L Cover
Ilford Rapid, 1984253, 0.5 l, Photo Paper Fixing Bath

The Ilford Rapid Fixing Bath is a concentrated solution designed to help you fix your photo paper during the development process. With a volume of 0.5 liters, this product provides enough fixing bath to handle multiple batches of photo paper. Its concentrated formula means you can dilute it as needed, offering flexibility and control over your darkroom work. This fixing bath is essential for anyone working with photographic prints, ensuring your images are stabilized and ready for further processing or display. Using this product can make your photo development process smoother and more effective.

What We Like
Concentrated formula
0.5-liter volume
Photo paper fixing
Flexible dilution
Essential darkroom chemical
#TOP 6

Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles

3CMBT
Black
Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Cover
eTone 3x 1000ml Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Film Photo Developing Processing 1L

This set of 3x 1000ml Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles made of HDPE is perfect for storing all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper, and fixer. The package comes with 3x stickers for easy identification. Each bottle measures 23.5 x 7 x 7 cm and weighs only 86g. You can use it for film photo developing processing and other darkroom chemicals.

What We Like
Suitable for all photographic chemicals
Comes with 3x stickers for easy identification
Lightweight and easy to handle
#TOP 7

Ilford Rapid 1984262 Liquid Photo Fixer 1L

1984262
Ilford Rapid 1984262 Liquid Photo Fixer 1L Cover
Ilford Rapid 1984262 Liquid Paper Photo Fixer 1 Litre

The Ilford Liquid Photo Fixer is a concentrated solution designed to help you process your photographic prints effectively. With a 1-liter quantity, this fixer is ideal for those working in darkroom photography, giving you enough product for multiple uses. As a liquid paper fixer, it ensures your photos are properly fixed, which is essential for preserving the image and preventing damage over time. Being a product from Ilford, a trusted brand in the field of darkroom chemicals, you can rely on its quality and consistency for your photographic needs.

What We Like
Concentrated formula
1-liter quantity
Trusted Ilford brand
Specifically for photo fixing
#TOP 8

eTone 3X 1000ml Collapsible Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles

Brown chemical bottle
eTone 3X 1000ml Collapsible Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Cover
eTone 3X 1000ml Collapsible Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Foldable Liquid Container Film Photo Developing Processing Equipment Anti Oxidation Storage Laboratory Accessories

eTone Collapsible Chemical Bottles are made of HDPE plastic, ensuring anti-corrosion and acid resistance to keep your chemical liquids fresh and stable. With a max capacity of 1000ml per bottle, these collapsible containers are perfect for storing darkroom photographic chemicals like fixer, developer, and stopper. The lightproof design prevents leakage, while the compact dimensions make them ideal for long-term storage of various liquids, grains, and powders that require anti-oxidation and anti-moisture protection.

What We Like
HDPE Plastic Material
1000ml Max Capacity
Lightproof Design
#TOP 9

Kodak Indicator Stop Bath For Black and White Films And Papers

UK_KOD1464247
Kodak Indicator Stop Bath For Black and White Films And Papers Cover
Kodak Indicator Stop Bath For Black and White Films And Papers, 1-Pint Bottle To Make 8-Gallons.

Kodak Indicator Stop Bath is a non-hardening, general-purpose solution designed for use with black and white films and papers. It contains an indicator that signals when the solution has exhausted, making it easier for users to determine when to replace it. It can be diluted to make 8 gallons of solution, with a 1:63 ratio of concentrate to water. This product is part of the Darkroom Chemicals category.

What We Like
Easy to use with clear indicators
Can be diluted to make 8 gallons of solution
Non-hardening formula suitable for different types of films and papers
#TOP 10

Kodak 1 Gallon Paper and Film Fixer

1971746
Kodak 1 Gallon Paper and Film Fixer Cover
Fixer for paper and film, 1Gallon mix

The Kodak Film Fixer 1 Gallon is designed to help you process your photographic paper and film efficiently. This fixer comes as a concentrate that you mix yourself, allowing you to prepare the solution at the right strength for your needs. Mixing it to working strength means you get the perfect balance for effective fixing, which is essential for stabilizing your images after development. This product is ideal for darkroom use, ensuring your photos are clear and long-lasting. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this fixer provides a reliable and convenient way to complete your photo development process.

What We Like
Easy mixing to working strength
Suitable for paper and film
Large 1-gallon size
Trusted Kodak brand
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are darkroom chemicals toxic?

Photographic chemicals are not hazardous when used correctly and when basic rules of common sense are observed. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where chemicals are handled or used.

2. Are film developing chemicals toxic?

Developer solutions and powders are often highly alkaline and are moderately to highly toxic. They are also sources of the most common health problems in photography; skin disorders and allergies. Developers are skin and eye irritants and many are strong allergic sensitizers.

3. Are darkroom chemicals flammable?

Almost all darkroom chemicals are considered hazardous if inhaled or ingested in either their dry, or mixed states. But they aren't generally combustible.

Editor's Notes

During our darkroom chemical research, we found 16 darkroom chemical products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,336 customer reviews through our big data system to write the darkroom chemicals list. We found that most customers choose darkroom chemicals with an average price of $20.64.

The darkroom chemicals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darkroom chemicals, including CineStill, Electron Microscopy Sciences, Kodak, Ilford, eTone. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 717 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.