Best Darkroom Chemicals of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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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 D-76 Developer Powder Cover #TOP 2
Kodak D-76 Developer Powder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
KODAK Dektol Paper Developer Cover #TOP 3
KODAK Dektol Paper Developer
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
CineStill CS41 Liquid Developing Quart Kit for Processing C-41 Color Negative Film

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 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 3

KODAK Dektol Paper Developer

KOD5160270NEW
19.4 Ounce
KODAK Dektol Paper Developer Cover
Kodak Professional Dektol 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 4

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 5

ASEVAT 33.8oz HDPE Darkroom Storage Bottles

ASEVAT
ASEVAT-01
Black
1000ml
ASEVAT 33.8oz HDPE Darkroom Storage Bottles Cover
ASEVAT 33.8oz/1000ml HDPE Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Photographic Plastic Containers with lids Empty Liquid Container for Film Photo Developing Processing Equipment,Laboratories(3pcs)

The ASEVAT Darkroom Storage Bottles are designed to protect your photographic chemicals from harmful light, thanks to their opaque black material. This feature ensures that your sensitive contents remain safe during transport and storage. Their versatile design accommodates various liquids and powders, making them suitable for different experimental applications. The leak-proof construction, with a snug screw cap and aluminum foil liner, prevents spills and keeps your materials secure. Made from high-density polyethylene, these bottles are durable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-lasting use for all your darkroom needs.

What We Like
Light-blocking protection
Versatile for various uses
Leak-proof design
Durable HDPE material
#TOP 6

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 7

Ilford Ilfotec DD-X Film Developer

1155055
Black/White
Ilford Ilfotec DD-X Film Developer Cover
Ilford Ilfotec DD-X Black and White Film Developer 1 Litre

Ilford Ilfotec DD-X is a black and white film developer that produces excellent fine grain and full film speed, resulting in negatives that are easy to print. The negatives developed using this chemical have a full range of tones, depth in the shadows, smooth transition through the mid-tones, and bright details.

What We Like
Produces fine grain and full film speed
Negatives are easy to print
Full range of tones with depth in the shadows
#TOP 8

Air Techniques AT-2000 Developer & Fixer Set

Air Techniques Inc. - Direct
40270
Air Techniques AT-2000 Developer & Fixer Set Cover
40270 AT-2000 Developer & Fixer Set 2x2/Ca Y

The Air Techniques Developer & Fixer is a convenient darkroom solution designed for your photographic needs. This set comes ready to use, eliminating the hassle of preparation. With two one-gallon containers of developer and two one-gallon containers of fixer, you have plenty of product for your projects. This means you can focus on your art without worrying about running out. The quality of these chemicals ensures that your images will be processed to perfection, giving you professional results every time. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned photographers, this set simplifies your darkroom experience.

What We Like
Ready to use
Generous quantity
High-quality results
Convenient for all skill levels
#TOP 9

LegacyPro 200 Wetting Agent

LegacyPro
10194
White
16 oz.
LegacyPro 200 Wetting Agent Cover
LegacyPro 200 Wetting Agent, 16 oz.

The LegacyPro Wetting Agent is designed for black and white photography enthusiasts. This product features a formulation similar to Kodak chemicals, ensuring high-quality results. As a wetting agent, it helps to reduce water spots and streaks on your prints, providing a clear and professional finish. Its liquid form makes it easy to mix and apply, enhancing your darkroom experience. By using this agent, you can achieve smoother and more uniform drying of your photographs, resulting in cleaner visuals that you can be proud of.

What We Like
Compatible with Kodak chemicals
Reduces water spots
Easy to mix and apply
Improves drying uniformity
#TOP 10

eTone 3X 1000ml Round Container

3X1LYXHSYSP
Black or White
eTone 3X 1000ml Round Container Cover
3X 1000ml Round Container Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles Film Photo Developing Processing Equipment 1L

The eTone Chemical Storage Bottles are a must-have for any darkroom enthusiast. With a capacity of 1000ml, these round containers are perfect for storing all your photographic chemicals including stopper, fixer, and developer. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), these bottles are durable and leak-proof, ensuring the safety of your chemicals. The bottles come with stickers, making it easy to label and organize your chemicals. Measuring 22cm x 8.5cm, they are compact and easy to store. Whether you are a professional photographer or a hobbyist, these eTone Chemical Storage Bottles provide a convenient and reliable solution for all your darkroom needs.

What We Like
Compatible with all photographic chemicals
Durable and leak-proof
Comes with stickers for easy labeling
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 6,588 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 $24.83.

The darkroom chemicals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darkroom chemicals, including CineStill, Kodak, eTone, ASEVAT, Ilford. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 152 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.