Best Darkroom Film Processing Equipment of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Darkroom film processing equipment is essential for anyone who wants to develop their own film at home. These products include items such as developing tanks, reels, trays, and enlargers. Developing tanks and reels are used to hold the film during the developing process, while trays are used for the chemicals. Enlargers are used to project the image onto photo paper, allowing for the creation of prints. Other accessories such as timers, thermometers, and safelights are also important for the process. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving high-quality results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

JJC Film Cassette Opener Cover #TOP 1
JJC Film Cassette Opener
ftb score rating icon 9.9
JJC Film Changing Bag Cover #TOP 2
JJC Film Changing Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JJC Film Squeegee for 35mm and 120 Film Cover #TOP 3
JJC Film Squeegee for 35mm and 120 Film
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Darkroom Film Processing Equipment

#TOP 1

JJC Film Cassette Opener

JJC
FCO-1
Film Opener
JJC Film Cassette Opener Cover
35mm 120 Film Cassette Opener, Premium Metal Film Cassette Cartridge Removal Darkroom Tool with Comfort Silicone Ergonomic Handle for 135 120 Negative Film

The JJC Opener Tool is a premium metal tool with a silicone handle for a comfortable grip. It is perfect for at-home film processing, making it an essential tool. The sturdy construction ensures years of reliable use. The anti-slip silicone handle provides a secure hold, offering convenience and ease of use. Remember to use caution due to the sharp edges when opening film cartridges.

What We Like
Premium Metal Construction
Comfortable Silicone Handle
Essential for Film Processing
#TOP 2

JJC Film Changing Bag

JJC
DRB-1-WF
Black
JJC Film Changing Bag Cover
JJC Darkroom Supplies Film Changing Bag, Large Format Film Changing Room, Film Changing Tent Box for 4x5 5x7 Negative Film Loading 120 135 Roll Film Developing Processing Equipment - No Light Leaks

The JJC Film Bag is an essential tool for anyone processing film in a non-darkroom setting. Its double-layer blackout fabric ensures that your film remains safe from exposure during handling, allowing you to work confidently. The 100% light seal, created by high-quality velcro and double zippers, guarantees a completely dark environment, which is crucial for film processing. Additionally, the bag's supportable design provides ample space for film changes and other darkroom tasks, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. With easy installation and a convenient carrying setup, this film bag is a practical choice for photographers.

What We Like
Light-tight design
Breathable, anti-static fabric
Ample internal space
Easy to set up
#TOP 3

JJC Film Squeegee for 35mm and 120 Film

JJC
FS-1-U3
Gray
JJC Film Squeegee for 35mm and 120 Film Cover
JJC Film Squeegee for 35mm and 120 Film, Film Wiper with Silicone Blades to Dry Water, No Marks and Scratches Leave

The JJC Film Squeegee is an essential tool for anyone working with 35mm and 120 film. Its ergonomic handle ensures you can comfortably grip it while effectively removing water droplets from your film's surface, preventing unwanted marks. Made from durable ABS material, this squeegee features soft silicone blades that protect your film from scratches. Plus, it comes with an extra set of blades for added convenience. To get the best results, remember to keep both the blades and film wet during use to minimize friction and avoid damage.

What We Like
Ergonomic, comfortable handle
Soft silicone blades
Extra blade replacement included
Prevents water marks
#TOP 4

JJC Film Drying Rack with Clips

JJC
FDH-C10-U3
JJC Film Drying Rack with Clips Cover
JJC Darkroom 35mm 120 Film Drying Hanging Rack with 10 Clips, Foldable Hanger Windproof for 135, 120, 4x5” Film, Darkroom Developing Accessories

The JJC Film Drying Rack is designed for drying various film formats, including 35mm, 120, and 4x5”. Its sturdy stainless steel frame ensures durability while the 360° swivel hook allows you to easily rotate the rack for convenient access. The anti-slip clips, equipped with a smooth rubber coating, securely hold your film without causing any damage. Plus, the retractable design lets you adjust the spacing between clips, keeping your film flat and separated. When not in use, you can fold it away, saving valuable space in your darkroom.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
360° swivel hook for convenience
Secure anti-slip clips
Space-saving and retractable design
#TOP 5

eTone Stainless Steel Film Clips

2 Spirals
Silver
eTone Stainless Steel Film Clips Cover
4xPCS Stainless Steel Film Clips with Lead Block Make Film Straight Film Air-Dry Darkroom Processing Equipment 135 120 Roll Film 35mm Negative 4x5 Film Sheet

eTone Film Clips are made of high-quality stainless steel, resistant to corrosion and rust. The package includes clips and a lead block, designed for drying 135 and 120 films. These clips ensure your film surface remains flat and neat, making processing and checking film easier. The eTone Film Clips by eTone are perfect for darkroom film processing, providing convenience and efficiency.

What We Like
Stainless Steel Material
Designed for Drying Films
Convenient for Processing
#TOP 6

eTone Film Changing Bag

ZHAD
black
eTone Film Changing Bag Cover
Darkroom Equipment eTone Film Changing Bag Camera Dedicated Film Developing Darkroom Zipper Bag Double Layer Load Photography 22X22.8'' Photography Accessories (M)

The eTone Changing Bag is designed with high-quality materials, featuring a durable zipper and velcro for stability. Its anti-static and 100% light seal properties ensure perfect film handling. The spacious interior makes it professional and user-friendly for film photography enthusiasts. Its lightweight design allows easy folding to pocket size, saving space and reducing travel weight. With an unfolded size of 22X22.8'', this bag offers convenience and practicality for on-the-go film processing.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Lightweight and portable
Spacious interior
#TOP 7

eTone Automatic Roller for Jobo 1500 Series

eTone Automatic Roller for Jobo 1500 Series Cover
eTone Developing Tank Automatic Roller Darkroom Film Camera Accessories Processing Equipment for Jobo 1500 Series AP Jiancheng Wigobolt Developing Tank

The eTone Automatic Roller enhances your darkroom film processing experience with its professional design and four programmable settings. You can easily customize the time and speed to suit your specific processing needs. Unlike manual processors, this automatic system ensures that chemicals are evenly distributed across the film, resulting in better quality images and less chemical waste. Built from a durable metal compound, it is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a long service life. With compatibility across multiple tank models, this upgraded product simplifies your workflow and comes with a built-in manual and full after-sales warranty for added peace of mind.

What We Like
Customizable processing settings
Even chemical distribution
Durable and easy to clean
Wide compatibility with tanks
#TOP 8

KDIMSY Film Changing Developing Darkroom Bag

KDIMSY
2023052603
Black
KDIMSY Film Changing Developing Darkroom Bag Cover
KDIMSY Film Changing Developing Darkroom Bag 23.6"x21.6" Anti-static Material Darkroom Zipper Bag Double Layer for Film Replacement Film Development Professional Film Photography Supplies

The KDIMSY Darkroom Bag is an oversized portable film changing bag made of anti-static material to prevent dust from clinging to negatives. It features double-sealed cuffs for light-tight operation and easy portability by folding down to a small size. The bag ensures no static interference, maintains darkness during film handling, and offers a refund or replacement guarantee for customer satisfaction.

What We Like
Oversized & Portable
Anti-Static Material
Double-Sealed for Light-Tight
#TOP 9

eTone Darkroom Developing Kit

120135drkit
eTone Darkroom Developing Kit Cover
Darkroom Developing Equipment Kit Film Processing 120 135 35mm Color B&W Film

The eTone Film Processing Kit includes a timer clock, chemical bottles, changing bag, rubber gloves, and film canister opener. The timer clock has 3 independent channels and can be used simultaneously or separately. The chemical bottles have wide mouths suitable for various photographic chemicals. The kit also comes with a 10x magnifier loupe for clear and detailed viewing. This kit is perfect for beginners and photography enthusiasts, offering convenience and ease in developing both 35mm and 120 films.

What We Like
3 Independent Channels
Wide Chemical Bottle Mouth
10x Magnifier Loupe
#TOP 10

Universal Compact Developing Tank 2 Spiral Reel

Jian Cheng
Black
Universal Compact Developing Tank 2 Spiral Reel Cover
Universal Compact Developing Tank 2 Spiral Reel for Processing 120 135 126 127 B/W Film Camera Film Processing Equipment

The Jian Cheng Developing Tank comes with two multi-format self-feed spirals that ensure uniform chemical distribution. It can process 120, 135, 126, and 127 black and white and color films. With a capacity for 2 rolls of 135/35mm films or 1 roll of 120 film, this tank's unbreakable plastic construction is heat-resistant, watertight, and opaque to light. The tank base displays chemical solution requirements, offering ease of use for film processing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Multi-format spiral reels
Heat-resistant and watertight
Clear chemical solution instructions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What equipment do you need to process film?

To process film, you will need a developing tank with reels, plastic bottles for dilutions, measuring beakers, a funnel, a thermometer, a timer, and a film squeegee. Optional equipment includes a wetting agent like Kodak Photo-flo, which helps prevent watermarks on the negatives.

2. What do you need to develop film in a dark room?

To develop film in a darkroom, you will need a film reel, a film tank, a cassette opener, scissors, a thermometer, a timer, a plastic container, and a clothesline or wire rack for drying.

3. What are the main 3 types of baths used in darkroom photography?

In darkroom photography, the main 3 types of baths used to develop black and white photographs are the developer, stop bath, and fixer. These are followed by a water bath.

4. Is it cheaper to develop your own film?

Developing your own film can be cost-effective. The cost of chemicals for developing black and white film typically ranges from 50 cents to $1 per roll for 35mm film, with 120-size film costing slightly more. It generally costs less than a dollar per roll to develop your own black and white film.

5. Can I develop color film at home?

Yes, you can develop color film at home. You will need a film tank and reels to load the film in a light-tight environment. The process of loading the film onto the reel and tank is the only step that needs to be done in the dark.

6. Does a darkroom need to be painted black?

Contrary to popular belief, darkrooms do not need to be painted black. In fact, darkrooms are typically painted white. The color of the room does not affect the quality of the film processing.

7. What liquid is used in darkroom photography?

Various chemicals are used in darkroom photography, including developing baths, stop baths, fixers, intensifiers, reducers, and toners. The commonly used developers include hydroquinone, monomethyl para-aminophenol sulfate, and phenidone.

Editor's Notes

During our darkroom film processing equipment research, we found 16 darkroom film processing equipment products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,844 customer reviews through our big data system to write the darkroom film processing equipment list. We found that most customers choose darkroom film processing equipment with an average price of $15.99.

The darkroom film processing equipment are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of darkroom film processing equipment, including JJC, eTone, KDIMSY, Jian Cheng. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 563 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.