My interest in mixing photographic chemicals started as a possible way of saving money. I realised that it would be cheaper to buy the raw materials and mix them together myself that to buy pre-prepared developers. Of course, the saving would be minimal - the chemistry is probably the cheapest aspect of photography. The cameras, lenses, film and paper are all much more expensive. The black and white film I use costs me between £2-4 per roll, and the off the shelf developer is the equivalent of about 20-30p per roll. Home made developers cost between 10p-20p per roll, and at the rate I use film (1 or 2 rolls per months on average, sometimes 3 or 4) it will obviously take me many years to save up for that nice macro nikkor I'm wanting.

So now I've established that for a hobby-photographer like myself, the cost saving is miniscule, why do I bother mixing my own chemicals? The effort is much greater because each ingredient needs weighing out - it is so much easier to buy a packet or bottle from a shop. Some photographers like to be in control of every aspect of their art, and it gives them the full control they crave. Not me though - I am still happy to use off the shelf chemicals from time to time (I always use bought fixers and paper developers - Ilford Multigrade in 5 litre bottles is much cheaper and more convenient than and paper developer I could ever make). I suppose my reason is that I like to tinker with things. Mixing my own chemicals give me more choice in which developer to use. I can use obscure or specialist brews. I can make enough of a formula to test one film, and if I'm not happy with it, I haven't wasted money on a whole bottle of chemical.

WARNING!

Some photographic chemicals are toxic. Always take care when handling chemicals and wear suitable protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses. If you are unsure about what safety precautions to take, consult someone with chemical handling experience. All the formulas here are presented for information only, and come without warranty. Use them at your own risk.

Warning over.

Ok, providing you are sensible and preferably have some experience in handling chemicals, there should be no real problems. Another thing to note is to dissolve the ingredients in the order given in the method, otherwise some of the chemicals will not dissolve correctly. Always store solutions in an air tight bottle.

All of the recipes here are ones I have used myself. If you need more information about photographic chemistry, there are a number of books and web sites available which cover the subject in more detail than I have here. My aim isn't to teach chemistry, merely to share my experiences and favourite formulas.

The Formulas themselves:

D-23 (normal and two bath)
ID-11 (and variations)
B&W Transparencies

Other sources of information:

• The Darkroom Cookbook, by Steve Anchell
• The Film Developing Cookbook, by Steve Anchell and Bill Troop (both books by Focal Press)