How To Process Film With Caffenol

The following recipe was tested on B&W and color films with ISOs of 100, 160 and 400. Individual results may vary. I suggest a snip test. If your film is too thin, add more developing time and/or more coffee, too dark, less developing time. While this process works on color film, it will produce only B&W images. Although I have not personally tested, I've read it works on slide film as well. I am no expert on this process, but if you have any questions, email me and I will try to answer them. Pre-measured Caffenol kits are available in our store.

If you are new to processing film, please go here first to be sure you have all the necessary supplies before you begin.

Ingredients

Note - Washing soda is not to be confused with baking soda. It may be hard to find in your area, but it is available online. I found Arm & Hammer Washing Soda at my local Kroger. It’s also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash. You can substitute washing soda for pH+ found in the pool section or at your local pool supply store. The instant coffee does not have to be name brand. Just be sure it is 100% coffee. I picked up an 8 oz container at Aldi Food Market for just $2.99. If you don't see Vitamin C powder at your store, any health food store should carry it.

Step 1: Mixing
Mix each ingredient separately in 3 glasses to ensure they dissolve completely. I used plain tap water at the coldest setting. On the washing soda, it is good to stir a little after each teaspoon. Otherwise it builds up as a big clump at the bottom of the glass. One everything has fully dissolved, pour the 3 mixtures into one larger container, like a 2 liter soda bottle.  Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to get rid of all the bubbles. Use within 30 minutes.

Step 2:  Develop
Pour the developer into the processing tank and start the stop watch.  Agitate the film continually, by inverting the tank upside down and back upright, for the 30 seconds.  Then agitate 3-5 times every minute after that. Repeat this process for 5 minutes.

Step 3:  Rinse
Pour the developer down the drain. Fill the tank with water (again I used plain tap water at coldest setting) and pour it out.  Repeat this process 5 times or until water comes out clear.

Step 4:  Fix
Add the fixer to the tank.  Agitate again for the first 30 seconds. Then, every minute, agitate 3-5 times.  Repeat this process for 5 minutes.  When finished, pour the fixer into a container to reuse later. For more information on fixer and its shelf life, you may view the Ilford Fact Sheet. I have highlighted some key areas.

Step 5:  Wash
You can remove the lid now to have a peek at your film. Fill the tank with water (again I used plain tap water at coldest setting) and pour it out.  Repeat this process 5 times.

Optional Final Rinse:
As a final rinse add 2 drops of dishwashing soap (such as Dawn) to the tank and fill with water.  Swish it around a bit and pour out. Run water in tank until there are no suds. This will help reduce the amount of water drops on the film.

Drying:
Unroll the film and use the sides of your fingers to squeegee excess water from the film. Hang film to dry. A plastic tube hanger works well. Just drape film over it and use a binder clip on each end to weigh the film down.