Top 30 Film Developer Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Film Developer Includes Paterson, Kodak, AP, ILFORD, LOMO, Johnson, Kaiser, Kindermann, Honeywell, Agfa among many others.

1

Paterson

Popular Brand

The photographic equipment available at Paterson makes it possible for you to get the most from your photographs. It has been producing photographic equipment for nearly six decades now, and many organizations and individuals are using its equipment. Among the range of equipment that they provide, there is everything from development tanks to tripods to lighting systems. The website of the company contains brochures containing detailed information about its products.

2

Kodak

Popular Brand

From your printing needs to motion pictures of the modern world, this company delivers it all. One can also experience the difference and uniqueness in quality and machine progress. Kodak holds the title of the first in the world to introduce the fastest inject press. The machine has been designed to handle the highest capacity runs, which indirectly boosts your business. Kodak believes in growing together and revitalizing creativity, committed to sustainability.

3

AP

Popular Brand

AP Air Inc has been in business for quite some years. They aim at selling kits and parts for automobiles. The company believes in providing the best products to the consumers and only uses the best among the bunch. AP Air Inc has a huge collection of items at its disposal. You can find cab kits as well as Adapter kits on their site. Any parts or accessories of the automotive industry are found here. The site is well organized according to categories. 

4

ILFORD

Best Brand

ILFORD has made its own identity by using Herman technology and amalgamating tradition with passion. The work manufactures high-quality products, including photographic paper of black-white films and accessories. The Resin-coated multigrade RC deluxe pearl sheet with a warmer base tint of better blacks and cotton rag-based darkroom paper is part of the offerings. The stationary's premium quality, variable contrast paper delivers a slightly warm image, and another film developer-like chemistry-film is present as single sachets or multi-packs of five.

5

LOMO

Best Brand
6

Johnson

Best Brand
7

Kaiser

Best Brand
8

Kindermann

Best Brand

Kindermann offers a wide range of electronic devices from various popular brands at their store. They display all the products...

9

Honeywell

Development is not a new term that was introduced recently but was in existence for a long period. The success...

10

Agfa

Agfa is a leading global technology company that designs and manufactures imaging systems and IT solutions for the printing industry....

11

Leitz

Leitz is a pretty well-known brand that sells office products. They can easily turn any space into a well-organized and...

12

Prinz

Prinz is a platform that links you to your city's greatest eateries, events, and destinations. Prinz offers something for everyone,...

13

Eastman

In the 25 years since its inception, Eastman has become one of the leading musical instrument providers worldwide. It produces...

14

Vivitar

With its rich heritage of over 80 years, Vivitar has curated some favorable consumer electronics. Their digital still cameras and...

15

Coastar

Coastar brings you the ultimate water-saving technology that will help you judiciously utilize the water resources. The company is known...

16

Jessops

Jessops is a one-stop shop for all your photography, videography, and other media requirements. Whether you're searching for a particular...

17

PHOTAX

18

Fujifilm

Fujifilm, based in Tokyo, is a Japanese multinational photographic and image corporation. It is a prominent developer, producer, and inventor...

19

Lomography

Lomography is a photographic and art community dedicated to analog photography. They sell analog cameras, films, and other equipment, so...

20

ArKay

Art and people stories are available at ArKay where advanced technologies and special effects are given to develop specific look...

21

Cesco

Copper matters, and Cesco believes it. They bring a new approach to mining and provide highlights on the traditional and...

22

FOMA

FOMA Provides a wide range of high-quality products in various types, speeds, sizes, and other characteristics. FOMA initially began by...

23

Noritsu

One of the most promising frontrunners in advanced imaging technology, Noritsu America Corporation provides innovative and high-quality photo imaging and...

24

Kood

Kood is the UK's premier camera accessory retailer, with a massive selection of photographic equipment. Kood is a one-stop-shop for...

25

Durst

Durst is an online inkjet printing service that aims to provide the most comprehensive and accessible online printing service. You...

26

Tetenal

Tetental offers some of the most definitive black&white and color Image processing solutions. They have existed as one of the...

27

ZEISS

Zeiss is a leader in the optics technology industry and is known for its innovative and high-performance optoelectronics. Their products...

28

Testrite

American company Testrite produces photography enlargers and other tools for darkrooms. They have been using the same tooling for the...

29

Bergger

Bergger is a leader in the production of photographic sheets. They produce a wide range of their baryta papers with...

30

Fotospeed

Photo development and printing have come a long way since their beginning. New innovations and advancements have brought new methods...

Film Developer Buying Guide

Film development is the process of developing photographic negatives or prints from exposed film. It is a process of chemical reactions that requires the use of specific chemicals, including film developer. There are several different types of developers available that are suited for various film types and results. In this film developer buying guide, we will discuss the different types of developers, their functionalities, and which ones to choose for specific film types or intended results.

Types of Developers

Developers can be categorized based upon their functionality and chemistry. Below are the most widely used types of film developers:

  • Black and White Developers: Black and white film has been used in photography for over a century. For B&W film development, there are a few popular types of film developers, including:
    • HC-110: This developer is popular with those who shoot film because it is versatile, long-lasting, and one bottle can last for many developing sessions. HC-110 can be diluted to work with specific film types and is known to produce rich blacks and crisp whites in images with a high dynamic range. This developer comes in liquid concentrate form that needs to be diluted with water before use.
    • DD-X: A specialized developer for black and white films, DD-X provides sharpness and very fine grain, producing a more modern look in images. It is commonly used with modern T-Grain films from Kodak, such as Tri-X, and also can be diluted to work with lower speed films. DD-X, like HC-110, is a liquid concentrate developer.
    • D-76: D-76 is an industry-standard developer for black and white films because it is widely available, affordable, and easy to work with. D-76 produces softer edges and less saturated tones in images, which gives a more traditional look. D-76 is a powder concentrate developer that needs to be mixed with water before use.
  • Colour Developers: Colour developers use specific chemicals to develop the various coloured layers of colour negative film; these are commonly known as C-41 developers. Popular types include:
    • Tetenal C-41: This is a powdered developer that has several advantages over liquid concentrates due to its long shelf life and low toxicity. Its main advantage is that it is the most easily accessible developer for people to work with at home. Although cheap and reliable, it is not renowned for its ability to produce the best colours.
    • Fujifilm QUICKLOAD C-41: Fujifilm Quickload C-41 is a liquid concentrate developer that is known for its consistent results and vibrant colours. It is a two-part developer that requires the use of both developer and stabilizer solutions.
    • Kodak Flexicolor: This is a liquid concentrate developer that is made up of several different parts. It provides excellent colour accuracy due to the sheer number of chemical compunds it contains.

    Film Types and Development

    Developers have specific recommended uses for different films based upon their emulsions and characteristics. Understanding which developers to use with each film type is essential if you want to bring out the primary characteristics in each film. It is essential for photographers to understand the types of film that they are working with, and to match the correct developer accordingly. Here is an overview of the different film emulsion types and which types of developers will work best with them:

    • Fuji Velvia: This film is known for its vivid blue and green colours and its ability to reproduce blue skies and green landscapes well. While Fujifilm recommends using Fujifilm's Quikload C-41, it is preferable to use another type of developer when shooting this film if true-to-life colours are what you are after.
    • Kodak Tri-X: A traditional black and white film, Tri-X is highly versatile and works with most developers. It produces high contrast and gritty images when used with HC-110, while D-76 produces a softer, more traditional look. It is highly recommended for street photography.
    • Kodak Ektar: Ektar is a slow-speed colour negative film that provides bright and accurate colours. Fujifilm Quickload C-41 is widely regarded as the best developer for Ektar, as it produces vivid and contrasted colours.
    • Ilford Delta 400: Another black and white film, the Delta emulsion line is known for its high-contrast images and its ability to produce a sharper and tighter grain structure than other films. DD-X is recommended as the developer of choice for Delta 400 because it effectively enhances the film's sharpness.

    Factors to consider when buying Film Developers

    Here are some essential factors to consider when purchasing film developers:

    Film Type

    The type of film you intend to use will determine the developer you select. Film developers have unique chemistry that works differently with different emulsions; this is why it is essential to use a developer that is compatible with your chosen film to bring out the best characteristics of each emulsion.

    Use

    Some developers are designed for general use, while others are best for specific purposes, such as pushing film or increasing contrast. Understand what you want to achieve with the developer when selecting what to use.

    Dilution

    Different developers are designed to work at specific dilution ratios. This means that some developers should not be used in their concentrated form, and instead, should be diluted before use. If you are unsure of the dilution ratio of your chosen developer, search for the manufacturer's recommended ratios before purchasing.

    Shelf Life

    Developers have a lifespan, and most have an expiry date of several months or years. Always check the expiry date before purchasing the developer as expired chemicals may produce unwanted results and will be of no use.

    Price

    Price is an essential consideration for many photographers, and the cost of the developer should reflect your budget. However, while it can be tempting to go for the cheapest developer available, it is essential to bear in mind that the quality of the developer may impact the overall results of your images.

    Conclusion

    Selecting the right developer for your film is an essential factor in producing quality images. Before purchasing a developer, consider the different types of developers available, the type of film you are using, and the intended usage of the developer. Dilution ratios, shelf life, and price should also be considered. By understanding the different types of developers available and what they offer, you can make better-informed decisions and produce images that match your desired results.

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