This is the process I use to develop black and white photos using the process known as Caffenol. I wanted to give this a try as it uses less harsh chemicals and makes for a cheap and fun way to develop film. The only thing you need to buy specifically for film developing is the fixer while everything else can be picked up in ones local grocery store. I have had really good results and below is a guide I put together over time of trying it out with some examples of its results. I use a DLSR camera to bring my film into digital and Photoshop to adjust contrast just a little as I am a fan of black and white with a punch of contrast.

Caffenol
Richard Scott

Developer:

- 12oz Water
- 5tsp Instant Coffee
- 1/2tsp Vitamin C Power
- 3 1/2tsp Washing Soda

Fixer:

- 9oz Water
- 3oz Ilford Rapid Fixer

Directions:

01. Mix developer.
02. Mix fixer. [if needed]
03. Add developer at 65f/18c using times below.
     - B&W Film: 10min agitating 5sec every 1min.
     - Color Film: 15min agitating 5sec every 1min.
04. Wash with water 2x.
05. Add fixer for 3min agitating 5sec every 1min.
06. Wash with water 2x.
07. Wash with water and 3 drop dish detergent 1x.
08. Hang film and let dry.

Notes:

01. The recipe here works for a tank with one reel of 35mm film.
02. Mix developer before doing anything else.
03. The fixer can be used more than once so keep it in a good sealed container and test it from time to time.
04. Developing color film this way will not make for color photos but a brown colored set of photos that are also rather flat. Interesting to play with but never looks as good as B&W film. For color you will need a lab to develop your film or you learn how to develop color film yourself. It’s not that much harder just requires some more chemicals, a few other steps and more control.
05. The measurements here work for me but if you want to be more professional then weigh what's needed for your developer.
06. Depending on your local water you may want to use distilled water. Luckily my tap water in my area is pretty clean.
07: I have successfully reused the developer on no more than four rolls of film as I have never tried any more than that. In doing this I put the developer into my refrigerator right after its use. As soon as I was finished a roll of film and ready to develop another I used it right away. The rolls I have done this on have never shown signs of degradation in its development.