Where Did the Developer Go?

July 2019: Got some film and ready to develop… ah, what!?! Toronto, CA

I like using a powdered type of developer because it seems more stable and there is less packaging involved, but never did I think it would grow tiny wings and fly away from inside a locked cupboard.

I consider myself to be very organized.  I know what I have, how much of it I have and most times where everything is.  I would not have gone to the darkroom with rolls of film if I knew there would not have been enough chemicals to get the job done.  I knew I had just the right amount of developer to process two 35mm rolls.

Nope!  Was I surprised to see I had half of what I thought and it was slightly yellowish.  It was too late to run out and get more supplies, since the nearest photography stores close earlier - thousands of pairs of shoes are for sale until 9:00pm/10:00pm but not photographic supplies.

Though befuddled by the incident, I let it further spur me on to consider making my own chemistry using "raw" chemicals from local manufacturers. This incident also reminded me of a line from Shakespeare's play, Measure for Measure: “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

OK, back to the rolls.  I decided to take a chance, probably due to the effect of adrenaline rushing through my body, and process the film at a higher temperature and with twice the recommended time.  The negatives came out pretty good - just like with a regular developer.  What a relief.  I felt like falling to the floor and kissing the ground and later, finding it ironic that it is a digital tool (the internet) which is keeping analogue photography alive - it's the best way to get supplies.

hope you have more than enough of what you need,

♥️ Christina