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How do you dry a film camera?

Published in Photography Film Developing 2 mins read

You don't dry a film camera itself; you dry the film after it's been developed. Here's how to properly dry your developed film negatives:

To dry your film negatives after development, you'll want to create a controlled environment to minimize dust and ensure even drying.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Prepare a Drying Space: The ideal location is a dust-free and humid environment. A bathroom after a hot shower is perfect, or you can lightly mist the air to increase humidity. This helps prevent water spots.

  2. Final Rinse: After your final wash, consider using a wetting agent (like Kodak Photo-Flo) diluted according to the instructions. This reduces surface tension, helping the water sheet off the film and preventing water spots.

  3. Remove Excess Water: Gently wipe down each side of the film with squeegee tongs or gloved fingers, to eliminate water on the film.

  4. Hang the Film: Hang each strip of film individually. Use film clips at both the top and bottom to keep the film straight and prevent curling.

  5. Drying Time: Allow the film to dry for at least 2-5 hours, but it could take longer depending on the humidity and temperature. Avoid touching the film while it's drying.

  6. Storage: Once completely dry, cut the film into strips (usually 5 or 6 frames) and store them in archival-quality negative sleeves.

Important Considerations:

  • Dust Control: Dust is your enemy! A clean environment is crucial for spotless negatives.
  • Humidity: A little humidity helps prevent water spots. Too little humidity can cause uneven drying.
  • Airflow: Avoid strong drafts that could deposit dust on the film.

By following these steps, you can ensure your film negatives dry properly, preserving your images for years to come.