Step 2: Cut off the leader (the part that is a more narrow) with scissors.

Step 3: Feed the end of the film into the reel until a few inches are in. Then move the sides of the reel back and forth until all the film is inside. If the film jams, remove it gently and try again.

Step 4: Once you reach the end of the film, cut off the plastic piece attached to the film and feed the rest of the film into the reel.

Step 5: Place the holder (refered to as a "black insert" in the above diagram) into the tank, then place your reel on that. Then put the top piece in place and make sure it is locked. Usually to lock it, just twist it and you will hear it click. If this piece is not locked, light can get to your film and ruin it. Once the top piece is locked, your tank can be exposed to light.

Step 6: Developing times and temperatures change for different films, so you must look up the information you need for your film. If you are in a class your instructor should know.

Step 7: Prepare all your chemicals before you start, so you can quickly move from one step to the next.  This includes mixing and measuring. The amount of chemicals you need to measure depends on how big your tank is.

Step 8: Pour the developer into your tank and tap the tank on a hard surface a few times to get the air bubbles out. This is important because air bubbles will alter your results. Place the lid on the tank. During the developing time (times will vary) agitate—turn the tank over— for 5 seconds every 30 seconds. After every agitation tap the tank on a hard surface to remove air bubbles.

Step 9: A few seconds before the developing time is over pour out the developer into a sink.

Step 10: Pour in the stop bath to stop the film from developing. No agitation is necessary in this step.

Step 11: Pour back the stop bath for it can be reused.

Step 12: Pour in the fixer and tap out the air bubbles. Agitation is debatable during this step, but to be safe agitate every 30 seconds.

Step 13: DO NOT pour fixer down the sink. Fixer can be reused but must eventually be discarded properly.

Step 14: Now you must give the film a bath. Fill up the tank a few times with water and then pour it out. Then leave water running into the tank for at least 10 minutes.

Step 15: Pour in Hypo Eliminator or Hypo Clearing Agent and agitate without stopping for the entire time.

Step 16: Take the film carefully out of the reel and run it between your fingers to remove excess liquid. Attach some kind of weight (like a clothes pin) to the bottom of the film then hang to dry. The weight will make sure your film dries straight and does not curl up.

Step 17: After about an hour or two your film should be dry. Take the strip of film and cut it into appropriate lengths for your negative holder sheet (usually 5 or 6 frames). Make sure to cut the film in between the frames or you will ruin a picture. Carefully place a strip into each slot of the sheet. You do not want dust or dirt to get in the sheet because it can scratch your negatives.