Machine Processing or Tray Chemicals

In the darkroom there is two different ways to develop the contact sheets and enlargements; tray chemicals or a processing machine.

Tray Chemicals

Are more used when using resin coated paper and the technician does not recommend the students using the chemicals if we are not using this type of paper as it is an unnecessary health and safety risk, we were also told that is wasting chemicals because so much is left unused.

Some people prefer using the chemicals because they like to watch the process to make sure it has gone right and easily take the paper out of the process if it is not right. Another reason is that they can make sure the print does not get scratched or damaged during the process.

Machine Processing

This is a handy machine that develops, fixes and washes the prints. the technicians recommend this process as there is no chemical waste and it is safer as the chemicals are contained and there is no chance of spilling them on ourselves.

This process is easier than the trays because the whole process is automatic however there are some problems that can occur with this process; sometimes prints come out with scratches on them because of the rollers, and there is always a chance of the machine breaking if people are impatient and do not leave a suitable gap between the prints another thing that can happen if people are impatient is prints get stuck together so they are not developed fully.


I like to use the chemicals because it feels like I am doing more work and not just sitting around waiting for the machine.