A Necessary Step for Developing Film

Once you reach the end of a roll of film, it is time for development.

To carry out this process, you must open the film cartridge in complete darkness in order to place the film into the developing tank.

Opening the Film Cartridge

The Film Can Opener

Although it is possible to force the cartridge open with a knife or another tool, it is far more comfortable and efficient to use a proper film can opener.

The Film Leader Retriever

You can also use a film leader retriever. In this case, you simply pull the film leader back out of the cartridge. It is mostly a matter of personal preference.

A film leader retriever also allows you to use a roll of film over multiple sessions. It makes it possible to retrieve the leader and reinsert a rewound film cartridge that still has exposures remaining.

How I Do It

Personally, I prefer using the “can opener” method.

I find that using a film leader retriever introduces an unnecessary risk: scratching the film if there is dust or debris (such as grains of sand) around the cartridge slot.