How to develop film from a film camera?

I know you need a darkroom and special chemicals and stuff, but is there an easier way? Especially because, I can't do that in my house, so where could I go to have that done? Are you allowed to take film from a Nikon film camera to a place like Walmart, or do they only develop disposable camera film?

Wal Mart and most corner drug stores still send film out to be developed every day. Wal Mart will probably still have a 1 hour photo developing in most of the bigger ones.

I came across a very similar question in a forum this week. I will search for the address and post it.

If you shot color negative film, you would be better off taking it to costco, Walgreens, or some other drug store or local photo lab. That is C-41 chemistry and needs to be at 10 degrees F. For the first two steps. Printing is done in a totally dark room, no safe lights! Even tougher for that.

Some B&W chemistry is also C-41, so you can take it to the same lab for processing and prints. Honesty it is much cheaper, and tons faster to have a lab do it for you.

If you are processing B&W film, the instructions for processing are usually in the film box that held the original roll of film. It can be done at home much easier than color negative film, but will still cost for the reels, tanks, chemicals, etc. And, since most drug store labs don't do B&W at the store, it will take a few days to come back to you.

If you are starting out, shoot color neg film, and get it processed at the one hour lab at Costco, Walgreens, etc.

Printing your own B&W is a lot of fun, and you will learn a lot, and become a better photographer faster. Best part is, the enlarger, and other stuff you'll need is cheap as most folks are selling their home lab and going digital. Supply is high, demand is low, therefore, price is cheap for used darkroom equipment on Craigslist, or?

Janie, it's nice to hear you're getting into film photography! I hope your first shots come out well for you.

For now, there's no need for you to learn to process at home. Start by simply learning to use your camera and get used to using film in general. It would be best if you took a photography class or at the very least, it is absolutely necessary that you read a Basic 35mm Photography Guide such as the one below or any other one that is easy for you to borrow from a library or buy:

http://www.amazon.com/...1584280301

You also need to read the instruction manual that should have come with your camera. If you don't have it, simply Google the full name of the model of your camera and the word "manual."

The film in disposable cameras is the same type of film you can buy for your Nikon. There are several kinds of film, which you can read about in your guide, but for now, just buy C41 process 35mm films like Kodak Gold and Fuji Superia. These films are inexpensive and can be processed at affordable labs such as Walmart.

I suggest purchasing film from Adorama.com and BHPhoto if you are ordering a good deal of it.

I would also suggest taking your film to Target, CVS or Walgreens, particularly Target. These photo centers all process in house. Most, if not all Walmart locations mail their film out for processing. But if you like Walmart, feel free to take your film there. I personally have good experience with Target and they are very very cheap.

If you have any other film related questions, please email me directly at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com