CineStill DF 96 Monobath Developer & Fixer for Black & White Film 1L

CineStill Df96 Monobath Developer & Fixer for Black & White Film 1L

CineStill Df96 Monobath makes developing black and white film at home remarkably simple by combining development and fixing into a single reusable solution. Designed for traditional black and white films including CineStill BwXX, Tri-X, HP5 and many others, Df96 requires no separate developer, stop bath or fixer. Processing can take as little as three minutes, uses standard developing tanks and reels, and can be carried out across a flexible range of room temperatures.

The Perfect Developer For

• Anyone looking for a simple way to start developing black and white film at home.
• Film photographers wanting to reduce the number of chemicals needed for processing.
• Experienced photographers looking for a fast and convenient black and white workflow.
• Processing CineStill BwXX and other traditional cubic-grain black and white films.
• Photographers wanting a reusable and economical processing solution.

Key Features

• All-in-one black and white developer and fixer.
• No separate stop bath or fixer required.
• Processes traditional black and white films in a single chemical bath.
• Processing times from approximately 3 to 6 minutes at normal room temperatures.
• Works between approximately 20°C and 28°C for standard processing.
• Compatible with standard developing tanks and reels.
• Processes 16+ rolls of film per litre.
• Suitable for processing between 1 and 8 rolls at a time.
• Reusable solution for economical home processing.
• Push and pull processing possible by adjusting temperature.
• Produces archival negatives when correctly fixed and washed.
• Odour-free formulation.

Black & White Processing in One Bath

Df96 simplifies conventional black and white processing by combining the developer and fixer into one self-completing bath. There is no need to measure out separate developer, stop bath and fixer solutions. Once processing is complete, simply wash the film thoroughly with water before hanging it to dry.

Fast and Flexible Processing

Standard processing can be completed in approximately 3 to 6 minutes depending on temperature and agitation. CineStill recommends at least 3 minutes at 27°C with constant agitation, 4 minutes at 24°C with intermittent agitation, or 6 minutes at 21°C with minimal agitation. The solution has a temperature tolerance of approximately ±1°C.

Process a Wide Range of Black & White Films

Df96 can process most standard black and white films at their native ISO and was designed particularly with traditional cubic-grain emulsions such as CineStill BwXX, Kodak Tri-X and Ilford HP5 in mind. It can also process tabular-grain films such as Kodak T-Max, although these may require additional processing time to clear completely.

Some tabular-grain films may initially retain pink or purple dyes after processing. This is normal and will fade. Certain specialist films can also require different exposure ratings or longer processing times, so manufacturer-specific guidance should be considered when working with unusual emulsions.

Push and Pull Processing

Development can be adjusted through processing temperature, allowing Df96 to be used for push and pull processing without changing chemicals. Higher temperatures increase development and can produce greater contrast and more pronounced grain, while lower temperatures can be used for reduced contrast. CineStill recommends following the appropriate temperature and agitation instructions for the desired result.

Reusable and Economical

Df96 is designed to be reused, with one litre capable of processing more than 16 rolls of film. As the chemistry is reused, CineStill recommends adding approximately 15 seconds to the processing time for each previously processed roll, up to a total processing time of eight minutes. If film has not fully cleared, it can remain in the Df96 for longer to complete fixing.

Archival Washing

For archival results, processed film must be thoroughly washed after leaving the Df96 bath. CineStill recommends washing under running water at room temperature for approximately five minutes or using a repeated fill, inversion and drain method. A final rinse with a suitable wetting agent can also help promote even drying and reduce water marks.

Storage and Chemical Life

Unused mixed Df96 has an expected shelf life of approximately one year when stored in a tightly sealed bottle. Once the chemistry has been used, CineStill recommends reusing it within approximately two months. As the solution becomes exhausted it will progressively yellow and eventually turn dark amber. A simple daylight film-leader snip test can be used to check activity before processing an important roll.

TFC's Verdict

CineStill Df96 is one of the easiest ways to simplify black and white film development. Combining development and fixing into one reusable bath removes several stages from the traditional process, making it particularly appealing to photographers developing their first films at home or anyone who values a quick, straightforward workflow. With flexible room-temperature processing, broad film compatibility and capacity for more than 16 rolls per litre, it is also a very practical option for regular black and white shooters.

MPN: 63120LIQ