Resources

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Downloadable camera manuals

ianbfoto.com

Here you can find a very large (550+ and still increasing) selection of Mamiya (350+), Bronica (125), Metz and Fuji GX680 brochures, manuals, instruction sheets and reviews that you may find useful - plus now a Darkroom section and a few other PDFs for light meters and other items of possible interest. ianbfoto.com/downloads.php

butkus.org

Downloadable PDF manuals of almost any analog camera. www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html

Software to convert negatives

Negative Lab Pro

Negative Lab Pro is a plugin for Adobe Lightroom (Classic) that lets you convert negatives to positive. It offers great control and it's probably the de facto standard by now.
The plugin is used to convert raw files that you shoot with your DSLR but you can also use it to convert DNG files from your flatbed scanner. You can download a trial here: www.negativelabpro.com

Darktable Negadoctor

Darktable is open source photo editing software. There's a separate module called Negadoctor that does a great job converting negatives if scanned as transparency with a flatbed scaner. We have no hands-on experience with this, but it's on the list of things to try. For a review of Darktable, have a look here: fixthephoto.com/darktable-review.html

Analogue toolbox for Capture One

This is a plug-in for Capture One (C1) developed by Michael Wilmes - to convert negatives to positives. You can find more information in the Facebook group "Analogue toolbox for Capture One".

Grain2Pixel

Grain2Pixel is a Photoshop plug-in (for both Windows and Mac with Photoshop CC 2019 or above) that lets you convert RAW DSLR scans, and DNG as well as TIFF files from your flatbed scanner into positive images. Their website has lots of instruction videos.
grain2pixel.com

Scanning utilities

Kinetronics anti-static brush

Using an anti-static brush to wipe your negatives and scanner to reduce dust on your scans is highly recommended. As opposed to using a dust blower, you're not moving air when you gently use a wisk to remove dust - and that's a huge advantage. From first-hand experience, the Kinetronic StaticWisk works really well and saves a lot of time in the post process.

Anti Newton Ring glass for scanning

You can use ANR (Anti Newton Ring) glass to keep your negatives flat while preventing Newton rings. For detailed information about Newton rings, have a look here: How to avoid ugly Newton rings...
Custom made ANR glass is generally used to replace the glass in holders that come with e.g. Epson scanners, but you can also simply tape your negatives to a piece of ANR glass and put your glass on your scanner using something to raise it above the scanner glass. You'll need to experiment with the height of your raiser (easily made out of card board) to find the sharpest focus point.
You can have ANR glass made to order from Kienzle Phototechnik in Germany. Their website is www.kienzle-phototechnik.de.

LED Light panels

For DSLR scanning you'll need a light source with even illumination and a high Color Rendering Index (CRI). You can find a lot of informatation about this here: Suggested backlight sources for scanning film with a DSLR.
Many seem to be using the Kaiser Slimlite Plano LED panel, which is available in a 22x16cm version and a 33x22.8cm version. For DSLR scanning, the smaller version will suffice. www.kaiser-fototecnik.de.

Film holders for scanning

Lomography Digitaliza

Lomography make holders (or scanning masks as they call them) for both 35mm and medium format film. You can use these holders to replace the ones that came with your flatbed scanner - but these holders are probably most often used for DSLR scanning.
Depending on how curly your film is, the Lomo holders do a good job holding your film flat. It uses magnets to achieve this. You can order the 35mm Digitaliza holder on their website shop.lomography.com, but many local shops have the Digitaliza holders too.

Film Carrier MK1

This is a film carrier for DSLR scanning of 35mm film (there's also a version for 120 film) that lets you scan an entire roll. It seems to work fast but it's rather expensive. You can find more info on the negative.supply website, and there's a review here: www.diyphotography.net

Nikon ES-2

The ES-2 is an adapter for DSLR scanning (35mm film only), that screws onto your macro lens. It works well and quick - but you do need a good light source, e.g. a led panel such as the Kaiser plano. And the ES-2 can be used with a limited set of lenses onlys, i.e. AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens, the AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D Lens, or the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Lens.

Essential Film Holder

The Essential Film Holder (for DSLR scanning) is made by a small company in the UK. They offer holders for both 35mm and medium format film, and there's a version that can do both. The costs are very reasonable. You can find more info on their website clifforth.co.uk

Film development tools

Mod54 film drying rack

This film drying rack is suitable for all formats, although originally intended for drying 4x5 sheets. There is space between the two rows, to prevent sticking sheets. It works really well - the clips are tight but don't damage your film. There are versions that hold 6 (below photo), 12 or 18 film/sheets.

Dark room bag / Film changing bag

A film changing bag can be used to load / unload film if you don't have access to a darkroom. In the field having a changing bag to hand means that a jammed or partly exposed film can be safely removed from the camera and shooting can continue.

Kaiser film leader retriever

A super handy tool to retrieve the leader from your 35mm film canister. It's easy to use but you do need to learn how to do it. There's a good instruction video on YouTube: How To Use A Film Retriever. You can put the film leader on your spool in the light, the first part of the film has nothing on it. Then wind the rest of the film onto the spool in your darkbag or darkroom.

Stearman Press SP-445 4x5 developing tank

Developing your own 4x5 large format film may sound intimidating, but it's actually not hard at all with this compact tank that loads and unloads easily in a dark/film changing bag. You can process 4 sheets together with 475ml developer, less sheets is possible too of course. The current revision is rev 4 which has improved film holders.

TCS-1000 temperature control system

Use the TCS to either heat up your chemicals directly, or to heat up a bath with your chemical bottles in it. The TCS costs about 100 Euro and it may be a well worth investment if you regularly mix your own chemicals and/or develop your own film. It is precise, quick and convenient. More info is available on the Cinestill website TCS temperature control system.
If you're looking for a solution to simply warm up a water bath in which you position your bottles, a regular Sous Vide cooker may be a better or at least cheaper option for you.