This is part one of my response and only really covers a small segment of the topic.

The following costs are based on two ranges of data. Both assume buying new equipment for small tank processing and film and chemical costs are all built around Fuji Neopan 400 in 135 (35mm) size as this is the conventional halide b/w film I've most often used for several years. 120 film it works out has a very similar cost per roll, but of course is much higher per frame as the film is larger. I've costed this on doing 3 roll/week or 150 per year. I don't know when I last shot just one roll other than one's left in a camera or in a 'carry' camera that might take a week or more to finish.

Calculations are based on the ability to process 3 rolls at a time, either sequentially or all at once in a larger 3-4 roll tank. The more expensive number is based on stainless tanks, optimum chemical consumptions (i.e. one use at medium times and fill rates for the ~ 1 liter (actually 875ml @ 1:1 dilution) 3-in-1 Paterson style 440 tanks using Microdol or Super Prodol. The lower cost is based on a smaller Kodak plastic/resin single roll tank and D-76.

The 1 year and 3 year numbers obviously amortize the equipment over two different periods of time. By necessity some of the numbers are wholesale (i.e. chemicals in spigot equipped containers with floating lids) and both higher and lower numbers assume the chemicals are replaced if they expire and are stored in air evacuable containers. These containers (the ones that look like accordions on end) are worth it for the more expensive developers and definitely if you mix your own as that is slightly less stable.

The timer I choose is a Gralab that has the external plugs for an enlarger and other accessories, is digital with a blankable red display so that it can also be used for color and has an audible interval timer. The cost is less than half of MSRP as I can't find anything other than a wholesale or 'bulk' order of 5 pricing. So realistically it probably is a $150 timer. I use a similar one that has been around for 10+years and works fine, phenol stains and all!

Thermometer I chose a Paterson analog for calculation as they are fine and durable, though there are much less expensive ones out there. The funnels listed are really optional, but I like them for the tanks I use and the Paterson's as the drain opening to the tank is a little small to pour into quickly otherwise. They are specified in stainless and at a quantity price but not wholesale. This is included in the higher price, the lower cost D-76 uses a Kodak 'kit' thermometer.

The remaining 'supplies' including tongs, squeegees, clips, etc. are based on what I use when doing it the right way, and not just using my fingers to wipe the film and chip clips off the bag of Doritos to hang the film.

As I mentioned before, taxs, shipping and the hazardous materials costs I'm not really including as they are not a huge cost and you may pay them or not depending on where you get your supplies.

Neopan film is based on a bulk purchase of 50-100 roll pricing. Delivery included.

Neopan film $2.30 a roll.

1 year costs
Base equipment new(some wholesale some quantity or retail price)
totals for calculation $264 spread over 150 rolls - 1.76 roll
Microdol/Super Prodol Chemistry including acid hardener as Neopan needs this to be durable for storage and scanning - $0.60 roll
Post work and storage (see below for more) - $0.35+ roll
With film total 2.71+2.30 Grand total is a $5.01 per roll

3 year costs Microdol/SPD drop significantly to a processing and equipment cost of $1.35 per roll + $2.30film Grand total $3.65

1 and 3 year costs for the lower cost single tank (Kodak plastic) tank and minimal other gear doing one roll at a time with D-76 and the base Kodak chemistry and no post process acid hardener are
equipment for year one drops to $2.23 cents a roll
equipment for 3 years drops to $0.96 cents a roll.

One year of 150 rolls in Kodak D-76 (lower cost chem) $4.58 roll
Three years of 150 rolls/yr D-76 $3.26 roll


I used a figure of $33 per roll for a 'beginner's' kit as listed in several catalogs when that are the same as the last plastic tank I bought as gift about three years. I calculated this for 3 sets for doing three rolls at once for the lower cost D-76 based process. This is from brand new catalog pricing as of January 7, 2008 and the 'kit' mentioned includes several items for sheet or print processing such as trays and drying racks. All in inexpensive nylon or polyester material.

The Post Processing includes a cost for a light box and loupe of moderate quality to inspect negatives. There's a inclusion of a flat cutter (~$20) to uniformly and cleanly cut negative strips for storage. I also have included costs for bulk purchases of storage boxes (non-acid cardboard moisture resistant coatedd) and negative storage sheets.

I'll do a sheet film cost and a b/w printing cost(enlargement and contact) in the near future.

Thanks to all who have participated so far and hope others will add on to this as time progresses for various chemistries and film types!