What is Push and Puill Processing?
This topic is the source of much confusion. Don’t worry, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to make the right decision when it comes to processing your film.
First off, pushing and pulling only happens at time of processing—so you only have one shot to get it right. Pushing and pulling does not happen in-camera or at the time of shooting.
Pushing Film
Push Processing means keeping film in the developer for a (relatively) extended period of time (which compensates for underexposure).
Pushing Film
Pull Processing means removing film from the developer earlier than normal (which compensates for overexposure). So, pushed film stays in the developing bath longer, while pulled film is taken out early.
Due to the film’s inherent wide exposure latitude, it is very rare that you will ever need to pull-process your film.
Push Processing compensates for underexposure. Let’s say you only have ISO 400 film but are losing light quickly—you can rate the entire roll as though it were ISO 800 and then have it pushed +1 stop in processing.
Push processing will increase contrast, saturation and grain structure.
No. While pushing film does lead to more contrast, this is not the best way to achieve contrast.
A better strategy is to add contrast in post-processing. If you push your film and dislike how much contrast it brings, there is no way to “dial it back” in editing—your images are stuck at that contrast level.
Be sure to clearly label the rolls in need of a push or pull and by how many stops—mark it on the roll.
Pro Tip: A rubber band wrapped around a roll is a great way to let us know it needs a push or pull!
