Toto Tvalavadze

Rapid Travel Film Development Kit

The Problem: Shooting film in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments outside of Japan.

The Solution: Create an airport-friendly kit that allows shooting, developing, scanning, and publishing photos on the same day.

Sometimes, I need to move fast. During the Tbilisi protests in December 2024, I was shooting all day and into the evening, then developing film overnight to ensure photos were ready by morning. Whether it was documenting something critical or exposing police violence, time was of the essence. Sure, I could’ve shot digital, but that’s not how I work these days.

Waiting to process film back home wasn’t an option, especially with Tbilisi Airport’s reputation for refusing hand checks and forcing film through scanners.

To solve this, I put together a fully powder-based travel kit for film processing. Compact, lightweight, and TSA-compliant, it fits neatly into checked luggage without hassle.

This kit, paired with my other tools, allows me to shoot, develop, scan, and publish my work all on the same day—no compromises, no shortcuts. Below is the list of chemicals and gear I use to make it happen.

Chemistry

All the chemistry listed below is in powdered form and can be checked in on most airlines. This setup produces 4 liters of developer and fixer, which is enough for a substantial number of rolls.

XTOL has a particularly generous replenishment workflow, allowing you to extend its usability and develop a significant number of rolls without sacrificing quality.

  • Kodak XTOL Developer (1 pack)
  • Adox Adostop Eco Powder Stop Bath (5 packs)
  • Adox Adofix P Fixer (1 pack)
  • Fuji QW Hypo-Clearing Agent (optional)

Processing

  • Jobo 1520 (2-reel tank) + Jobo 1530 (3-reel extension) Developing Tank
  • Jobo Roller 1509: Uses only 600ml of chemistry for 5 reels
  • Matin Film Cutter: Optional, but scissors work fine if you’re skilled
  • Weights for Film Drying

Bulk Film

  • AP Filmloader Bobinquick Bulk Loader
  • AP Plastic Film Cartridge (x20) + Stickers

Scanning

  • VALOI easy35 35mm film scanner with duster
  • Lumix S5 digital camera
  • Lumix 100mm Macro lens
  • Adobe Lightroom Classic for organizing and importing negatives
  • Negative Lab Pro plugin for color conversion