AGO Film Processor
Award-winning film processor for Education & Community Darkrooms
Why AGO for education?
Makes film development easier to learn
AGO Film Processor has proven intuitive for both students and teachers. By simplifying the technical side of film processing, it allows students to focus on photography itself, making learning less intimidating and more enjoyable.
Growing confidence with reliable results
With automatic adjustments that adapt to varying conditions, AGO delivers consistent results every time. Students can spend less time second-guessing and more time building skills through hands-on practice. Boosting both confidence and curiosity.
Bringing color film development back to class
AGO makes it easy to bring C-41, E6, ECN-2, and even RA-4 printing back into education. Both in class and at home, it opens new possibilities for learning through practical experience in color development.
Faster turnaround for busy classrooms
Thanks to AGO’s speed and dependability, teachers can process multiple rolls during a single class. This ensures more students get the hands-on experience they need, even within tight schedules.
Tool that supports learning
Teachers value AGO for its reliability, while students gain real-world skills through direct engagement with the process. It’s a hands-on tool that fits naturally into modern analog photography education.
Join live webinar for educators on 10th of August
During the webinar we introduce you to the AGO film processor, show you how AGO will benefit you and your students, and go through a live demonstration of how developing film with AGO works.
Read stories of AGO being used in classrooms
Classroom Experience with the AGO Film Processor at Buckinghamshire College Group
This piece shares how a photography course integrated the AGO Film Processor into daily teaching. Students were able to develop their own film—color and black-and-white—for the first time in years, replacing broken deep tanks with a more practical and reliable solution. The AGO helped reduce processing errors, sped up workflows, and gave students more control and confidence in their learning. It also allowed teachers to run larger groups without compromising on quality. For schools looking to strengthen their analog photography offering, this review offers clear, real-world perspective.
Using the AGO Processor for Thesis Work and Teaching at the Estonian Academy of Arts
Noah’s experience shows how the AGO Film Processor can support both student-led projects and teaching. For his thesis, he processed 25–30 rolls of C-41 film efficiently and affordably—something that wouldn’t have been feasible without AGO. What started as an intimidating task became accessible and even enjoyable. Later, when he led a color darkroom workshop at the university, students quickly picked up the process thanks to AGO’s intuitive design. For institutions looking to support hands-on learning and independent work, this story offers a clear example of the practical and creative value AGO can provide.
Quick overview of AGO film processor's features
Benefits for your students, and you
✔️ Students never miss a process step — AGO keeps them on track
✔️ Get consistent negatives thanks to smart monitoring
✔️ Automatic agitation gives back valuable time to prepare for next developing step or internalize what was learned
✔️ Chemistry savings with rotary processing
✔️ Control over every aspect of film facilitates learning
Quick Specs
- ✔️ Supports 35mm, 120, 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 film
- ✔️ Compatible with B&W, C-41, E-6, and RA-4 processes
- ✔️ Works with all Paterson Super System 4 tanks
- ✔️ Develops 1 to 8 rolls at once (depending on tank)
- ✔️ Battery lasts 5 hours per charge (USB-C charging)
- ✔️ Fully adjustable programs and custom processing control
- ✔️ Includes full manual and step-by-step video guides
Open to view all the current programs in AGO
B&W – General
B&W – Cinestill DF96
C-41 – Bellini
C-41 – Kodak
C-41 – Fuji Hunt
C-41 – Tetenal
C-41 – Flic Film
C-41 – Cinestill
C-41 – Arista, Unicolor
C-41 – Adox
C-41 – Jobo
E-6 – Arista
E-6 – Cinestill D6
E-6 – Jobo, Ilfocolor
E-6 – Adox
ECN-2 – Cinestill
ECN-2 Jobo, Bellini
ECN-2 – Flic Film
ECN-2 – Jobo, Ilfocolor
RA-4 – Arista
Why developing with AGO is super easy
Active Time-Compensation
Just warm up the chemistry — AGO takes care of the rest.
Active Time-Compensation feature automatically adjusts development time if the temperature shifts during processing. That means perfectly developed film, every time — without lab-level guesswork.
Automatic Agitation
AGO lets you control how your film is agitated — stick or rotary, fast or slow.
Prefer hands-off processing? Use rotary mode and let AGO manage the whole process. Want more control? Stick mode is supported too.
A built-in alarm alerts you when it’s time to act, so you have time to attend to students’ needs.
Rotary Processing
With horizontal rotary agitation, AGO uses up to 60% less chemistry than traditional methods.
That means fewer chemicals to buy, less waste, and a cleaner, more efficient workflow — whether you’re developing one roll or eight.
Compatibility
AGO is compatible with all Paterson Super System 4 tanks — from single-roll to multi-reel setups. AGO can develop from just one roll of film up to eight rolls at once. Already have Paterson tanks? You can use your old tanks with AGO as long as you have the AGO funnel.
Reels for Large Format and Printing
Time to teach large format? AGO supports 4×5, 5×7, and even 8×10 film reels.
You can also develop RA-4 or black & white darkroom prints.
Custom Programs
The workflow you need might be a little different, so AGO lets you make your own. Create and upload custom processing programs from your computer or phone, or fine-tune any existing preset to fit your exact preferences for smoother tutoring.
Frequently asked questions about AGO
What formats and processes can I develop?
AGO supports all major film formats: 35mm, 120, 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10.
It works with Black & White, C-41, E-6, ECN-2, and RA-4 processes — so you’re fully covered, no matter how you shoot.
Is AGO beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. If you’ve never developed film before, AGO takes the stress out of it.
Just warm your chemistry, follow the steps, and let AGO handle the hard part. You’ll also get a full manual and video tutorials to guide you.
How many rolls of film can I develop at once?
AGO can process anywhere from 1 to 8 rolls of 35mm or medium format film, depending on the tank you’re using.
Can I use my existing gear?
Yes! AGO works with all Paterson Super System 4 tanks and reels. If you already own a Paterson tank, you only need the AGO funnel to get started.
Does AGO heat chemicals?
AGO doesn’t heat the chemistry directly — but it does monitor and adjust for temperature changes during development.
Just pre-warm your chemicals to the right starting temp, and AGO takes care of the rest using active time compensation.
How long does the battery last?
The battery lasts up to 5 hours on a single charge — enough for a full day of developing. It charges via USB-C.
Are the batteries changeable?
Yes, you can easily replace the batteries in AGO if needed.
If anything happens during the warranty period, we’ll take care of it for you.
Instructions are included in the User Manual.
Can I create my own development programs?
Yes! You can easily customize your development steps on your phone or computer, then upload them to AGO. It’s perfect if you want to experiment or follow specific film/chemistry recipes.
How much chemistry should I use in each tank?
Here’s a handy chart to guide you based on tank size and film format:
What’s in the box?
- AGO film processor
- AGO funnel
- Paterson tank fitting (for two 35mm or one 120)
- 2× Paterson developing reels (135 and 120)
- Center column
- Rear stand
- Paterson rubber tank lid
- Quick start guide
- Adapter for older Paterson tanks
Have any other questions?
Feel free to contact us!
General
We ship quickly to almost everywhere in the world! If you can select your country at checkout, we can ship it to you.
EU: 3-4 workdays USA: 2-5 workdays Rest of the world: 5-14 days
What’s the warranty like?
AGO comes with a two-year warranty. If anything happens during that time that is caused by poor craftsmanship or build, we will repair or replace your AGO. This includes damages from shipping the AGO to you.
Register your warranty at www.vintagevisual.eu/support
Pre-programmed processes and custom programs
Instructors and teachers can use pre-programmed development systems for most popular processes with a single press—or build their own for teaching variations like push/pull or alternative chemistry. Great for classes that combine consistency with creativity.
AGO’s clear interface and repeatable results mean students can develop film independently after just one walkthrough. It boosts confidence and reduces instructor load.
Supports B&W, C41, E6, ECN-2 and RA-4
From black and white to color negatives and even RA-4 printing, AGO handles a complete analog curriculum. No need for multiple machines or extra setup—just one device for it all.
Students can take a roll of film from camera to colorful RA-4 print, learning the full process in one workshop.
Compatible with standard Paterson tanks
Most public darkrooms and schools already use Paterson tanks. AGO works with what you have—no changes to your setup, no new investments.
Use Super System 4 tanks to process anywhere from 1 to 8 rolls of 35mm film. Larger tanks support 110 to 8×10” formats, including sheet film and RA-4 prints.
Live Temperature & Agitation Display
Students can watch temperature and agitation in real time, deepening their understanding of how each variable affects results.
Once comfortable, they can run their own rolls with minimal supervision—giving instructors more time and participants more agency.
