Photography: The Darkroom
You can build a fine basic darkroom for under $200.00 -
especially if you take the time to shop. I find .ebay.com
has a great selection of darkroom equipment…. just go to the Photographic
Equipment link and then click the Darkroom Accessories link and you’ll find everything you
need.
FIRST: Please go to the camera
store and get a good book on film and paper processing! You simply gotta get in the
habit of “reading the directions” FIRST!
If you are short of funds and/or space you will find that your
average bathroom makes for a natural darkroom!! The bathtub will hold three
developing trays (11X14), the seat is the perfect place to put the enlarger. and it is
easy to seal out the light. All your bottled chemicals should be placed in the
bathtub also…. if they drip they will not affect the porcelain tub!
Enlargers can run from about $75 (used) to thousands (new).
The most important factor is the enlarging lens
If you buy one used, be sure and get a money back guarantee so you can test if for sharpness
and color purity. Lenses run from about $20 to hundreds.
You will also need a developing tank and reels
This equipment allows you to develop film in a light-tight environment. Once the film is
loaded on the reels and placed inside the Nikkor tanks, put the top on and you can turn on
the lights and pour chemicals in and out without any light getting to the film.
If you want to go fancy you might want a timer
Finally, I urge you to use print tongs (see below). Those
chemicals can cause you a lot of problems if you insist on dipping your hands in and out.
You’ll also need a thermometer and a safe light. To dry the film, after after
it has been properly washed it, I use rubbing alcohol and a hair dryer. Immerse the
film into a tank full of alcohol for 15-20 seconds, remove it, and - using your fingers
as a squeegie, gently wipe the liquid away. If you are in a rush, blast the film with
a hairdryer…. but don’t get the heat too close. I would suggest you do not rush
the film-drying process. The alcohol will evaporate rapidly so just slowly close
the door and wait 5-10 minutes.
