Darkroom Camper Van

[Raskolnikov]

I travelled through France in my 1984 VW camper van for a few months, developing 120 film on the go. I mostly stayed at campsites though, so fresh water was never an issue. Ten litres of water was usually enough for one batch (4 rolls of film). A van with a larger water tank would allow you to develop film on the road. I never even considered making prints in my van btw. The VW was way too small and, to be honest, I much rather spent my time enjoying the journey than going through the trouble of making prints on the road...

 

[jbielikowski]

This would be a dream of mine as well !

I once saw a short documentary where a well known Polish photographer took his grandson on a similar trip in rural Poland somewhere

Dziennik z podróży 😉

 

[_goodtimez]

There used to be enlargement solution suitcases in the past. Just pop it open and you were ready to go.

 

[jim_jm]

This guy converted an old school bus several years ago just for this purpose:
http://thephotopalace.blogspot.com/

I believe the blog has photos and information about his conversion project.

He's doing wet plate shooting and carbon printing out of the bus, as well as other techniques.

 

[zauhar]

If space is tight, consider getting a Jobo - the smaller CPE is more compact than a bunch of trays, and you can use for both film and print developing. It is much slower for prints than trays, but you need less solutions, and you can do color if you feel up to it. ;-)

 

[calebarchie]

Weegee beat you to it...

'Weegee developed his photographs in a homemade darkroom in the rear of his car.'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weegee

I think every kid and his dog has thought about this at least once - no beating anyone here!

 

[Darthfeeble]

Another thing to consider is the disposal of the contaminated water. I don't know if that's a big issue or not but something to think about. If you are in a state or nat'l park and are dumping water on the ground, it could get expensive.

 

[calebarchie]

Water evaporator for waste water management? 😉

 

[Trius]

This guy converted an old school bus several years ago just for this purpose:
http://thephotopalace.blogspot.com/

I believe the blog has photos and information about his conversion project.

He's doing wet plate shooting and carbon printing out of the bus, as well as other techniques.

Interesting - I actually have a Kodak 1A densitometer as pictured on that page. I bought it used in excellent condition right here in Rochester, where it was made. Naturally, I haven't used it yet. 🙄

 

[Trius]

I've always wanted to buy two railroad coaches and convert them - one for studio and darkroom, the other for bar, lounge, entertaining and sleeping quarters when I'm in the dog house. Not moveable of course unless I also have a locomotive and purchase rail access. 😀