Darkroom class for $250, worth it?

[ChrisN]

I did a similar course a year ago, at slightly higher cost. No regrets. I now have my own darkroom here at home, but I do miss the camaraderie of working with fellow students. Very few darkroom workers in my town, and very few courses available.

 

[skibeerr]

For $250 + the cheap access afterwards it is worth it. You would probably spend that amount on "mistakes" in a short time!
Film processing is actually easy, once you have standardized on a film/developer. Wet printing is a different story altogether. The subtle differences in papers, developers, judging negative densities and the impact on the prints can use up a lot of expensive paper.
You also have the advantage of instant feed-back and rather than having to guess what went wrong - you can ask someone who knows.
Even basic skills like burning and dodging use up a lot of paper to get right.
In bl/w photography there is a point when you pull the finished print out of the last wash cycle and you realize that it is "magic". You can study the chemistry, you can analyze the process - and it is still a magical moment.
Dont just do the course - also find out if there are any galleries that shows photography nearby. Go and look at the prints - nothing teaches appreciation than seeing good, really good prints! You then have a "target" for your own printing.
There are many, many more good photographers than good printers. Most of us can pull out a decent print - few can do a master print.

+1 on this

Take a/this class, use fresh paper and chemicals and find a good workflow.
The reward is immense 🙂

If you want to start cheapo like me with old paper and no knowledge you will be frustrated.

Then I took classes and in no time it worked, I still am no great printer but I can often get out of a print wat I want, my own private magic moment.

 

[shadowfox]

I disagree about the solitary pursuit thing. If true none of us would be here at RFF.

On the contrary, taking up solitary pursuit of film photography -- to the level where darkroom printing is involved -- almost *requires* forums such as RFF where knowledge and sometimes experience can be had without extra cost that you can use to fund the materials.

 

[anu L ogy]

35mmdelux,
Classes may have been $35 in the early 90s, but $250 is cheap by todays standards for a class at a community college w/ lab fees.

I say take the class because it is a small investment and you will get all the benefits that Tom mentioned. Further, this class is only going to lay your foundation. Having the darkroom to use when ever you want at a rate that is that cheap is quite beneficial. I think if you make your own darkroom you will soon see that paying $5 per hour is better than the hassle involved with maintaining your own dark room.

 

[wblynch]

As far as the money, if you are looking for a low cost hobby, it is not going to be photography. ;-)

I can say one thing...

After you've owned a boat, EVERYTHING else is cheap !! 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

I can say one thing...

After you've owned a boat, EVERYTHING else is cheap !! 🙂

Aircraft....

Cheers,

R.

 

[JohnTF]

Aircraft....

Cheers,

R.

British sports cars with Lucas Ignition?

John