New York Darkrooms in NYC

[ItsReallyDarren]

I'm going to spending some time in NYC, one of the things I'm having a hard time finding are darkrooms that offer monthly subscriptions or memberships. Most of what I've found only offer by the hour use.

Does anybody know or recommend a place I can look into? Mainly for developing and printing black and white.

 

[Calzone]

I'm going to spending some time in NYC, one of the things I'm having a hard time finding are darkrooms that offer monthly subscriptions or memberships. Most of what I've found only offer by the hour use.

Does anybody know or recommend a place I can look into? Mainly for developing and printing black and white.

I was looking into joining the New York Camera Club to get access to their darkrooms, and as a member usage is limited to 14 hours a week, but access is 24 hours a day. I was thinking of going back in time of like when I was in college and printed weekends at a time.

Membership requires a portfolio review BTW, and annual membership is almost $1900.00, but a three month membership is around $650.00. I remember doing some rough math, and utilizing the 14 hours every week meant the darkroom only cost something like $5.00 an hour, but there are many other perks of being a member.

I also know some people who take a courses at ICP to get access to their darkrooms. Not sure if there is 24 hour availability though.

Both facilities have $10K scanners BTW.

Seems like I'm too old to act like a maniac again. It is unlikely that the girlfriend will allow me to ignore her, but it seems likely that I will finally have a darkroom at home for 35mm and MF.

See you soon Darren.

Cal

 

[SuperUJ]

Try this My Own Color Lab. I used to go there for printing a few years ago. You might want to call first as I am not sure about developing films there. Good luck.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

A whole lot of thanks to everyone that's helped me get the darkroom situation sorted out. I'm more or less sorted out but I couldn't have done it without some helpful locals here.

I'm taking a class at ICP for the month and when that class ends I'll switch over to private darkrooms.

 

[anu L ogy]

I was looking into joining the New York Camera Club to get access to their darkrooms, and as a member usage is limited to 14 hours a week, but access is 24 hours a day.

Membership requires a portfolio review BTW, and annual membership is almost $1900.00, but a three month membership is around $650.00. I remember doing some rough math, and utilizing the 14 hours every week meant the darkroom only cost something like $5.00 an hour, but there are many other perks of being a member.


Cal

Wow that seems REALLY expensive for a darkroom, and the whole process around that seems really exclusionary.

 

[Calzone]

Wow that seems REALLY expensive for a darkroom, and the whole process around that seems really exclusionary.

If I went that route I'd have to use all the hours to justify the cost. $5.00 an hour is acually inexpensive if you calculate the expenses of upgrading your living space to have your own darkroom and you rent in NYC. Space has a huge premium here in N.Y.

You are correct that New York isn't easy, but from what I've heard The New York Photography Club is worthwhile for many other reasons, and granted courses at ICP are not inexpensive and thus are exclusionary. Their equipment BTW is also expensive, and their labs are well equiped.

I'm going the cheap route and setting up my own darkroom. I'm fortunate that I have a supportive girlfriend who wants to see prints. Currently I've been just developing film using a changing bag.

Cal

 

[kermaier]

A whole lot of thanks to everyone that's helped me get the darkroom situation sorted out. I'm more or less sorted out but I couldn't have done it without some helpful locals here.

I'm taking a class at ICP for the month and when that class ends I'll switch over to private darkrooms.

I've taken several courses at the ICP a few years ago. Their policy use to be that you're allowed access to their gang darkrooms on a pay-per-hour basis for 12 months after your last class (IIRC). This may have changed, but it's worth inquiring.

Ari

 

[ianstamatic]

I can process film or rent you time on my phototherm. c-41, e6 and b+w always using fresh chems. 25yrs darkroom exp. Also have a drumscanner.
Located in Brooklyn.