Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Option 1: SHED
Option 2: LOFT
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height):
6,5 ft x 6,5 ft 6,5 ft, with a loss of space at door area - diamond shaped; the wall with the door is angled, shed looks like a cornerpiece.
Info:
'Weatherproof', two windows, wooden structure, 2 power outlets, light, portable radiator, internal lock on door, all current furniture is removable
Location:
Bottom of garden
Possible problems include:
Weather, Stress; in adverse English weather, getting to the darkroom is a problem - torrential rain/frost could cause issues when entering/leaving. No flowing water so frequent trips to the house may be necessary. Need to light-seal the whole thing very well, entrance/lock will be a problem to effectively cover and still have convenience with enter/exit.
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height):
9 ft x 5-6 ft x under 5ft.
Info:
It's a loft, so prism shaped from the roof, either side is tilted, and the entrance is a hole in the centre. No current flooring or lighting (would be walking on insulation, and all electric needs to be fitted). Can't really stand up in there, but it's pitch black as it is, and well-ventilated.
Location:
Above my bedroom - across the hallway from the sink
Possible problems include:
Backpain from crouching/sitting up there, lightsealing the floor/entrance, getting chemicals up and out of there, capacity, and actually getting up and down from there.
So... both have their downsides, and the shed would be a no-brainer if it wasn't all the way down the garden, and the spiders won't be too pleased at being moved out. A darkroom above my head just seems soooo convenient!
What would you do??
Option 2: LOFT
Option 1:
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height):
6,5 ft x 6,5 ft 6,5 ft, with a loss of space at door area - diamond shaped; the wall with the door is angled, shed looks like a cornerpiece.
Info:
'Weatherproof', two windows, wooden structure, 2 power outlets, light, portable radiator, internal lock on door, all current furniture is removable
Location:
Bottom of garden
Possible problems include:
Weather, Stress; in adverse English weather, getting to the darkroom is a problem - torrential rain/frost could cause issues when entering/leaving. No flowing water so frequent trips to the house may be necessary. Need to light-seal the whole thing very well, entrance/lock will be a problem to effectively cover and still have convenience with enter/exit.
Option 2:
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height):
9 ft x 5-6 ft x under 5ft.
Info:
It's a loft, so prism shaped from the roof, either side is tilted, and the entrance is a hole in the centre. No current flooring or lighting (would be walking on insulation, and all electric needs to be fitted). Can't really stand up in there, but it's pitch black as it is, and well-ventilated.
Location:
Above my bedroom - across the hallway from the sink
Possible problems include:
Backpain from crouching/sitting up there, lightsealing the floor/entrance, getting chemicals up and out of there, capacity, and actually getting up and down from there.
So... both have their downsides, and the shed would be a no-brainer if it wasn't all the way down the garden, and the spiders won't be too pleased at being moved out. A darkroom above my head just seems soooo convenient!
What would you do??
eric
[was]: emaquiling
Pick the spot where gurls would want to come in and watch you work.
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Maybe I'm just precious, in my mind sitting cross-legged in front of the enlarger seems better than getting drenched on my way, and stepping in the dog's mess (oops forgot that on the problems - our lil jack russell loves to poop)
Silva Lining
CanoHasseLeica
Move the shed into your kitchen.
Screwy
All the gear no idea
Has to be the shed , Bottom of the garden is ideal , you can work away to your hearts content with zero distractions , running water shouldn't be a problem , you ever hear of hosepipes ? most gardens have them
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Well I've got Canvas-8 running, making a CAD design of the shed now. I'll upload an image or two of the design in a couple hours (unless I crash out, its already 11pm).
Hmm... I can always use the loft as a dark-box for loading sheet film I guess
Hmm... I can always use the loft as a dark-box for loading sheet film I guess
Fred
Feline Great
The shed gets my vote (in a minute when I vote)
Running water is easy, getting rid of it is a tad harder. OK The shed is self contained, had electricity and 'should' be easy to black out. It has heat (great for the winter, needs vents for the summer. A couple of buckets should work fine for rinsing prints initially and a toast rack to keep em separate. And you can stand up in it!
Loft space is nice , but after you've put a floor down (quite easy) you'll make noise fr the upper floor shuffling about. Beware back pain, it's a warning for more grief if you do not deal with it.
Oh and shoot the dog..... with APX400 and natural light, should get some interesting pix.
The third (not family friendly) option is take over the kitchen and trade the dog in for a black cat
Running water is easy, getting rid of it is a tad harder. OK The shed is self contained, had electricity and 'should' be easy to black out. It has heat (great for the winter, needs vents for the summer. A couple of buckets should work fine for rinsing prints initially and a toast rack to keep em separate. And you can stand up in it!
Loft space is nice , but after you've put a floor down (quite easy) you'll make noise fr the upper floor shuffling about. Beware back pain, it's a warning for more grief if you do not deal with it.
Oh and shoot the dog..... with APX400 and natural light, should get some interesting pix.
The third (not family friendly) option is take over the kitchen and trade the dog in for a black cat
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Heh, I think the family would sooner trade me than the dog!
Nah, the parent's bedroom is too messy
Nah, the parent's bedroom is too messy
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Hopefully, attached is the layout I'm considering. It's a PDF, and some text is missing thanks to confusing Canvas-8/PDF-Printer incompatibilities.
Thanks to my family's organisation this probably won't happen until new year (which is too late if I wanted to apply for an HND/HNC in Photography for next year - january 15th is the cut-off date for UCAS Route-A/B applications I think) so I wouldn't have enough time to comfortably put a portfolio together.
So that means although I'd be paying for the darkroom out of my own pocket, I can't do it anytime soon. Kinda why the Loft was a good idea, since it's there, it's half empty, and I could do it sooner, then move the stuff into the shed when that's FINALLY free.
Maybe the Loft is a temporary solution and then move to the shed in the new year?? This would avoid the longterm spinal problems, and at least I could do a few prints in the meantime!
Thanks to my family's organisation this probably won't happen until new year (which is too late if I wanted to apply for an HND/HNC in Photography for next year - january 15th is the cut-off date for UCAS Route-A/B applications I think) so I wouldn't have enough time to comfortably put a portfolio together.
So that means although I'd be paying for the darkroom out of my own pocket, I can't do it anytime soon. Kinda why the Loft was a good idea, since it's there, it's half empty, and I could do it sooner, then move the stuff into the shed when that's FINALLY free.
Maybe the Loft is a temporary solution and then move to the shed in the new year?? This would avoid the longterm spinal problems, and at least I could do a few prints in the meantime!
Attachments
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Who needs East Enders or Coronation Sreet ...... your posts/problems are far more interesting. Make sure you keep us informed if you have girlfriend problems!
It would have to be the shed for me Ash ... I already have back problems and if you start spending time in an environment where you can't stand up ... it's the recipe!
It would have to be the shed for me Ash ... I already have back problems and if you start spending time in an environment where you can't stand up ... it's the recipe!
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
Keith, you got no idea!! I could keep you all entertained with intimate secrets
To be honest there's more interest outside the family, with ex co-workers (half of which turned out to have habits, like heroin or coke) and the like.
So short term in the loft still isn't popular?
To be honest there's more interest outside the family, with ex co-workers (half of which turned out to have habits, like heroin or coke) and the like.
So short term in the loft still isn't popular?
sinapps
Member
A film scanner and a good ink jet printer will solve this dilemma.
Not quite as nice as breathing toxic fumes in a small space.
Not quite as nice as breathing toxic fumes in a small space.
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
sinapps, the 'good inkjet printer' is a nightmare. I want to get some wet prints that do justice to what little talent I possess! New hybrid workflows just aren't for me, not if I want to have a fighting chance at making a career from photography!
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
Ash,
I think the shed makes much better sense. For several reasons but the main reason is:
I dunno what enlarger you have or are (considering) but that low of a ceiling will give you problems sooner or later--especially if you want anything like a large print. I don't think the "sitting cross-legged by the enlarger" is the main problem with this but simply that a decent sized enlarger will need some more head room.
Secondarily, if you're down at the bottom of the garden, then there are (hopefully) fewer distractions. As long as there's power for the enlarger, a timer, and a safe light you should be all set. Hang a battery powered radio/CD/mp3 player for some music if you like that.
And you get all the chemicals out of the "common" areas.
And there's no one below you wondering what the he** those noises are.
And it may be much easier to get good ventilation with out major work(you'll know that better than I can)--a light tight fan in one of the windows.
If you need some space for neg/print drying, the loft space sounds better for that. Maybe. Depending on how dusty it is.
Have a pee and a smoke before you start working and you should be set for a couple of hours and not need to be running back to the house.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do(and let us know)!
Rob
I think the shed makes much better sense. For several reasons but the main reason is:
I dunno what enlarger you have or are (considering) but that low of a ceiling will give you problems sooner or later--especially if you want anything like a large print. I don't think the "sitting cross-legged by the enlarger" is the main problem with this but simply that a decent sized enlarger will need some more head room.
Secondarily, if you're down at the bottom of the garden, then there are (hopefully) fewer distractions. As long as there's power for the enlarger, a timer, and a safe light you should be all set. Hang a battery powered radio/CD/mp3 player for some music if you like that.
And you get all the chemicals out of the "common" areas.
And there's no one below you wondering what the he** those noises are.
And it may be much easier to get good ventilation with out major work(you'll know that better than I can)--a light tight fan in one of the windows.
If you need some space for neg/print drying, the loft space sounds better for that. Maybe. Depending on how dusty it is.
Have a pee and a smoke before you start working and you should be set for a couple of hours and not need to be running back to the house.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do(and let us know)!
Rob
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
The plot thickens!
Cre8 replied to my email asking about whether I could buy some of their darkroom equipment/supplies, and they said, in a word, YES! The guy said that he may as well sell some, since it'll only get broken in storage, and he doubts the darkroom will be reopened in the new building.
I'm going down on monday to see what equipment there is, and what kinda price I can get it for. I'm worried the guy knows photography too well to sell it to me cheap, but I'm hoping since the darkroom won't reopen he'd "prefer to sell it to someone who'll use it" ie, "sell it cheap to that cheeky ginger-haired b*astard who haggled me down"
Cre8 replied to my email asking about whether I could buy some of their darkroom equipment/supplies, and they said, in a word, YES! The guy said that he may as well sell some, since it'll only get broken in storage, and he doubts the darkroom will be reopened in the new building.
I'm going down on monday to see what equipment there is, and what kinda price I can get it for. I'm worried the guy knows photography too well to sell it to me cheap, but I'm hoping since the darkroom won't reopen he'd "prefer to sell it to someone who'll use it" ie, "sell it cheap to that cheeky ginger-haired b*astard who haggled me down"
pesphoto
Veteran
Good news Ash. Let us know how you make out. I bet you'll get some pretty good deals.
pvdhaar
Peter
Now that the rest of the bunch has convinced you to colonise the shed, I'll put in a vote for the loft..
1. Weather, I guess it's not much different from over here, either wet, freezing or foggy.. Ever tried to do something useful with a garden hose when it's freezing outside? And you'll have to take all the stuff inside if you want to prevent mold/fungi from eating away the enlarger and lens..
2. Height. For big enlargements, you don't need high overhead. Everyone doing big enlargements projects them on the wall, heck, repro cameras don't even work any other way..
3. Dirt. A shed is a much dirtier environment than a loft. Keeping things clean is a must if you want to have perfect prints. There's no fun to be had in retouching white spots on your negs/prints.
Hope this helps..
1. Weather, I guess it's not much different from over here, either wet, freezing or foggy.. Ever tried to do something useful with a garden hose when it's freezing outside? And you'll have to take all the stuff inside if you want to prevent mold/fungi from eating away the enlarger and lens..
2. Height. For big enlargements, you don't need high overhead. Everyone doing big enlargements projects them on the wall, heck, repro cameras don't even work any other way..
3. Dirt. A shed is a much dirtier environment than a loft. Keeping things clean is a must if you want to have perfect prints. There's no fun to be had in retouching white spots on your negs/prints.
Hope this helps..
Ash
Selflessly Self-involved
I'm glad someone gives good reasons against the shed!