kyler.
Established
Hi guys,
The time has come when I have decided that I want to make a darkroom.
Although, I have no idea how to go about doing this in the proper way.
How did you learn?
Do you know of any online tutorials to guide me in this process?
Thanks,
Kyle
The time has come when I have decided that I want to make a darkroom.
Although, I have no idea how to go about doing this in the proper way.
How did you learn?
Do you know of any online tutorials to guide me in this process?
Thanks,
Kyle
steelydam
Established
Figure out what kind of space & how much money you have to spend and go from there. Over at APUG.org there is a "darkroom portraits" thread where you can see 100's of variations. Basics you'll need: light tight space, power outlet, safelight, workbench/counter top(s), enlarger w/ lens (and contrast filters, depending on the model), negative carrier, enlarger timer, paper easel, grain focuser, 3 trays for dev/stop/fixer, tongs to handle paper in the chemicals, a kitchen or watch timer to monitor time in chemicals, and a paper safe is nice. Hopefully I didn't forget anything here. People with the space have a sink in there too; I don't have that much room so I do the final rinses out in the kitchen where you don't need to worry about materials' light sensitivity anymore. Best of luck to you, I don't think you'll regret doing it.
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bwcolor
Veteran
Kyle:
It can't be hard. I built one in my father's garage before I could legally drive. I designed it and built it without really knowing much. You need water, electricity, clean air in a light tight box. Think of what you need to do and design your space. BTW... My father didn't think that his approval would actually result in a 10'x10' box in his garage. I'm not so sure that he was happy with my persistence. We laugh about it now. BTW: Two years ago I started to develop film again. I pulled my equipment out of my garage storage that I had packed away in 1970-71. My wife claims that my 'pack rat' nature isn't of any value. I guess that I proved her wrong...
It can't be hard. I built one in my father's garage before I could legally drive. I designed it and built it without really knowing much. You need water, electricity, clean air in a light tight box. Think of what you need to do and design your space. BTW... My father didn't think that his approval would actually result in a 10'x10' box in his garage. I'm not so sure that he was happy with my persistence. We laugh about it now. BTW: Two years ago I started to develop film again. I pulled my equipment out of my garage storage that I had packed away in 1970-71. My wife claims that my 'pack rat' nature isn't of any value. I guess that I proved her wrong...
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mooge
Well-known
why don't you try a book? check with your library, lots of 'beginner guides' to photography (well, the old ones...) will cover this stuff very well.
good luck!
good luck!
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Kyle, do us and yourself a favor and provide a bit more information about your situation.
- Where are you located?
- Is darkroom chemistry available off-line or online only?
- Do you have access to local listings like craigslist? --> easy access to people who practically throw away good enlargers.
- How much space are you preparing? temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent?
kyler.
Established
Thanks everybody for all the advice and help.
I am very excited to do this and have been doing some of my own research.
Can anybody validate that this is a good choice for learning how to make a darkroom and how to process the film?
http://www.amazon.com/Negative-Anse...=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293946676&sr=1-6
I am very excited to do this and have been doing some of my own research.
Can anybody validate that this is a good choice for learning how to make a darkroom and how to process the film?
http://www.amazon.com/Negative-Anse...=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293946676&sr=1-6
kyler.
Established
shadowfox,
-I am located in NY about 45 minutes from the city.
-I could get my chemicals either online or at the bh store in the city.
-I do have access to craigslist.
- I'm not sure quite how much space I have for it as I haven't decided where exactly to do it, but space shouldn't really bbe a problem. I am thinking semi-permanent.
Thanks,
Kyle
pakeha
Well-known
Kyler have a look through the link. You may find something that will fit your situation.
Basically you need power, water[optional] a dry work area and a wet work area AND an space you can exclude all light.
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/10966-darkroom-portraits.html
regards
CW
Basically you need power, water[optional] a dry work area and a wet work area AND an space you can exclude all light.
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum43/10966-darkroom-portraits.html
regards
CW
FrankHarries
Well-known
Kyle, the Ansel Adams books are really good, but IMO not for beginners. Try something more basic. And don't try to make and get everything perfect in the beginning - things will grow on the way.
ChrisN
Striving
kyler.
Established
Thank you everybody.
Chris- wow. That is a very nice darkroom!
Pakeha- What a great link! Im sure I will find some helppful information there.
FrankHarris- Yes, it does seem a bit advanced.
Do you have any books in mind that you recommend?
I have been looking and I need one that not only teaches me how to build a darkroom but also how to process film.
I think I may have found a couple good ones. let me know what you think of these.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240816250/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240810554/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Thanks,
Kyle
Chris- wow. That is a very nice darkroom!
Pakeha- What a great link! Im sure I will find some helppful information there.
FrankHarris- Yes, it does seem a bit advanced.
Do you have any books in mind that you recommend?
I have been looking and I need one that not only teaches me how to build a darkroom but also how to process film.
I think I may have found a couple good ones. let me know what you think of these.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240816250/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240810554/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Thanks,
Kyle
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Kyler, there are some pictures of my current darkroom somewhere in the "Darkroom" section of this site. I dont know how to shift them around though.
I suggest that you first measure out the space you need, use masking tape on the floor to give you an idea. Dont make it too big either (unless you plan to do mega prints - 24x36" etc. Look at the "flow" - from the enlarger to the sink to drying etc. Nothing worse than having to criss-cross the space and/or not being able to reach things without extra step.
A space - 10x12 ft is usually more than enough. One side would be the dry side (enlarger, paper storage etc - and the extended bench surface used for film loading etc. A sink across the "short" end - and get the biggest sink you can fit as this is one area where you run out space quickly (at least space for 4 16x20 trays + washing tray). Do a second bench along the other wall, drying racks for prints, under bench storage etc.
Darkroom are usually cluttered with bottles, tanks etc. Make sure that you make space for that.
Put in electrical outlets on every wall, dont put them low down, put them 5-6 feet up and use a good marine type plywood for the walls (you never have to look for a stud to put up timers, dodging tools, speakers etc). You dont want to have multiple power cables snaking around at floor level. Remember that you are working in an area that is either completely blacked out (film developing) or very dimly lit.
Do a good ventilation system! Nothing worse than a stuffy darkroom - filtered intake air (good quality furnace filter works) and an exhaust fan above the sink.
Take your time - you are going the be spending a lot of time in this space and it is better to get it almost right from the beginning than having to rework it multiple times.
A good darkroom is a thing of joy - a bad one is like an extended visit to purgatory!!!!
I suggest that you first measure out the space you need, use masking tape on the floor to give you an idea. Dont make it too big either (unless you plan to do mega prints - 24x36" etc. Look at the "flow" - from the enlarger to the sink to drying etc. Nothing worse than having to criss-cross the space and/or not being able to reach things without extra step.
A space - 10x12 ft is usually more than enough. One side would be the dry side (enlarger, paper storage etc - and the extended bench surface used for film loading etc. A sink across the "short" end - and get the biggest sink you can fit as this is one area where you run out space quickly (at least space for 4 16x20 trays + washing tray). Do a second bench along the other wall, drying racks for prints, under bench storage etc.
Darkroom are usually cluttered with bottles, tanks etc. Make sure that you make space for that.
Put in electrical outlets on every wall, dont put them low down, put them 5-6 feet up and use a good marine type plywood for the walls (you never have to look for a stud to put up timers, dodging tools, speakers etc). You dont want to have multiple power cables snaking around at floor level. Remember that you are working in an area that is either completely blacked out (film developing) or very dimly lit.
Do a good ventilation system! Nothing worse than a stuffy darkroom - filtered intake air (good quality furnace filter works) and an exhaust fan above the sink.
Take your time - you are going the be spending a lot of time in this space and it is better to get it almost right from the beginning than having to rework it multiple times.
A good darkroom is a thing of joy - a bad one is like an extended visit to purgatory!!!!
atlcruiser
Part Yeti
Here are some pctures of mine when I was building it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/sets/72157625069735510/
The biggest thing I would suggesst is a good sink...bigger than you think you need! I found 72" delta on CL for $100 and really thought it too big but a few weeks later I was glad I had it!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/sets/72157625069735510/
The biggest thing I would suggesst is a good sink...bigger than you think you need! I found 72" delta on CL for $100 and really thought it too big but a few weeks later I was glad I had it!
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Running water and drainage are delightful but far from essential. For a history of my/our darkrooms over the last 40+ years, with some illustrations, see http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/darkroom.html
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
I place a Saunders LPL 6x6 enlarger on the counter in the bathroom. Direct/easy access to electrical connection. The trays go into the bathtub. Everything breaks down fast. I prefer to keep it simple.
timor
Well-known
Hi !
Get all three books, for future reading. Look for books by Horenstein. Better for starters.
MPerson
Established
As already mentioned:
The New Darkroom Handbook - Joe DeMaio, Robin Worth & Dennis Curtin (Focal Press)
The Darkroom Cookbook - Steve Anchell (Focal Press)
you can try:
Build Your Own Home Darkroom - Lista Duren & Will Macdonald (Amherst Media)
The New Darkroom Handbook - Joe DeMaio, Robin Worth & Dennis Curtin (Focal Press)
The Darkroom Cookbook - Steve Anchell (Focal Press)
you can try:
Build Your Own Home Darkroom - Lista Duren & Will Macdonald (Amherst Media)
samuelphoto
Established
When I built my (now defunct) 9 x 15 ft B&W darkroom, there are a few key principles I followed:
1. Know what your maximum print size will be. Everything else will be designed around that. I was able to very efficiently produce up to 16x20 prints using a Saunders 4550XLG enlarger even in this relatively small space. Pay attention to headroom needed for the enlarger.
2. Dry and wet sides must be separated. I extended this even to the electrical circuitry.
3. Ventilation and dust control are critical. Get a good Delta exhaust fan. If you are in the basement, paint your floor with an epoxy paint.
4. Think hard about your workflow. With my setup, I could pick up the print from the enlarger, turn around 180 degrees, take one step forward, and place the print in the developing tray.
5. Give yourself more storage and electrical supply than you think you could possibly need. Lots and lots of drawers and recepticles (GFCI on the wet side!). You don't want cords running all over the place. I even thought about things like where my light table will be, music and so on.
6. Besides the enlarger. I had a few really key pieces of equipment that made things SO much better:
a. Filtered hot and cold water feeding an automatic mixing valve to give precise temperature control (within 1 degree). This really helped for large format negatives especially, but it was great for reel processing too. Sorry, I can't remember the manufacturer.
b. I had a custom 8 foot stainless steel sink made at a local restaraunt supply shop. Just big enough for the necessary trays and a print washer. I made the frame out of pine lumber and painted it to ensure no dust.
c. Print drying racks were built into the base of the sink. Big prints curl a lot, so be sure to leave at least 3 inches between the screens. Use only plastic mesh screens.
d. A really good print washer. The old Zone VI vertical print washers were fantastic. Probably tough to find though. Check the APUG classifieds and of course fleabay.
I hope this is helpful. The darkroom manual discussed above is very useful and helped me with my plans. Good luck with it and have fun!
1. Know what your maximum print size will be. Everything else will be designed around that. I was able to very efficiently produce up to 16x20 prints using a Saunders 4550XLG enlarger even in this relatively small space. Pay attention to headroom needed for the enlarger.
2. Dry and wet sides must be separated. I extended this even to the electrical circuitry.
3. Ventilation and dust control are critical. Get a good Delta exhaust fan. If you are in the basement, paint your floor with an epoxy paint.
4. Think hard about your workflow. With my setup, I could pick up the print from the enlarger, turn around 180 degrees, take one step forward, and place the print in the developing tray.
5. Give yourself more storage and electrical supply than you think you could possibly need. Lots and lots of drawers and recepticles (GFCI on the wet side!). You don't want cords running all over the place. I even thought about things like where my light table will be, music and so on.
6. Besides the enlarger. I had a few really key pieces of equipment that made things SO much better:
a. Filtered hot and cold water feeding an automatic mixing valve to give precise temperature control (within 1 degree). This really helped for large format negatives especially, but it was great for reel processing too. Sorry, I can't remember the manufacturer.
b. I had a custom 8 foot stainless steel sink made at a local restaraunt supply shop. Just big enough for the necessary trays and a print washer. I made the frame out of pine lumber and painted it to ensure no dust.
c. Print drying racks were built into the base of the sink. Big prints curl a lot, so be sure to leave at least 3 inches between the screens. Use only plastic mesh screens.
d. A really good print washer. The old Zone VI vertical print washers were fantastic. Probably tough to find though. Check the APUG classifieds and of course fleabay.
I hope this is helpful. The darkroom manual discussed above is very useful and helped me with my plans. Good luck with it and have fun!
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Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Here is my darkroom. It is not large, probably around 6 feet wide by 10 or 11 feet long. Some skills that come in handy are plumbing and carpentry. I built the darkroom sink out of good plywood--not the cheap stuff. I covered it with fiberglas cloth and resin, but I understand there are some good epoxy paints that would certainly be easier to work with.
In a previous darkroom I put in two sinks--one for prints and a little bar sink for developing film. That was dumb. Now I just use my wood sink for everything. Simple is good--less is more.
I put in a temperature control, but it doesn't really work too well at low flow rates. I understand there are low-flow valves, but I didn't know about that at the time. It's probably not something to bother with when just getting started. An in-line thermometer is worthwhile though and easy to do. You can get one that screws right onto the water spigot.
A really good heavy sturdy bench or old table for the enlarger. You don't want it shaking. A piece of formica counter top from a surplus salvage shop. Radio, stereo/CD player if you want. Shelves to put all your stuff on.
Enlarger timer. Safelights. Outlet strip for all the plug-in items. Dry mounting press, if desired. Paper trimmer.
Homemade film drying cabinet. I didn't put a door on mine.
I ran the sole plate for the wall right across the door opening. That keeps the sides of the door jamb aligned so the door closes precisely, to avoid gaps that let light in. Then I glued a 1 x 1 inch piece of hardwood to the inside edge, giving the door something to close against for an even tighter seal.
A light-tight ventilation fan would be a good idea. I have not added that yet.
Ingenuity to make it fit in the available space.
That's all I can think of now.
In a previous darkroom I put in two sinks--one for prints and a little bar sink for developing film. That was dumb. Now I just use my wood sink for everything. Simple is good--less is more.
I put in a temperature control, but it doesn't really work too well at low flow rates. I understand there are low-flow valves, but I didn't know about that at the time. It's probably not something to bother with when just getting started. An in-line thermometer is worthwhile though and easy to do. You can get one that screws right onto the water spigot.
A really good heavy sturdy bench or old table for the enlarger. You don't want it shaking. A piece of formica counter top from a surplus salvage shop. Radio, stereo/CD player if you want. Shelves to put all your stuff on.
Enlarger timer. Safelights. Outlet strip for all the plug-in items. Dry mounting press, if desired. Paper trimmer.
Homemade film drying cabinet. I didn't put a door on mine.
I ran the sole plate for the wall right across the door opening. That keeps the sides of the door jamb aligned so the door closes precisely, to avoid gaps that let light in. Then I glued a 1 x 1 inch piece of hardwood to the inside edge, giving the door something to close against for an even tighter seal.
A light-tight ventilation fan would be a good idea. I have not added that yet.
Ingenuity to make it fit in the available space.
That's all I can think of now.
Attachments
drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
Among the excellent advice above I'd like to echo is to think about your workflow and your airflow. These need to work well for you.
If you really do have plenty of space (and budget), I'd consider building a light trap passage rather than using doors at the entrance. Being able to walk easily in and out of a darkroom carrying, say, a big box of paper or a wet print in a tray is a nice luxury.
If you really do have plenty of space (and budget), I'd consider building a light trap passage rather than using doors at the entrance. Being able to walk easily in and out of a darkroom carrying, say, a big box of paper or a wet print in a tray is a nice luxury.