shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
After being absent from my darkroom for 1.5 years due to moving, changing career, etc. I finally get my half-darkroom operational.
Why half? because it is basically a third of my car garage. Dark enough but only when it's dark outside. So it's dormant during the day. Not that I have ample time to print during the day anyways, so it'll do for now.
First print... again. Yay!
Gone are my ancient Gralab 100 and replaced with a digital 505 model. Wish I know how to turn off that annoying beep every time I set the time. But for the cost of almost nothing, I can't complain.
This is the smallest of my 4 enlargers. And it's the first time I fired it up. Given the limited space, this one fits perfectly. I only have the 35mm negative carrier for it. So I need to look for at least 6x6.
Significantly smaller than the Vivitar I used at my old place. This Fujimoto is easier to use and more rigid (at least for 8x10).
This enlarger also came with the EL-Nikkor which focuses on the test negative effortlessly.
And lastly, it's so nice to finally use a real darkroom sink.
This 'mini' version only spans 4 feet, but it's enough for cramped space that I can afford to dedicate for printing.
Overall, it's like meeting an old friend.
From cutting up the paper for test strips, pouring chemicals to and from trays, deciding the exposure time, and of course, the magic of seeing the image materialize in the red light, it all started to come back to me.
It'll still take me some time to go back to printing 11x14 again (and hopefully 16x20) if I can somehow magically procure more space.
But hopefully this post will tip you over the edge if you've been trying to get on with your darkroom adventure.
It's fun. It has always been fun.
Let's do it.
Why half? because it is basically a third of my car garage. Dark enough but only when it's dark outside. So it's dormant during the day. Not that I have ample time to print during the day anyways, so it'll do for now.
First print... again. Yay!
Gone are my ancient Gralab 100 and replaced with a digital 505 model. Wish I know how to turn off that annoying beep every time I set the time. But for the cost of almost nothing, I can't complain.
This is the smallest of my 4 enlargers. And it's the first time I fired it up. Given the limited space, this one fits perfectly. I only have the 35mm negative carrier for it. So I need to look for at least 6x6.
Significantly smaller than the Vivitar I used at my old place. This Fujimoto is easier to use and more rigid (at least for 8x10).
This enlarger also came with the EL-Nikkor which focuses on the test negative effortlessly.
And lastly, it's so nice to finally use a real darkroom sink.
This 'mini' version only spans 4 feet, but it's enough for cramped space that I can afford to dedicate for printing.
Overall, it's like meeting an old friend.
From cutting up the paper for test strips, pouring chemicals to and from trays, deciding the exposure time, and of course, the magic of seeing the image materialize in the red light, it all started to come back to me.
It'll still take me some time to go back to printing 11x14 again (and hopefully 16x20) if I can somehow magically procure more space.
But hopefully this post will tip you over the edge if you've been trying to get on with your darkroom adventure.
It's fun. It has always been fun.
Let's do it.
back alley
IMAGES
looks good!
have fun...
have fun...
gb hill
Mentor
Nice. I have all I need to set up in the spare bathroom. just need to black out the window which I tend to do in the spring.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Thanks, Joe and Greg.
I hope more would pop in just to see what it takes to setup a darkroom today.
I hope more would pop in just to see what it takes to setup a darkroom today.
bgb
Well-known
I don't think I have the room for all of that but it would be nice, maybe I could use the bathroom even if it does mean doing the printing in the shower with the enlarger on the toilet ;]
batey_1020
Well-known
I picked up my Enlarger 2 days ago now. Ive had all my tarys and things in storage for a while now. All i need is a timer and a safe light and some creative use of space in a small bathroom to set up a darkroom. I have a feelin ill have a bunch of trays on the shower floor and an enlarger over a toilet but it will do.
As long as you enjoy it right?
As long as you enjoy it right?
jordanstarr
J.R.Starr
...welcome to the dark side. You'll be enjoying a lot of lonely friday and saturday nights in there like me in no time!
ChrisN
Striving
Congratulations, and welcome back.
Here's my darkroom, and I'm sure you remember my build thread.
Darkroom by Another Chris, on Flickr
Here's my darkroom, and I'm sure you remember my build thread.
Darkroom by Another Chris, on Flickr
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I started with my bathroom as a makeshift darkroom also, so I went through the same problems as some of you above. It is a hassle to not have a dedicated space, but it's worth the trouble.
One Tip: Use self-adhesive velcro to attach strips of black cloth around the door to block light. Use thicker cloth like canvas so it doesn't droop.
One Tip: Use self-adhesive velcro to attach strips of black cloth around the door to block light. Use thicker cloth like canvas so it doesn't droop.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Sure, now you just make my half-darkroom look pathetic
Just joking, your darkroom is one of my inspirations, Chris. We need to swap prints some time.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
And while we're speaking of being inspired:
http://www.roberthall.com/Darkroom/index.html
Drool away...
http://www.roberthall.com/Darkroom/index.html
Drool away...
ibcrewin
Ah looky looky
Holy Chemical Cabinet Batman!!
sepiareverb
genius and moron
Just hung a magnet thing leftover from a kitchen redo for my dodging tools!
hausen
Well-known
I have a nice Darkroom setup in my office. Converted the kitchen to a darkroom and over winter I spend a lot of time there. Just bought a Linhof 612 so am now searching for a 4x5 enlarger so I can print some huge negs
ibcrewin
Ah looky looky
This is my "darkroom" which is in a bit of a disarray because I was cleaning up somethings. I'm standing where my black cloth gets hung up to block out the last bits of light. It works!
