Author Topic: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom  (Read 6031 times)

Urban Hafner

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Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« on: March 08, 2012, 10:50:30 AM »
Now that the Harman Titan 8x10 has been announced:



I've been wondering how easy it is to develop 8x10 at home without a darkroom. I'm not necessarily (for now ;)) interested in negatives, but more in paper (normal or direct positive). I'm thinking that this could be a nice start into an all analog workflow as I don't have space for a darkroom right now. I've searched a bit and for paper it seems possible to use print drums or something similar? Anyway, I guess there's still a few months to figure it all out, but I don't have anything else to do right now ;)

Urban

Andrea.

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2012, 10:52:56 AM »
Paterson Orbital will do the trick!

Urban Hafner

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2012, 11:18:47 AM »
Thanks Andrea. I now remember Leon using one in one of the videos! Thanks that's settled then :)


Urban Hafner

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2012, 03:43:17 PM »
Thanks but that's a UK only offer. I'm also going to wait a bit before purchasing anything. Maybe I can get over this onset of gear acquisition syndrome for now?

Francois

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2012, 06:13:05 PM »
Having used a cibachrome drum in the past, I'm quite partial to them. Daylight processing of an 11x14 print in only 3 Fl.Oz. of chemistry... I must say this is hard to beat. They come completely apart for washing and can be used by simply rolling them on the table.
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

DS

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2012, 06:43:47 PM »
Having used a cibachrome drum in the past, I'm quite partial to them. Daylight processing of an 11x14 print in only 3 Fl.Oz. of chemistry... I must say this is hard to beat. They come completely apart for washing and can be used by simply rolling them on the table.
Yeah, I've got an 8x10" Cibachrome drum I use for 5x7" negs. Works pretty well for me- If I'm careful (agitating gently) I can do 2 sheets at the same time and get even development and no scratches on normal film.

Doesn't work for the X-ray film though- the emulsion on both sides means the back scratches too easily...

Best thing about the cibachrome drum is the price- mine cost £1 on ebay. The orbitals and jobo experts are pretty pricey

stevesegz

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2012, 06:58:31 PM »
do all mine in a Jobo 2840 print drum, takes 2 sheets of 8x10, works a treat.
If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.  ~Lewis Hine

stevesegz

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2012, 07:05:22 PM »
Ps. 8x10 gear aquisition syndrome is a rare and expensive disease, worst cases end up with the remodelling of a darkroom and some expense to accomodate the ever increasing demands. Even the crys of why bother from many will not deter the infected individual.
Rescued as the last analogue enlarger from Metro. And very pleased I am too as got a bargain from some very nice people.
If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.  ~Lewis Hine

Terry

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2012, 07:40:18 PM »
I'm quite happy with my unicolor drums and uniroller thingy.  I just push the start switch and let it go...

LT

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2012, 08:27:59 PM »
@stevesegz -  that thing must be H-U-G-E

My DV 504 is big enough  :o
L.

Francois

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2012, 09:41:27 PM »
Not to mention that it also probably weighs half a ton!

I already find my cheap 4x5 enlarger super heavy with the condensers in...
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

stevesegz

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2012, 06:50:41 AM »
It is a beast! I got it last year when I saw if on fleabay, at the moment it is not in situe as I have got to take some worktops etc down to make room for it and get it through the door. As well as a slight modification to the coving.

That said I cant wait to start using it, it has the Ilford 500CLE multigrade head and timer etc, so no more faffing with filters just push a button.  ;D

Will post some pice when it is in.
If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.  ~Lewis Hine

jojonas~

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2012, 03:57:20 PM »
stevesegz: I am so very very much happy for you  :'( *sniff* it's wonderfull~~
/jonas

Francois

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2012, 04:25:27 PM »
I have got to take some worktops etc down to make room for it and get it through the door. As well as a slight modification to the coving.
You don't need to do that, you just need a very low table and a footstool  ;D
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

stevesegz

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #15 on: March 10, 2012, 08:03:42 AM »
unfortunately it is a floor stander with a drop bed so BIG prints opportunity! I have started taking alot more 8x10 cant wait to see a 20x24 print from an 8x10 neg.

Think the tones from the Harman 8x10 will be awesome.
couple more pics for good measure
If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.  ~Lewis Hine

original_ann

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Re: Developing 8x10 without a darkroom
« Reply #16 on: March 12, 2012, 02:25:01 AM »
Boy that enlarger is just so... beautiful.  :)

Leon, did you get the 8x10 HT?  What a dream!