Author Topic: Please help me setup my darkroom (Read 5678 times)

Urban Hafner · « **on:** April 02, 2013, 09:42:35 PM »

So I started to get everything to shoot 8x10 paper negatives. I already got the film holders a week or two ago and today some Ilford MGIV in 8x10 arrived. To practice loading I took out one sheet of paper (yes, in a changing bag), but the paper just wouldn't fit ... At all. And then I saw the "18x24" on the holder. It turns out I did get 8x10 holders, but those that take 18x24cm film. Oh well, so now I need a "real" dark room to cut down the paper to fit ... And maybe even to do some contact printing. So, before I do any more mistakes, I thought I'd ask

So what I definitely need is a safelight and a paper cutter (cutting with scissors is no fun). Blacking out the window in the laundry should be easy with some cardboard. What's the best way to black out the door?

As for the contact printing: I guess I need some light source and a piece of glas to sandwich the two pieces of paper together.

As you can tell I'm really new to all this stuff. Any help would be appreciated.

LT · « **Reply #1 on:** April 02, 2013, 10:06:15 PM »

8x10 paper doesn't fit in my 8x10 holders either - needs about 2mm trimmed off 1 long and 1 short side.

As for everything else, sounds like you are on the ball. Good luck doing this with a toddler and newborn in tow

Greg Bartley · « **Reply #2 on:** April 02, 2013, 10:21:10 PM »

black material is great for blackout , but in reality you really can get away with murder as long as the street light is not shining into you cutting bench ! In Oz I used to print with the darkroom door open just for cool air ! You can do a test but if its night your halfway there!

Francois · « **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:13:45 PM »

The good thing about photo paper is that it's not very sensitive. You can get away with a lot of things.
For blocking windows, you can either use some of the fabric like they use in hotel drapes. Or just use some black bristol board.

Safelight. I like the Paterson bubbles. I have two and they're pretty good.
Paper cutter wise, I'm a fan of the Falcon Safety cutter. It's relatively cheap, it takes regular single edge razor blades and the blade retracts inside when you don't push on the button.

For contact prints, a small bulb on a cord is the simplest you can get.
A watch, a piece of glass and some felt or foam you put under the paper so that everything is perfectly flat.

Trays or a color processing drum. The drum is a bit more work in a way but it uses a tiny amount of chemistry, can be used in full daylight and takes very little space.
The usual bottles and measuring cups. That's pretty much all you need.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2013, 07:53:46 AM »

Thanks guys! Yes, doing all this with work (I'm a freelancer) and two kids will be a challenge. But why not?

I'll start with some paper negatives (so a safe light and a paper cutter it is) and then I'll see about the light source. The thing is, there's just a bare light bulb in the room so that might even work (?).

Andrej K · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2013, 08:03:52 AM »

The bulb will work - just do some tests with various angles / times / distances from the bulb.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2013, 08:14:43 AM »

Thanks Andrej. That's what I thought. I will give it a try ... some time this year

soeren · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2013, 08:11:29 AM »

Quote from: Urban Hafner on April 02, 2013, 09:42:35 PM

So I started to get everything to shoot 8x10 paper negatives. I already got the film holders a week or two ago and today some Ilford MGIV in 8x10 arrived. To practice loading I took out one sheet of paper (yes, in a changing bag), but the paper just wouldn't fit ... At all. And then I saw the "18x24" on the holder. It turns out I did get 8x10 holders, but those that take 18x24cm film. Oh well, so now I need a "real" dark room to cut down the paper to fit ... And maybe even to do some contact printing. So, before I do any more mistakes, I thought I'd ask

So what I definitely need is a safelight and a paper cutter (cutting with scissors is no fun). Blacking out the window in the laundry should be easy with some cardboard. What's the best way to black out the door?

As for the contact printing: I guess I need some light source and a piece of glas to sandwich the two pieces of paper together.

As you can tell I'm really new to all this stuff. Any help would be appreciated.

Why go through the hazle of cutting down etc. Why not just buy another box of paper in 18X24cm instead. Or are we in some odd area here where 18X24cm is not 18X24cm?

http://www.macodirect.de/ilford-18x24100-p-227.html
Use the 18X24 as paper negs and print on the 8X10"

Best regards

stevesegz · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2013, 08:27:13 AM »

Well if you have seen any of my other posts you would know I have been trying to get my Darkroom completed too.

I started in a bathroom when I was around 14, so made progress when I moved to my current address, had a permanent set up but it doubled as the laundry, not ideal.

Had a tantrum a couple of years ago as it was cluttered and difficult to use and the stress of an exhibition nearly forced me to drink. So moved everything out, coincidence saw the purchase of my favourite photographic Item, my5108 enlarger which sat in my garage for 18 months. Fed up with not having everyting to hand started my rebuild in eanest the room was completely gutted including floor and plumbing so everything in there is new, the Darkroom sink came vis Greg Bartley (although it was a hideous blue colour, £25 for marine enamel paint was a bargain to alter it to a nice middle grey.)

Now looking to christen her with 30 rolls of 120 and 16 sheets that have been waiting too long for processing.

Do you need an enlarger? got a bench mount devere 504 going cheap to the right buyer.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2013, 09:03:59 AM »

Quote from: soeren on April 08, 2013, 08:11:29 AM

Why go through the hazle of cutting down etc. Why not just buy another box of paper in 18X24cm instead. Or are we in some odd area here where 18X24cm is not 18X24cm?

Yes, I think so. Just like 8x10 film isn't 8x10 but a bit smaller so is 18x24 as far as I know. And I bought everything I need anyway by now.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2013, 09:10:04 AM »

Steve, unfortunately I don't have the space for an enlarger. The room I'm using is barely big enough to house the washing machine and an tiny storage rack. One day I'll upgrade to a real darkroom, but that's already better than nothing.

stevesegz · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2013, 09:13:07 AM »

Yes indeed, I will be having a sort out of various bits and bobs that I dont need or have 2 of, will pm you with a list in case there is anything of use.

soeren · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2013, 09:18:29 AM »

Quote from: Urban Hafner on April 08, 2013, 09:03:59 AM

Quote from: soeren on April 08, 2013, 08:11:29 AM
Why go through the hazle of cutting down etc. Why not just buy another box of paper in 18X24cm instead. Or are we in some odd area here where 18X24cm is not 18X24cm?

Yes, I think so. Just like 8x10 film isn't 8x10 but a bit smaller so is 18x24 as far as I know. And I bought everything I need anyway by now.

Hmm maybe not much help but I have no problems in fitting 13X18cm paper in my 13X18cm filmholders.
Best regards

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2013, 12:15:14 PM »

Hm. I measured again and it's definitely not 18cm, but more like 17.7cm. I wasn't able to measure the long side, but I think it is also shorter than 24cm.

DonkeyDave · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2013, 12:46:53 PM »

Hey Steve what head is on the 504? Are you the same Steve doing the David chow day?

Francois · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2013, 02:50:14 PM »

Quote from: Urban Hafner on April 08, 2013, 12:15:14 PM

Hm. I measured again and it's definitely not 18cm, but more like 17.7cm. I wasn't able to measure the long side, but I think it is also shorter than 24cm.

Have you tried folding a piece of xerox paper and fitting it in?

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2013, 02:52:52 PM »

You know what Francois? I actually haven't. I was going to sacrifice a sheet of photographic paper

stevesegz · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2013, 06:44:07 AM »

HI Dave, one in the same, will pm you some pics

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2013, 07:56:31 AM »

Quote from: stevesegz on April 08, 2013, 09:13:07 AM

Yes indeed, I will be having a sort out of various bits and bobs that I dont need or have 2 of, will pm you with a list in case there is anything of use.

I just saw this. Whoops. That's very kind of you Steve!

stevesegz · « **Reply #19 on:** April 12, 2013, 08:03:57 AM »

No problem I am having a sort out this weekend before I put everything back in and mess up my lovely new space. Was just taking the photos for Dave at an ungodly hour, this would sit just right on top of your washing machine.

Greg Bartley · « **Reply #20 on:** April 12, 2013, 03:59:25 PM »

great looking darkroom Steve, well done !

stevesegz · « **Reply #21 on:** April 12, 2013, 08:37:50 PM »

Thanks Greg, really pleased how it all fitted together.

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #22 on:** April 12, 2013, 09:00:13 PM »

It probably would fit, Steve. But even making contact prints might be impossible (time wise) so I don't think I'll take you up on that offer. But thanks anyway!

original_ann · « **Reply #23 on:** April 15, 2013, 01:51:15 AM »

Urban, keep us posted on your paper neg / contact printing - I hope you get all the kinks worked out. I've thought about doing the same, myself.

stevesegs - wow - great looking darkroom ...

Urban Hafner · « **Reply #24 on:** April 16, 2013, 10:17:29 PM »

So the window is now blacked out. Once I realised that I could permanently black out the room (no idea why I thought it needed to be easily reversible) it was very easy. A piece of cardboard and plenty of gaffer tape and I was done in 10 minutes. The safelight and the paper cutter are here, too so I can start cutting the paper in time for WPPD.