Author Topic: My first darkroom. (Read 3468 times)

MiguelCampano · « **on:** August 03, 2018, 05:10:35 PM »

Hi all,

So, last year I joined FW and I have learned a great lot by participating here. Now, thanks to what I'd like to consider a fortunate "accident", I have come across an Omega B600 enlarger, with the 50mm and 75mm lenses, (almost) brand-new in box, for less than what a cheap date at IHOP costs. So, of course, I picked it up, free shipping, and I am on track to set up a guerrilla darkroom at my place. The only thing missing on the enlarger portion is the MF negative carrier. Now, I shoot 6x4.5 but I am sure I could probably use a 6x6 carrier and crop on the easel, or even mask the actual carrier, right?

I do have some questions that perhaps some of the more experienced members can answer. for a mental image, I will be using my bathroom. Typical American apartment-complex bathroom. Bathtub, relatively small sink, and toilet. It has a ventilation system that turns on with the lights, however, I could remove the bulbs when printing so the ventilation works and the lights don't. So here are my questions:

For the safelight: Do I need to buy an actual safelight "housing/filter", or could I use a bare safelight bulb on one of the sockets of my mirror light, on top of the sink?

For the enlarger: I am planning on placing it on the floor, as it has plenty of space and it is tile, so, sturdy also. I could also manage to place it on top of the toilet as it'd be big enough but it has a plastic cover and I am afraid it could be shaky. Any thoughts on it?

Thanks!

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2018, 05:35:08 PM »

Quote from: MiguelCampano on August 03, 2018, 05:10:35 PM

Hi all,

So, last year I joined FW and I have learned a great lot by participating here. Now, thanks to what I'd like to consider a fortunate "accident", I have come across an Omega B600 enlarger, with the 50mm and 75mm lenses, (almost) brand-new in box, for less than what a cheap date at IHOP costs. So, of course, I picked it up, free shipping, and I am on track to set up a guerrilla darkroom at my place. The only thing missing on the enlarger portion is the MF negative carrier. Now, I shoot 6x4.5 but I am sure I could probably use a 6x6 carrier and crop on the easel, or even mask the actual carrier, right?

I do have some questions that perhaps some of the more experienced members can answer. for a mental image, I will be using my bathroom. Typical American apartment-complex bathroom. Bathtub, relatively small sink, and toilet. It has a ventilation system that turns on with the lights, however, I could remove the bulbs when printing so the ventilation works and the lights don't. So here are my questions:

For the safelight: Do I need to buy an actual safelight "housing/filter", or could I use a bare safelight bulb on one of the sockets of my mirror light, on top of the sink?

For the enlarger: I am planning on placing it on the floor, as it has plenty of space and it is tile, so, sturdy also. I could also manage to place it on top of the toilet as it'd be big enough but it has a plastic cover and I am afraid it could be shaky. Any thoughts on it?

Thanks!

Sweet!

I use a safelight in a plain old socket so I don't think you need anything special there.

As for the negative holder, the only downside to using the wrong size I can think of is that a dedicated 6x4.5 holder would likely hold the negative slightly flatter since it's contacting the image at its perimeter with no wasted space.

And I vote "no" for the toilet, and also "no" to the floor, which sounds pretty uncomfortable to me. Focusing the enlarger, dodging and burning, and making creative decisions while on your knees will get old I think. Maybe find a small, sturdy table at Ikea?

Congrats!

Bryan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2018, 05:42:35 PM »

First of all, I don't recommend taking a date to IHOP if you want to have a second date. I shared the photo below of my setup in a hotel bathroom for doing contact prints, maybe that can give you some ideas. I haven't used bare safelight bulbs but the one pictured below just screws into a regular bulb socket. I took the shade off the hotel desk lamp and screwed the safelight into it.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2018, 06:19:29 PM »

For reference, this is how the light bulbs "lamps" look like, as well as how the board would look on the sink. It is very sturdy and would leave me enough space to stand in front of it to enlarge, etc.

Francois · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2018, 09:20:48 PM »

Do you have enough space for a small kitchen rolling cart?
These make one of the best tools for a ghetto darkroom since everything you need can be fitted on it "permanently" and you can still drag it wherever you want.
For the safelight, I find those Delta "bulbs" to be quite expensive. If you're handy with DIY stuff and a bit of soldering, getting a single 660nm LED, a resistor and a battery pack will be a good replacement. Best thing is you can set it far enough away to get the most light and the least fog (these things are bright!)

As for the film holder, I don't think flatness will be the biggest problem. The worse part is the light that goes around the negative. The stray light really reduces contrast and makes making prints really hard. I learned this the hard way when I tried to print Diana negatives...

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2018, 09:42:33 PM »

Thanks, Francois. I am also thinking that I could go to the craft store and get enough blackout curtains to tape to the window/door area in my bedroom and have plenty more space and furniture there, which would make more sense. Simply place the trays on top of one, the enlarger on the desk and the fresh water bucket(s) on the floor and I'll be set.

Regarding the focusing loupe, do I seriously need to spend $50 on one, or could I technically use one of those 10x small ones that I can get for $5?

Francois · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2018, 10:44:04 PM »

I wouldn't recommend doing the work in your bathroom. While the smell isn't that bad, I don't think you'd want to smell it all night long as you sleep.
As for the focus scope, a regular magnifier just won't do. The thing is that the focus scopes let you focus on the grain directly. They have an angled mirror in them that helps.

I read that some people manage to do it using a regular loupe (Sherlock Holmes style), but this never worked for me.

For focus, if you plan on doing small prints, you could just eyeball it. Since you need to close down the aperture on the lens in order to make a print, depth of field will help.

I would keep the focus scope purchase for later when you've got a pretty good functional setup.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2018, 11:46:28 PM »

Got it. I just found a grain focuser for $10 on the auction site, so I'll go with that. I can't wait to start getting all the bits and pieces and start putting it together.

Also, while IHOP is not a viable venue for a second date (I've only been to IHOP twice since I arrived to the U.S 9 years ago), it's great for those blind dates when you're not sure what to expect. Especially when you are not in the mood.

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #8 on:** August 04, 2018, 11:25:57 PM »

I've got a good quality grain focuser so you can borrow that whenever you like and compare.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #9 on:** August 05, 2018, 02:08:50 AM »

Quote from: Jeff Warden on August 04, 2018, 11:25:57 PM

I've got a good quality grain focuser so you can borrow that whenever you like and compare.

Thanks! So, your safelight setup, is it in a regular lamp/socket, without the "red dome" covering it?

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2018, 07:44:04 PM »

Well, I started to receive some of the goodies. The 75mm lens arrived, and the enlarger should be here Thursday. I found a set of Ilford Multigrade filters, new in box, for $5 including shipping so I ordered that, as well as some blackout cloth to lightproof the room.

Regarding paper, I think that I'll start with RC paper, 5x7 and maybe a small pack of 8x10. My local camera store has a lot of Agfa paper, which I am sure expired. Is it recommendable to use a paper that expired, let's say, 5 years ago?

Francois · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2018, 09:45:07 PM »

Expired paper is not a problem 98% of the time.
I have some I bought in 1992 that is still good. I also have some older stuff from when Kodak packaged their paper in waxed black paper envelopes that still is good!

5x7 is a good size to start. Cheap enough to make mistakes yet good enough to still work.
I don't know though if the Agfa papers used the same filters as Ilford or Kodak...
If you decide on that Agfa paper, just make sure you can get it at a cheap price...

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2018, 12:02:15 AM »

Quote from: MiguelCampano on August 05, 2018, 02:08:50 AM

Quote from: Jeff Warden on August 04, 2018, 11:25:57 PM
I've got a good quality grain focuser so you can borrow that whenever you like and compare.

Thanks! So, your safelight setup, is it in a regular lamp/socket, without the "red dome" covering it?

It's one of these, clamped to a ceiling rafter in the basement. Just a bare red bulb screwed in.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #13 on:** August 09, 2018, 10:16:14 PM »

Habemus Enlarger:

Arrived two days early, which is cool. Took me 3 minutes to put together since I needed to wipe down the board. It came with a couple of Kodak Polycontrast filters in the filter drawer. The lens works just fine, no dents or scratches, or fungus.

The only think I realized was that it didn't come with a heat-absorbing glass, and when I tested the lamp, one of the filters warped a bit after one full minute/minute and a half of constant heat. I just ordered the accessory on the auction site for cheap.

Very excited!

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #14 on:** August 09, 2018, 10:22:51 PM »

You're in trouble now! Have fun.

Francois · « **Reply #15 on:** August 10, 2018, 02:48:59 PM »

Quote from: Jeff Warden on August 09, 2018, 10:22:51 PM

You're in trouble now! Have fun.

Indofunk · « **Reply #16 on:** August 10, 2018, 08:29:51 PM »

Awesome!!

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #17 on:** August 10, 2018, 09:58:09 PM »

I went to my local camera store to see if I could find, by chance, a negative carrier for my enlarger. They didn't have one, however, I did see the Agfa paper for $9.99 and decided to get it. The owner saw me with it and asked me about the photos that I wanted to print, and when I said that this was my first setup, he gave me another box of Agfa paper and one box of Ilford Ilfobrom Galerie FB grade 3, plus a brand new 11x14 tray and a 9" print squeegee.

He said that he is just happy people still print on silver paper, so I deserve it.

Not bad for $9.99.

Francois · « **Reply #18 on:** August 10, 2018, 10:44:22 PM »

Really not bad...

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #19 on:** August 13, 2018, 01:54:31 PM »

So, on Friday, after going to the camera shop, I decided to set everything up. After warning my roommate's daughter that she couldn't, under any circumstances, turn on any light upstairs, I proceeded to mix the chemicals then place on their respective marked trays in the bathtub. The final tray, the 11x14" was used to wash the prints. I placed it under the faucet so if I left it a bit open, water would fall on it.

I didn't bother checking the temperature, as right now the coldest setting of my water must be around 20c with the heat and such. After placing the enlarger on top of the sink, and bringing in a floor lamp with the bare safe bulb on it, I simply placed a towel at the bottom edge of the door and used another one to block the top/middle section of the frame. I used duct tape to hold it together. Portions of the door frame were still vulnerable to light leaks, however, there was no light in the hallway so it was fine.

The cheap grain focuser that I bought works wonderfully, and the easel too. My enlarger timer has not arrived, and to time developing and such I simply counted myself. I can use an app on the phone that changes the settings on my iPhone to be "darkroom safe", which I use to play Chet Baker and Dave Brubeck on Spotify.

Everything went well, however, I realized that time flies-by in the darkroom. I started printing at around 7:30 PM and by the time I called it quits, it was 2 AM. Then on Saturday, I entered at 1:20 PM and, after taking a one-hour long break to eat, I ended up dismantling it at 11:30 PM, so... Ventilation wise, the small bathroom was fine. No special fan needed, plus the A/C vent is right there going on and off at random times.

Paper wise, I tried them all. On Saturday I also decided to pickup a box of 25 sheets of Ilford MG FB Classic to try it out. The RC paper was very easy to use, especially the 5x7. I like the fact that it dries flat and only needs a quick rinse, however, the FB paper is lovely and even though it takes longer to dry, plus the curling (which I solved pretty easily), the way it prints it's simply beautiful. The Agfa paper I got basically for free, was very fogged. Only tried printing a couple of sheets and it came out black/grey, so I am going to keep it for when I have more time to experiment with it.

I decided to keep two 8x10 prints for myself. They are not great. You can see that I didn't position the negative correctly and that the paper is also age-fogged. I didn't even blow the dust off the negatives. I printed them on the Ilfobrom Galerie FB Grade 3 that I got for free, expiration date 2009, and I framed them because I wanted to have a reminder of my first two wet prints, for future comparison. Plus I felt proud of not dying of poisoning and making it happen.

unnamed (3) by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

unnamed (4) by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

Francois · « **Reply #20 on:** August 13, 2018, 03:08:24 PM »

You sound like a proud father

Printed and framed in record time....
I don't think I've ever been able to to the same in as short a time.

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #21 on:** August 13, 2018, 06:28:27 PM »

Congrats on the not dying part! Also your music selection is just right for printing.

I bet you'd be the only one spotting those flaws in the prints, but keeping them as an example of your first tries is a great idea.

Well done!

Francois · « **Reply #22 on:** August 13, 2018, 09:12:52 PM »

I still have my first ever print in an ugly frame...
It's the thing we always keep even if it's not the best.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #23 on:** August 13, 2018, 09:29:46 PM »

Thanks! I am actually pretty hooked on it now. Just upset that I can't find a (relatively cheap) Omega 6x4.5 negative carrier. I might have to shell out for it full price or just use a 6x6 and mask it.

Here are some other prints I made for friends, which I matted so they stay flat. Please ignore the cheesy signature, as these mats were meant for something else.

Untitled by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

Indofunk · « **Reply #24 on:** August 13, 2018, 10:26:37 PM »

Wow, I look even better matted

Awesome job on everything! I'd say you had a super-successful first time printing!

So when can I come over and print stuff?

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #25 on:** August 13, 2018, 10:42:18 PM »

Quote from: Indofunk on August 13, 2018, 10:26:37 PM

Wow, I look even better matted

Awesome job on everything! I'd say you had a super-successful first time printing!

So when can I come over and print stuff?

Whenever. I'll be in the Hamptons/Montauk this weekend but I'm totally free the upcoming one. Maybe we can go to Philly, shoot, develop, then print

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #26 on:** August 13, 2018, 11:47:21 PM »

Fantastic!

You’ve got the touch for printing Miguel, for sure.

Francois · « **Reply #27 on:** August 14, 2018, 01:23:35 PM »

Miguel, you can make a film holder out of cardboard. I've done it before and it worked fine.
You can also use card stock to mask your 6x6. Just make sure it's not permanently glued....

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #28 on:** August 14, 2018, 04:08:53 PM »

Well....

We'll see how this goes. Edges are rough, as I carved it with a steak knife because couldn't find any tools around (they are in a storage room and my roommate has the key). I'll sharpie it black to avoid reflecting light, if anything.

Untitled by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

Untitled by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

Maybe later i'll set the enlarger in darkness and see how it actually looks.

Francois · « **Reply #29 on:** August 14, 2018, 10:50:35 PM »

Shouldn't be a problem. And you'll get funky edges to boot!

Indofunk · « **Reply #30 on:** August 15, 2018, 03:36:28 AM »

Quote from: MiguelCampano on August 13, 2018, 10:42:18 PM

Quote from: Indofunk on August 13, 2018, 10:26:37 PM
Wow, I look even better matted

Awesome job on everything! I'd say you had a super-successful first time printing!

So when can I come over and print stuff?

Whenever. I'll be in the Hamptons/Montauk this weekend but I'm totally free the upcoming one. Maybe we can go to Philly, shoot, develop, then print

Hmmm .... I'm not doing anything this weekend, you got space for another at Montauk?

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #31 on:** August 15, 2018, 01:07:54 PM »

The holders work! The won't last long, although I could probably wrap them in duct tape and make them a bit stiffer.

Untitled by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

Untitled by Miguel Campano, on Flickr

I wasted so much paper last night, I am going to reorder some 8x10 and 5x7 cheap paper from Ultrafine since I decided to practice with the multicontrast filters, which ended up in a massacre of paper.

Francois · « **Reply #32 on:** August 15, 2018, 01:29:31 PM »

If you want something stiffer, you can use Masonite from the back of a cheap frame or hardened cardboard from the top of a 3 ring binder.

I wouldn't use duck tape as it invariably will have glue on its edges that will stick to your best shot!
I think it's related to Murphy's law in a way

cs1 · « **Reply #33 on:** August 16, 2018, 08:47:24 PM »

Great prints, Miguel.

MiguelCampano · « **Reply #34 on:** August 22, 2018, 05:42:18 PM »

So, since I started printing, I've found out that this is like going down the rabbit hole.

Yesterday I received a package from Ultrafine with some paper I had ordered and decided to give it a go. I spent close to 4 hours after work playing around with the negatives and the paper and ended up with relatively decent prints. This was my first time using Matte paper so a bit different than the Pearl prints from before. I only made one full 5x7 print, otherwise, I just used that paper and cut it in strips of 3 to make test strips for 8x10 printing.

It's strangely addictive, to the point that I'm either thinking about "what paper will I print this on" when taking a picture, or simply leaving the picture-taking process a secondary thing since Printing is so satisfying.

Indofunk · « **Reply #35 on:** August 23, 2018, 01:18:13 AM »

Quote from: MiguelCampano on August 22, 2018, 05:42:18 PM

or simply leaving the picture-taking process a secondary thing since Printing is so satisfying.

Wow, that's like the Inception of photography