Mini Bathroom Darkroom Project

[Xia_Ke]

Well here we are 2 months since my last posting here. Think it's about time I posted an update There is a light at the end of the tunnel now. I either have everything I need on hand now or it's en route, so I should be up and running the end of next week (at least according to Fedex tracking). So here's the final shopping list to get myself up and running:

Equipment:

Simmons Automega B-7 enlarger with 50mm, 75mm, and 90mm lenses; 4x4, 6x6, and 6x9 negative carriers; 4 blade masking attachment; 2 supplementary condensers; various lens cones and mounts - $100 on Ebay

35mm glass negative carrier - $11.49 on Ebay

Bellows attachment for B-7 to allow for manual focusing - $10.49 on Ebay

GraLab 300 timer - $28 on Ebay

Premier 11x14 adjustable easel - $9.99 on Ebay

Paterson MF contact proof printer - $21.03 on Ebay

Premier 11x14 print washer (non archival) - $26.99 from Freestyle Photo

Premier 5x7 OC safelight - $29.99 from Freestyle Photo

3 bamboo tongs - $3.99 from Freestyle Photo

print squeegee - $9.99 from Freestyle Photo

3-8x10 trays - $13.50 from Freestyle Photo

3-1 gallon storage jugs - $9.57 from Freestyle Photo

Total equipment cost (not including shipping): $275.03

Chemicals:

3 bottles Ilford Muligrade Developer 500ml - $22.47 from Freestyle Photo

Kentmere Indicator Stop Bath 16oz - $5.39 from Freestyle Photo

2 bottles Ilford Rapid Fixer 1L (non hardening) - $19.18 from Freestyle Photo

Total chemical cost (not including shipping): $47.04

Paper:

3 box lot of Ilford Ilfospeed 8x10 Glossy RC; ~75 sheets Grade 2, ~12 sheets Grade 3, ~90 sheets Grade 4 - $5.59 on Ebay

2 boxes Arista RC Plus 8x10 Glossy Grade 3 - $17.58 from Freestyle Photo

Total paper cost (not including shipping): $23.17

OVERALL TOTAL: $345.24

NOw this is just a basic set-up for now so that I can learn the fundamentals. Burning and dodging tools will be made from coathangers and cardboard. Eventually when I get a little better I hope to move into fiber prints at which time I will add a archival print washer and toning supplies. So how am I doing, did I miss anything?

[photophorous]

Aaron, you forgot the most important item...a radio, or at least an iPod.

Sounds like you have everything covered. You are probably already know how to deal with dust, but if not, I would recommend an anti-static cloth and some canned air. It's a lot easier to keep dust spots out of prints than it is with scannning, but it can still be a problem.

Why is your print washer non-archival? I don't understand how the washer makes a difference.

I'm so jealous. :cryin:

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

...I'm so jealous. :cryin: ...

Jealous? Anyone could set this up. Just takes a little cash, stubbornness, and a very understanding wife/husband/partner/etc...LOL So what are you waiting for? :thumbsup:

I may eventually get a radio or ipod to use but, I plan on using a metronome to time my dodging and burning. I should have dust pretty well taken care of microfiber cloths and blower bulb.

Why is your print washer non-archival? I don't understand how the washer makes a difference.

The washer I got is just a tray washer. It provides adequate washing of RC prints but, not enough to water movement/agitation to fully clean fiber prints to archival standards. For that you would want a vertical washer which allows for full separation of prints while washing and sufficient agitation to fully remove all fixer/hypo from any fiber print. Of course those are in a whole other ballpark price wise I've been watching Ebay and other classifieds and you can find nice used 11x14 archival washers for for around $150-$200. Even less if you don't mind some bumps and bruises.

[Greg McCary]

It looks like you got some great bargains. That is very good for all you have bought. Talk about a darkroom on a budget. Just remember who you promised the first print to. Besides Carla I mean, cough, cough.......

[Xia_Ke]

Yeah, just don;t forget it's the first print I feel is decent enough not to go in the trash so you could be in for quite a wait...LOL

[reverberation]

I am glad you posted this. I think you bought three times the rc paper you needed. I would love to see some of your B&W photos printed on fiber. Matching the qualities in the negative to the properties of the positive is what printing is. Each paper is its own frontier. I think your explorations will be worthwhile. Smoke does look nice on rc film.

[Xia_Ke]

Hi reverberation I know, it is a lot of paper. The lot of Ilfospeed was sooo cheap though I couldn't resist. Then since I didn't have much grade 3, and the Arista was on clearance, I figured why not. Besides, I'm a "rather have too much than not enough" type of person...LOL At least I have a enough to play with for cheap, so I will have no hesitations with freely experimenting without worrying about throwing away nice expensive paper or worrying about running out.

[reverberation]

Hi reverberation I know, it is a lot of paper. The lot of Ilfospeed was sooo cheap though I couldn't resist. Then since I didn't have much grade 3, and the Arista was on clearance, I figured why not. Besides, I'm a "rather have too much than not enough" type of person...LOL At least I have a enough to play with for cheap, so I will have no hesitations with freely experimenting without worrying about throwing away nice expensive paper or worrying about running out.

I think you underestimate your photographic skills Aaron. I can see you easily getting good prints within five prints. If you want to try lith prints just let me know because I have some extra lith developer.

[Xia_Ke]

I have no doubt that I will be able to attain a properly exposed print fairly quickly. However, I don't consider that as having photographic skill. Anyone can follow a recipe but, doing so doesn't make you a chef. I consider the skill in the creating. Right now I have a handful of negatives I want to work with and I have some pretty specific ideas of how I want them to turn out. Not quite sure how quickly I'll pick up the art of dodging and burning to the point where I can bring what I visualize to reality. I dunno, we'll see I guess. Regardless it will be a fun journey

[F-15_Flyer]

I don't see any contrast filters on your list!

If you don't already have them, I recommend Ilford.

Lookin good otherwise!

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks F-15 No filters needed. I have graded paper. I do actually have some Ilford filters coming though from a fellow forum member who had some they weren't using anymore. Will need to pick up a filter holder and some VC paper at some point to put the filters to use. Now where the heck is Fedex with the goods?

[cameron665]

My experience with a darkroom in a laundry is that most importantly you need to separate wet and dry work areas. Also, make sure you have enough bench space for your enlarger and photographic paper (mine was on the floor - not good!). I used to air dry my prints in a different room. You will probably end up doing more prints than you think - buy the box of 250 sheets. You should check how dark or not so dark your bathroom really is at night by sitting in there until your eyes adjust. I made a timber panel for the window that just clipped in when I was working in there. You can buy foam draft sealing strips to fix any light leaks at the door. But having said all that, I suggest you start with a basic set up and fine tune it to suit your work processes. Enjoy - I'm envious!

[photophorous]

Jealous? Anyone could set this up. Just takes a little cash, stubbornness, and a very understanding wife/husband/partner/etc...LOL So what are you waiting for? :thumbsup:

The main thing stopping me is lack of space. I could probably set up a temporary thing in my bathroom, but I don't think that would work for me. Setting it up and taking it all down every time I wanted to print would drive me insane. That's why I got the Coolscan. Hopefully my next house will have an extra room.

Paul

[mtbbrian]

This is one of those thread that's useless without pics!
:biggrin5:
Brian

[Xia_Ke]

I don't know what you want a picture of Brian. At this point it would just be a pic of a pile of crap...LOL

[mtbbrian]

I don't know what you want a picture of Brian. At this point it would just be a pic of a pile of crap...LOL

OK then..
But once you get things set up, you had better post some pics!

Brian

[Xia_Ke]

LOL... Will do. I promise once the "Ghetto Darkroom" is set-up I will post pics :thumbsup:

[Xia_Ke]

Here you go Brian This is the set-up I have found works best for the space so far. I may try another arrangement or 2 but, I think this is what I will stick with. I have my developer, stop bath, and fixer trays in the tub. Just outside the bathroom door is the kitchen sink which I filled with water for holding prints until I was done printing, then I washed them when I was finished. So what do you think?

[rylan]

nothing better then a little DIY good job man

[Xia_Ke]

In keeping with tradition of my "Ghetto Darkroom", here's my new print drying rack/screen:



36" x 7' fiberglass screen $6.49:
http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/72...en-681837.aspx

1 1/4" x 5/8" capacity binder clips $2.99:
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/st...&cmArea=SEARCH