Black and White Darkroom

[Overexposed81489]

Hey everyone,

I am working on setting up a darkroom in the bathroom in my basement. I could use advice from anyone. I have a few questions: Can I use the existing light fixture in the bathroom with safelight bulbs? I found some kits on ebay that I was looking into, but I am not sure which one is the right one for me. I am reading a book that said I could build my own negative drying cabinet, has anyone had any experience with this? I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks to all.

[mjs1973]

Yes you can use a standard light socket for a safe light. You can get safe bulbs that screw right into the socket like any other light bulb. As far as the drying box goes, I wouldn't bother building one. Since you are setting this up in the bathroom, turn on the shower to steam up the room a little bit. The steam will help take the dust out of the air. Then just hang your negs in the shower to dry. If you're just developing your negs, you don't even need a darkroom. Just get a changing bag. Once your film is in your developing tank, you can turn on as many lights as you want.

Setting up an enlarger and making prints is a dif. story tho. In that case you will need the safelights.

[Overexposed81489]

I am going to be using the bathroom to develop my prints too so The enlarger and everything else is going to be in there too.

[Lthlwpn1979]

Don't forget to put a lock on the door to prevent someone popping in and ruining your work.