Despite the advent of modern digital technology, the use of old film cameras offers images with an unmistakable look; Plus, printing your own photos is a rewarding experience and a fun hobby. The most important tool is the darkroom, as well as a precise arrangement of the workspace. The environment does not have to be complex and does not require large expenses; you just have to make sure you find the right room and prepare all the necessary equipment.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Work Environment
Step 1. Find a room in the house that can be completely darkened
The best solution is a windowless room or alternatively find one with a few small openings. The bathroom or basement is usually the best solution; the room does not need to be very large, 2-3 m is enough2.
- Make sure there is a power outlet for the equipment.
- The presence of running water is useful, but not essential.
Step 2. Make sure the room is well ventilated
If you install the darkroom in the bathroom, there should be a fan that allows air to recycle. However, this is not the best solution in the long run, as chemical vapors are heavier than air and most of these fans cannot purify it completely; to protect your health, you should buy more powerful fans.
Step 3. Make sure there is a table or shelf
If space permits, a work surface makes it easier to place the equipment and photos that are being developed. A desk with drawers also provides space for storing materials, a very important detail if the darkroom is also used for other purposes. Remember to store your photo paper in a drawer where light cannot enter.
Step 4. Make the room completely dark
If the room you have chosen has windows, you will need to add more curtains or blinds to completely darken it. Take some black fabric, cut a piece slightly larger than the windows and apply it to the window frames using adhesive tape; Alternatively, you can use cardstock or thin plywood to block the light, taking care to seal the edges with fabric and tape. If light is filtering through the door, fix a strip along the edge in the same way.
You can better identify the light entering the room by turning off all the bulbs present; As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you should see where the light filters through
Step 5. Divide the room into two zones:
one "wet" and one "dry". You need to establish this before you start setting up your equipment, to protect your photographs from costly mistakes and not damage the equipment itself. The dry side contains the electronic devices and must be equipped with a power outlet nearby; furthermore, the presence of a running water tap on the wet side greatly simplifies the film development process.
Remember to check the water quality of the darkroom; contaminant particles can have a negative impact on development. Run the water on a tray for 15 minutes, if you notice any visible particles at the bottom of the bowl, you need to buy a filter
Part 2 of 2: Equipping the Darkroom
Step 1. Buy used tools
If you are experienced enough in photography, you can save a lot of money by turning to the second-hand market. Ask friends and other photography enthusiasts if they have any second-hand products they can sell you; if you know the owner personally, you are more likely to make a good deal. You can also find used material on websites such as eBay or Secondamano; remember to check the condition of the item before buying it.
If you live near a university, check the university bulletin boards for sales announcements from students who need to discard the extra material towards the end of the semester
Step 2. Choose your enlarger with great care
This is the most important piece in the whole darkroom and also the most expensive you have to buy. If you are new to photographic printing, look for a basic model, rather simple to use and keep; do some research online to find brands that offer a good assortment of top-priced products. Almost always, these devices come with lenses, but the high-end models in particular are sold separately from the lens set.
Step 3. Get the print kit
You can spend less by choosing and purchasing each item separately, but in this case you need to have some knowledge of the development technique. Several companies sell complete darkroom kits that include everything you need without wasting time researching. However, remember that in most cases the enlarger is not included, but otherwise the kit should be quite complete.
Step 4. Purchase and arrange chemicals
The development of photographic images requires three specific chemical solutions. You need a developer, a fixative and a stop bath. You can buy the first two at a photo lab supplies retailer, while for the stop bath you have a few more choices. You can purchase acetic acid, canning vinegar, or a ready-made solution.
- Remember to clearly label each tray and tongs, because pouring a liquid into the wrong container contaminates the materials.
- You also need a container of water close at hand to rinse the photographs.
Step 5. Get the red light
This type of bulb produces enough light so you can move around the darkroom without damaging the paper or chemicals. These are quite expensive lights, but you can buy them at various photography studios.
Step 6. Place the equipment in the "wet" half of the room
This is where you use chemicals to develop the film. You need:
- Funnel;
- Trays;
- Pliers;
- Film clip (for the drying process);
- Graduated cylinders;
- Chemicals (and related bottles).
Step 7. Equip the "dry" side
In this half of the darkroom you have to install the enlarger and store the photo paper. You need:
- Tank and spirals;
- Red light;
- Easel;
- Timer;
- Magnifying glass to check the grain;
- Optional: cutter to cut out photo paper.
Step 8. Get the necessary safety equipment
The chemicals used in the development process can damage the skin, especially if you plan to spend several hours in the darkroom; you must therefore wear latex gloves when handling them. You should also use a mask to protect your airways from vapors as you develop the photos.
Advice
- The only chemical you need to buy and replace on a regular basis is the developer; you can use a simple mixture of water and white vinegar as a stop bath. The fixative can instead be recycled and reused; when you notice that it develops silver deposits and loses transparency, you need to replace it.
- Make sure there are no fluorescent bulbs in the room because their radiation can dull the paper for a long time, even after they have been turned off.
- If you do not have running water for the final wash, you should replace the tray frequently and / or transfer the prints to a place where you can rinse with running water, such as the bathtub. Photographs that have not been rinsed well remain sticky and images can be damaged.
Warnings
- The chemicals used in the darkroom cannot simply be thrown down the sink or toilet after use; carefully informed about the correct disposal procedures.
- Color printing is more complex than black and white; if you want to try your hand at this technique, make sure the lighting, enlarger, and chemicals are suitable and safe.
