Alternative darkroom trays?

ConnorR · Apr 24, 2009

Without having the time to get legitimate trays, I'm looking for an alternative to darkroom trays.

Last night I picked up two of these from wal-mart for $2:

Now I figure that the chemicals will not do well in those tinfoil containers. I was more interested in the lids, they are a thin clear plastic that I think could work. For $2 I figured I might as well try. Could I wash in the tinfoil part?

If this is a bad idea, please tell me before I do so. Also, if you have any more sturdy suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks!

raucousimages · Apr 24, 2009

I doubt you will have good luck using those lids as trays. They are thin and very shallow. There is a reason that trays are 2 to 3 inches deep. I just looked on ebay and trays start at about $2.50 each. If you try them you might have good luck but I think you are looking at a lot of frustration and wasted money.
There is something to be said for the right tool for the job.

bdial · Apr 24, 2009

Also, aluminum is no good for working with photo chemistry. Lots of people recommend plastic cat litter trays as alternatives.

MurrayMinchin · Apr 24, 2009

Kitty litter trays are good for prints up to 11x14. Just be sure not to rub the prints against the bottom while agitating face down to avoid scratches.

Murray

david b · Apr 24, 2009

Home Depot has trays for painting as well as some other things near the cement aisle.

fschifano · Apr 24, 2009

Those things are no good because they're aluminum. The lids are no good because they're too flimsy. Buying trays from someone on eBay is not too economical because any savings can easily be eaten up by shipping charges. Your best bet might be to check the local Craigslist listings and see if you can pick up what you need locally. A restaurant supply place will have bus trays that work nicely for prints up to 11 x 14 and cost only a few dollars each. The downside is that is that they need about 1.5 to 2 litres of chemistry to work decently.

Allen Friday · Apr 24, 2009

Try flipping the tray top over and put it inside the tray for stability. That way you get a plastic tray with the stability of the metal tray.

removed account4 · Apr 24, 2009

not sure the size you are printing
but tupperware/ dollar store special makes leftover containers
that are perfect for 5x7.
kitty litter + paint trays are great too ..

ConnorR · Apr 24, 2009

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Until I get my hands on real trays, I'm just going to put the lids upside down in the foil trays. It is pretty stable that way for now at least. I've put a wanted ad in my local craigslist.

raucousimages · Apr 24, 2009

B&H prices on trays

8X10 $4.00
11X14 $7.50
16X20 $15.00

I still think makeshift trays are going to be frustrating to use and a wast of money on the trays, chemicals and paper. That money would be better spent on real trays.

Roger Thoms · Apr 25, 2009

Another option is Craigslist, especially if you are near a larger city and are not in a hurry. Some people want a fortune but if you keep your eyes out trays do come up for reasonable prices. Often with other darkroom stuff. I got 5 16x20 trays for for free after I sold a timer and grain focuser, and I sold those items for reasonable prices. I have also bought generic trays from B&H as the previous post suggests and found them to be quite serviceable.

Roger Thoms

Shmoo · Apr 25, 2009

You can also use the plastic dish busing tubs that are used in restaurants. You can find them at restaurant supply stores and you can get lids for them as well. The standard tubs easily do 11x14 prints, but there are larger tubs. The other benefit is that they are about twice as deep as a regular photo tray so it's not as easy to slop chems out of them. This is an example:

http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/thunder-group/plbt005g/p364263.aspx

BetterSense · Apr 25, 2009

Kitty litter trays work well for me for up to 8x10. I have lots of legitimate trays but I like the kitty litter trays better as long as I'm not going over 8x10 and can use them.

David Brown · Apr 25, 2009

raucousimages said:
I still think makeshift trays are going to be frustrating to use and a wast of money on the trays, chemicals and paper. That money would be better spent on real trays.

I thought I was the only one that felt this way!

I realize the OP was looking for something temporary, and that's OK.

But, I am consistently amazed at the mental energy and expense people undergo to not buy the proper, yet inexpensive tool. Especially after buying expensive film and paper; not to mention cameras, lenses, enlargers, etc. It's a false economy.

Venchka · Apr 25, 2009

Amen David!

However, there are real photo trays in the world that are unused to virtually unused, that go for a song to free on craigslist, forums like this, garage sales, etc. I have been most fortunate in that regard.

Alternative darkroom trays?

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