B&W Dark Room Suppliers?

[Christoper]

I need a recommendation for B&W film development chemical and equipment suppliers on the web.

I am working in 4x5 and plan to move on from color transparences and do some black and white. I don't need print making supplies as I still plan to scan my negatives.

Thanks,
Christopher

 

[mgb74]

I'd start with Freestyle (see the APUG sponsors list).

 

[Ektagraphic]

Freestyle is the best. Go to www.Freestylephoto.biz

 

[MattKing]

Glazer's in Seattle are a good source for chemistry, and are also an APUG sponsor.

Matt

 

[Nikanon]

Photographers formulary has one of the widest ranges of chemistry and useful little items,
BHphotovideo is the fastest and cheapest for the east coast,
Freestyle has one of the largest selections of film types

 

[bdial]

Also Calumet and Adorama.
B&H isn't bad, but they don't offer shipping for some chemistry, especially color. Adorama has fewer shipping restrictions and ships E-6 and C-41 chem.

 

[Rolleijoe]

Another vote for Freestyle. They're committed to B&W photography, and prove it at every turn.
They should have everything you need.

 

[George Collier]

Another vote for Freestyle - their head buyer is quite knowledgeable about new and older products, and is willing to take the time to talk to you.

 

[Silverhead]

Freestyle and Formulary. Both will have all sorts of developers you've never even heard of.

 

[Christoper]

Thanks

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions....

I am a total newbe in the darkroom... I have always either worked with a lab .. or scanned Negs. and transparences (after lab development)... BUT I am now deep in the hinterland and have a 18 mile drive south to a lab and about a 30 mile drive north to buy film. The last time I bought film the store’s film cooler was half the size it was when I started 4x5 in 2002… and they only had 1 box of Astia 100F.

Furthermore I don't like not having total control over the process..

I am starting with just developing B&W negatives. It is going to be a long learning process but eventually I want to process film and print. The next step after developing negitives will be to learn to contact print.

Any words of wisdom from experienced dark room workers would be appreciated…

 

[mgb74]

Another suggestion that I've gleaned from others - more experienced (or more accomplished) than me - is to pick a mainstream developer and a mainstream film that are compatible and stick with that combination until you've mastered your darkroom technique. That way you eliminate those 2 variables and can focus on your darkroom technique. With 4x5 I would add that you stick with one development method (trays, tubes, tank) to begin with for that same reason.