Changing Up My Darkroom and Home Studio

[Nokton48]

Completed E3 5x7 Glass Carrier by Nokton48, on Flickr


Here is the completed Automega E3 5x7 Glass Negative Carrier. On the right, you can see the beveled glass and custom made clips that Glenn Evans manufactured. On the left, is a sheet of Durst L138 Glass (Non Anti Newton) that came from a dealer in Austria. Using a Dremel Grinder bit attached to my mini drill press, I slowly reduced the width of the glass, until it was a perfect fit in the Omega top frame. This took many hours to get just right. I then use 3M 850 Tape to build up the thickness of the ends of the glass. This required many many thicknesses of 850 tape. When I was satisfied with the glass tightly holding my test 4x5 negative, I used more 850 Tape to secure the glass to the bottom part of the top carrier frame. Glenn could not do anything with the top part of the frame.

So it works! Not Anti Newton but it gets me going. Sure took long enough to build!

 

[Nokton48]

How not to ship AN Glass overseas by Nokton48, on Flickr

This arrived yesterday, an envelope packed with two sheets of cardboard. Of course the glass was destroyed. They say they will refund all my money.

So the search for Durst AN glass continues.

 

[Nokton48]

Reworked Automega E3 5x7 LED Head 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Today I reworked the Automega E3 5x7 LED Head.

Much better now, and ready to use

Reworked Automega E3 5x7 LED Head 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Here is the reworked Automega E3 5x7 LED Head. This how it looks fired up and running.

As you can see adjusting the diffusers inside has evened out the light quite a bit. Looks good to my eye
Need to replace the thick black felt light trap at the bottom, and it should be ready to use.

And, a special THANKS to Larry Gebhardt, for selling me this BEAST. I will make good use of it!

 

[Nokton48]

E3 Fully Renovated by Nokton48, on Flickr

Here's another view of the new LED head on the E-3. According to the original instructions (which I found along with other E-3 literature), this enlarger is designed to be approached from the right side. The controls are laid out for that. Ready to print again in the next day or two

E3 Fully Renovated 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

 

[Nokton48]

Washing and Drying Side Sink Preinstallation by Nokton48, on Flickr

This is the flip side of my darkroom illustrated above^^

It's the washing and drying side. Green Kreonite sink will be supported on new table, and plumbed in. Yellow "sink" was made for storing two 55 gallon drums side-by-side, will be repurposed as sink (also with new table) to contain the Calumet Fibre 16x20 Print Washer, in the event of a flood. Sink will hold 25 gallons and the washer only has fifteen.

Petersons Photographic 16x20 fiber print dryer is on the right. I am finishing the wiring and installing the muffin fans.

Built some shelves today, and added a "red light" indicating I am at work.

Phase II is bringing in plumber and electrician, also hooking up ceiling fan to suck odors out of the inner darkroom.

Note the heavy duty dehumidifier and racks of overhead clothespins.

There's a Petersons Photographic Rapid film dryer that will handle 20 rolls of 35mm or strips of 70mm, on the far right.

 

[Nokton48]

Right now I am using JOBO 2500 series tanks and reels, and built a JOBO film washer that fits those tanks. This came from Germany, I converted it to US plumbing with stuff from Lowes.

JOBO Cascade Washer End by Nokton48, on Flickr

Petersons Photographic Roll Film Washer 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Petersons Photographic Roll Film Washer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

I also have an assortment of steel tanks and reels, so THIS would be helpful to use and easy to build. I also have Hurricane film washers which are for smaller Nikor type tanks.

 

[Nokton48]

Automega E4 Omegalite Head 5x7 by Nokton48, on Flickr



Automega E4 Omegalite Head 5x7 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr



Automega E3 Condenser Head 4x5 by Nokton48, on Flickr



Automega E3 LED Head 5x7 by Nokton48, on Flickr


Enlarging Heads that fit my Automega E3. Omegalite 5x7, Condenser Set 5X7 to 4x5, Original Flourescent Head (required a shutter to open and close) adapted to modern LED bulbs. LED ballast is attached to top exterior

 

[Nokton48]

Heron Pickerington Ponds XX 800mm Fll by Nokton48, on Flickr

Minolta SRT101 800mm Fll MD Apo Rokkor lens Eastman 5222 XX Legacy Mic-X

Omega DII 80mm F4 Rodagon Aristo 5x7 RC #2 Multigrade dev


Creek at Pickerington Ponds by Nokton48, on Flickr

Minolta SRT101 21mm F4 MLU Rokkor Eastman XX Legacy Mic-X

Omega D2 80mm F4 Rodagon 5x7 Arista RC Multigrade


Have a Cigar by Nokton48, on Flickr

Minolta SRT101 85mm F1.7 MC Rokkor Eastman XX Legacy Mic-X

Omega D2 80mm F4 Rodagon Aristo 5x7 RC Multigrade Dev

 

[Nokton48]

Old Mans Cave Upper Falls 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

• 4x5 Sinar Norma PL100 PMK+ Arista #2 8x10 Perfection D Dev

• 4x5 Sinar Norma PL100 PMK+ Arista #2 8x10 Perfection D Dev

• 4x5 Sinar Norma PL100 PMK+ Arista #2 8x10 Perfection D Dev

 

[Nokton48]

Latest Darkroom Renovation 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

The E3 is now completely up to speed, could always use further fine tuning. All three Omegas running and ready to produce prints.

I'm buying 8x10 and 5x7 Aristo Ultra #2 RC in 250 sheet boxes.
The enlarger in the middle is running 8x10s from 4x5 negs, with 180mm black Rodagon and MES LED head. The LED does speed up printing times.

The enlarger on the right is making 5x7s from 35mm, with 80mm black Rodagon. I am buying another 4x5 Omegalite head should be here soon.

 

[Nokton48]

Latest Darkroom Renovation 4 by Nokton48, on Flickr

After a good amount of metalwork, the E3 is much better aligned, has a new Omegalite head (my fave). Yesterday I setup four choice lenses, and on each added three point adjustments for accurate laser alignment. Lots of drilling tapping and lots of black masking tape.

Shown on the baseboard are the 180mm chrome Componon, 210mm chrome Componon, 240mm chrome Componon, and black 150mm F9 G Claron. All of these laser align to the baseboard at this point.

The E4 Omegalite looks like it will be bright enough (40W) to burn an 8x10 in a reasonable period of time. And no heat!
Using the E3 5x7 glass carrier that I restored.

 

[Nokton48]

Yellow Springs Falls by Nokton48, on Flickr

Yellow Springs Falls

4x5 Sinar Norma 90mm F8 Sinar Norma Super Angulon HP5 PMK+ Omega DII 180mm black Rodagon MES LED head Arista 8x10 #2 RC Perfection Print Developer

 

[Nokton48]

OCCS 1998 Exhibit 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

OCCS 1998 Exhibit 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

OCCS 1998 Exhibit 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Exhibit of my photos.

Ohio Camera Collecting Society Show 1998 (?)

4x5 Sinar Norma 165mm Sinar Norma Schneider Super Angulon PL100 PMK+ Omega Dii MES LED Aristo #2 RC 8x10 180mm black Rodagon Perfection developer

 

[Nokton48]

Cleveland Falls 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Cleveland Falls 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Cleveland Falls 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

4x5 Sinar Norma HP5 PMK+ Omega DII MES LED Aristo #2 RC 8x10 180mm black Rodagon Perfection developer

 

[Nokton48]

E3 150 F9 G-Claron 5x7 Lens Board Custom 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

This involved a lot of metalworking. Attached an E3 flat board to the Omega Micro Focusing attachment with brass hobby screws.

Then drilled and tapped the front of the unit, so that three-point alignment can be achieved. Cut mouse pad to custom fit everything. Works great.

E3 150 F9 G-Claron 5x7 Lens Board Custom 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

 

[Nokton48]

E3 240mm F5.6 Componon 5x7 Custom 3 by Nokton48, on

This is the big 240mm F5.6 Componon mounted on the square cone board for the 190 Wolly, on the E3.

Also added three-point alignments, using machine screws, drilling and the tapping the front of the cone. Added computer mouse pad to custom fit everything. Works great

 

[Darryl Roberts]

I'm renovating my home basement darkroom. Up until now, I used this space for general storage, film loading, and long ago, color enlarging. I still have a 16" Kreonite CPT16 EP2 Color processor hooked up, but I'm getting rid of that. Want to set this up for B&W darkroom work. Washing and water in another room right now.

Been buying shelving, floor mats, and a LOT of cleaning and organizing. Mind the clutter, it's not done yet. Just wanted to show you guys my progress. What do you think so far?

Darkroom renovation 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Darkroom renovation 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Darkroom renovation 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Wow, awesome.

 

[Nokton48]

First 5x7 Norma Test 75f8 SA CF E3 150F9 Aristo2 Perfection 3.5min by Nokton48, on Flickr

My one and only (so far!) test of my 5x7" Sinar Norma. Also testing the Schneider 75mm F8 Super Angulon, with the matching Schneider center filter marked "Filter for 75mm F8 SA".

5x7 HP5 D76 Omega E3 with Omegalite Head, Arista Ultra #2 RC paper Perfection D developer 3.5 minutes

The Apple Tree in my Backyard.

 

[Darryl Roberts]

First 5x7 Norma Test 75f8 SA CF E3 150F9 Aristo2 Perfection 3.5min by Nokton48, on Flickr

My one and only (so far!) test of my 5x7" Sinar Norma. Also testing the Schneider 75mm F8 Super Angulon, with the matching Schneider center filter marked "Filter for 75mm F8 SA".

5x7 HP5 D76 Omega E3 with Omegalite Head, Arista Ultra #2 RC paper Perfection D developer 3.5 minutes

The Apple Tree in my Backyard.

Beautiful details and perspective

 

[Nokton48]

OCCS Camera Set Test 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Most of the waterfall shots in this thread were taken with this Norma setup.

OCCS Camera Test 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

This is high speed reflex photography with Norma Automated Cables and 120 roll film. 135mm Symmars get a lot of use.

 

[Darryl Roberts]

OCCS Camera Set Test 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Most of the waterfall shots in this thread were taken with this Norma setup.

OCCS Camera Test 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

This is high speed reflex photography with Norma Automated Cables and 120 roll film. 135mm Symmars get a lot of use.

Beautiful Norma. Is that the clamp you referenced?

 

[Nokton48]

The "rail clamp" should come with the camera. It attaches around the rail.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sinar-Pan-...333809?hash=item36573521b1:g:X58AAOSwePpdwSpL

Here is a "Norma Pan Tilt Head" appears OK. Will fit whatever legs you choose.

I consider this to be part of the basic Norma. It completes the camera itself.

 

[Nokton48]

Kodak Blotter Roll Dryer 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Kodak Blotter Roll Dryer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Yesterday I made this Kodak Blotter Roll Dryer, yet another Peterson's Photographic home darkroom project. I have some old fibre paper I want to start testing. This is a quick way to dry it. Right now the dryer has a 100W heating element, which is interchangeable. Also I want to add a switch and a timer for this unit. Adding some filter material is a good idea. Gentle dry heat is the result so far.

 

[Nokton48]

2nd Omegalite rebuilt and Petersons Film Washer by Nokton48, on Flickr

Petersons 16x20 Matte Fiber Print Dryer by Nokton48, on Flickr

Three unfinished projects I have been working on here and there, as I have time. Two Omega Omegalite 4x5 heads (both trashed) combined into one perfectly working unit. First unit had a bad transformer, bought the second unit for parts. Attaching some adhesive foam rubber to the bottom, and it's finished Good as new and cheap!

Second project is Petersons Photographic Rapid Film Washer. All plastic pipe is cut and tightly fitting just needs glued. Shown with stainless steel rod I bent to hold eight 120 steel reels (my biggest Nikor tank).

Third project is Petersons Photographic 16x20 Matte Fibre Print Dryer, all wiring completed except for the power cord. Four 640W wired in series pulls 600 watts, so I will keep the power cord short in length

Anybody know where I can get 16x20 photographic blotters, with muslin one sided? Been buying the plain blotters they sell cheaply at freestyle.

After the first of the year, I have a really big printing project coming up. Material from twenty five years ago.

 

[Renato Tonelli]

You're making good progress. Not sure if these blotters are what you are looking for:

https://deltaphotosupplies.com/store/p123/Photo_Drying_Book_~_“Acid_Free”.html

 

[Nokton48]

Thanks Renato,

What I'm looking for is individual blotter sheets, you used to be able to get them, one side had muslin cloth adhered to it. That is what Peterson's Photographic recommended at the time. Wonder if I could make some of these myself. One side muslin, one side blotter sheet

I have about forty 20x24 blotter sheets I purchased from Freestyle. They sell them individually at very reasonable prices. And custom cut the cardboard sheets to go between the blotters. I can air dry a lot of fibre 16x20s or if I want to speed drying hit the heater unit.

 

[Nokton48]

Test roll (31 exposures) fresh 70mm Rollei 400s, processed in Rollei Supergrain. JOBO 120/220 reel modified to 70mm width by me,
JOBO Multitank 2 Agitated by hand. Film shot last spring, then life came along...................

Hasselblad A70 mag, 100mm & 30mm Zeiss T*

Darkroom print Omega DII Omegalite head Aristo #2 RC Ultra Multigrain Dev

400s 70mm Supergrain Blad 100 Planar 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

400s 70mm Supergrain Blad 30 Distagon 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

400s 70mm Supergrain Blad 100 Planar 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

400s 70mm Supergrain Blad 100 Planar 4 by Nokton48, on Flickr

 

[Pieter12]

Thanks Renato,

What I'm looking for is individual blotter sheets, you used to be able to get them, one side had muslin cloth adhered to it. That is what Peterson's Photographic recommended at the time. Wonder if I could make some of these myself. One side muslin, one side blotter sheet

I have about forty 20x24 blotter sheets I purchased from Freestyle. They sell them individually at very reasonable prices. And custom cut the cardboard sheets to go between the blotters. I can air dry a lot of fibre 16x20s or if I want to speed drying hit the heater unit.

I remember being told in school not to leave prints in blotter sheets, to finish by air-drying. Can't remember why, possibly damage from the blotter to the soft emulsion of the print?

 

[Nokton48]

Darkroom renovation 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Darkroom Sink Finally Plumbed 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

E3 Finally Installed by Nokton48, on Flickr

Washing and Drying Side Sink Preinstallation by Nokton48, on Flickr

It's been a good year. I have gone from a primarily storage, and film loading room, to a real darkroom! Work will continue after the first of the year, as funds free up.

More heat, plumbing, more electrical, and work tables are future projects.


Latest Darkroom Renovation 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr