Cost of dark room

[Eskuvo]

Hi!

I am thinking about developing my MF and 35mm Black and White film. I have developed B&W films 10-25 years ago in collage. Long time ago.

My question: how much does it cost the buy the necessary tools/chemicals.

What do I need to start?

Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[nsurit]

With any luck, it could be free for the equipment. With a little patience, it should be cheap for the tools/equipment. Chemistry is relatively inexpensive.

 

[darkosaric]

Since you are in Hungary - then more less the price would be (by looking on ebay):

Enlarger Meopta magnifax 3: 50 euros
Red lamp: 10 euros
Plastic trays up to 20x30cm (3 pieces): 10 euros
Chemicals (1 liter fixer - to mix 1+9, 1 liter developer to mix 1+9): 30 euros
Plastic clamps, 20x30 cm board and grain focus device: 30 euros

So more less 150 euros plus papers - max. you can even go cheaper if you are patient. Look on ebay when they sell whole set.

 

[Eskuvo]

Since you are in Hungary - then more less the price would be (by looking on ebay):

Enlarger Meopta magnifax 3: 50 euros
Red lamp: 10 euros
Plastic trays up to 20x30cm (3 pieces): 10 euros
Chemicals (1 liter fixer - to mix 1+9, 1 liter developer to mix 1+9): 30 euros
Plastic clamps, 20x30 cm board and grain focus device: 30 euros

So more less 150 euros plus papers - max. you can even go cheaper if you are patient. Look on ebay when they sell whole set.

You are awesome!!!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!!

 

[darkosaric]

No problem . I don't know exactly market in Hungary - but in Germany and in Poland you can find even cheaper in local adds (example: ebay-kleinanzeigen.de). Look on local adds close to you - usually for personal pickup you can go even lower because they don't pay percentage to ebay and no need to pack and ship stuff.

 

[lauffray]

Since you are in Hungary - then more less the price would be (by looking on ebay):

Enlarger Meopta magnifax 3: 50 euros
Red lamp: 10 euros
Plastic trays up to 20x30cm (3 pieces): 10 euros
Chemicals (1 liter fixer - to mix 1+9, 1 liter developer to mix 1+9): 30 euros
Plastic clamps, 20x30 cm board and grain focus device: 30 euros

So more less 150 euros plus papers - max. you can even go cheaper if you are patient. Look on ebay when they sell whole set.

But he's asking about developing not printing

 

[darkosaric]

But he's asking about developing not printing

Yes, I just noticed this. Then it is even more simple:

https://www.fotoimpex.de/shopen/analog-starter-kits/fotoimpex-starter-kit-film-basic.html

 

[Luckless]

Your costs will depend on exactly what you want to do, and how advanced you want to make things.

So, how much film do you want to process? How often? And the most important question is do you want to print your stuff in a dark room yourself, or develop and scan, or send your processed negatives out?

A basic daylight developing tank is generally a very inexpensive way to go about doing things, especially if you aren't jumping into sheet development right away. You don't need a 'darkroom', just a simple 'dark space' that can be as small as a changing bag for when you transfer the film into the daylight tank, and then everything else can be done at a laundry sink or even a table somewhere with a few buckets. (I don't really support film processing near food prep or eating areas if it can be avoided.)

Costs of course go up as you add more in, but these days equipment can be had for very cheap if you're willing to wait and deal with potential issues of used gear. But if you are going to get into building a darkroom space, then I strongly encourage careful planning for air exchange, electrical, and the plumbing. Not something to rush.

 

[RobC]

you don't need a darkroom to develop film. You just need

changing bag (which is lightproof mini darkroom)
developing tank and reels
pair of scissors
something to open film canisters or retrieve film end (35mm film canisters)
some film clips to hang on top and bottom of film when drying.
some negative sleeves to put dried and cut film into.
Developer
Stop Bath
Fixer
some graduates for measuring chemicals. useful to have:
2 litre jug for mixing powdered developers.
1 litre bottles for storing mixed dev stock solution.
1000ml graduate
300ml graduate
100ml graduate
25ml graduate
possibly 5 gallon storage for stock developer depending on which you use.
maybe a syring depending on type of developer you use (syrup type dev requires a syringe for accurate measuring)
A thermometer which goes upto at least 60degC

I expect I forgot a few things...

Then if you go for printing you need enlarger etc as mentioned above.
printing easel.
enlarger lens. 50mm for 35mm film. 80mm for upto 6x7 film.
enlarger contrast filters. Maybe built into colour head.
enlarger timer
maybe enlarger transformer depending on type and whether its built in.
correct enlarger mixing boxes depending on enlarger and type
trays
dev
stop
fixer
something to dry prints on
something to trim prints and to cut strips for test strips

there are lots of other gizmos you'll find useful in the long run.

I expect I forgot a few major things