Darkroom and real estate

[lallygram]

Microsoft Windows forced me to save the attachment as a file, and then open it separately. In order to save folks from that hassle, I'm pasting its text below. From Larry Bullis:

What I have that could be available:



7. A Jobo processor. I don't like them because I'm a klutz and can't seem to load the reels. This is not the big one, but I have used it and it does work.

8. A Photo-Therm Sidekick processor. I got this from a color lab when digital put it out of business. I have never used it. These can process black and white or color using Patterson reels, with recovery on I believe two of the chemicals. They are supposed to be really great - and were very expensive. I think I have a manual for it that I downloaded from Photo Therm.

Sending you a message about the Photo-therm and Jobo!

 

[npl]

Same boat as OP and pretty much everyone else apparently a dedicated darkroom with running water is indeed kind of a luxury.

Like others, I settled for a small space without running water. This small desk in a bedroom cost me 10€. When i'm done with a photo, I take the black tray to the bathroom to wash the print and hang it to dry in the shower. Cleaned trays will also dry in the shower.

When i'm not printing the trays are in storage and I can use this part of the desk for something else.

When sharing the bathroom with others, I guess it's all about timing : print in the evening when nobody will use the shower, stow the dry prints and darkroom gear first thing in the morning before anyone use the room.

 

[gone]

npl, try adding a water filled holding tank, or deep tray, to your setup. Then you can wait to wash them until you're completely through printing for the night. I roll them a bit and stand them on edge in a Dollar Tree bucket w/ a handle. Then they go into the kitchen sink for washing, and finally the bathroom to hang and dry.

I don't mind printing in a kitchen or bedroom, but a dedicated darkroom would be so much nicer. You would have everything all set up, just add the chemicals and make a print.

 

[Miquel Julia]

Like others, I settled for a small space without running water. This small desk in a bedroom cost me 10€. When i'm done with a photo, I take the black tray to the bathroom to wash the print and hang it to dry in the shower. Cleaned trays will also dry in the shower.

I have started to set up my laboratory in a storage room located on the terrace and I don't have running water either but due to his situation I will need a dehumidifier or a portable air conditioner and I hope to collect enough water

try adding a water filled holding tank, or deep tray, to your setup. Then you can wait to wash them until you're completely through printing for the night. I roll them a bit and stand them on edge in a Dollar Tree bucket w/ a handle. Then they go into the kitchen sink for washing, and finally the bathroom to hang and dry.

True, copies can be preserved in water and washed afterwards. A change of water may only be necessary if the printing session is very long

I've done it like this before, and although I could have running water, what I don't have is the drain

 

[Sirius Glass]

I have started to set up my laboratory in a storage room located on the terrace and I don't have running water either but due to his situation I will need a dehumidifier or a portable air conditioner and I hope to collect enough water



True, copies can be preserved in water and washed afterwards. A change of water may only be necessary if the printing session is very long

I've done it like this before, and although I could have running water, what I don't have is the drain

Using condensed water from an air conditioner or dehumidifier may get contaminated by foreign substances. Use tap water [what I do], buy distilled water, or distill you own water for the darkroom.

 

[MattKing]

Soaking trays are much better suited to fibre based papers than RC papers, because with RC papers extended immersion can lead to delamination.
Of course, with RC, the wash times are so relatively brief that it is often practical to simply work print washing breaks into your routine.

 

[mshchem]

I agree with Matt. Soaking RC prints isn't a good practice. I use the Ilford recommended processing times. I develop (20°C) 2 minutes, 10-15 seconds in Ilfostop, 30 seconds in fresh Ilford Rapid Fixer all with continuous gentle agitation.

Washing I use slightly warmer temperature 24 to 26 °C, first a couple quick rinses to get rid of all the superficial fixer, then 3 x 30 second washes, squeegee and dry.