Feedback sought on new darkroom layout

lamda · Jan 14, 2007

I'm planning a new darkroom in my basement. I've laid it out on the floor with chalk, and placed some of my equipment to see if it seems right. I've put a picture of it on my web site (http://home.comcast.net/~ashtongj/Photography). The image is fairly large, 867 kB, but it needs to be to see the chalk lines.

I'd appreciate any feedback about whether it will be big enough for processing black and white, usually no bigger than 8" by 10" paper and 4" by 5" film.

glbeas · Jan 14, 2007

I've had serviceable darkrooms smaller than that. If you can though see what you can do to make it a bit bigger, you always wind up wanting more.

fotch · Jan 14, 2007

lamda said:
I'm planning a new darkroom in my basement. I've laid it out on the floor with chalk, and placed some of my equipment to see if it seems right. I've put a picture of it on my web site (http://home.comcast.net/~ashtongj/Photography/index.htm). The image is fairly large, 867 kB, but it needs to be to see the chalk lines.

I'd appreciate any feedback about whether it will be big enough for processing black and white, usually no bigger than 8" by 10" paper and 4" by 5" film.

The link did not work for me. Got the following message:
Page URL Not Found!!

The requested page does not exist on this server. The URL you typed or followed is either outdated or inaccurate.

Bob F. · Jan 14, 2007

The URL has an extra ")" on the end that needs deleting.

[edit: now fixed, I see]

jovo · Jan 14, 2007

Limiting your potential print size so severely may be worth reconsidering. I am limited to 16x20 prints maximum, but if it had been possible I'd have made room for 20x24....now and then the amazing, wonderful, fantastic, super duper negative is created that fairly begs to be made large. You'll see!...make room for the possibility. You may never use it, but you'll never even be able try to if you've made it impossible.

lamda · Jan 14, 2007

jovo said:
Limiting your potential print size so severely may worth reconsidering. . .

I thought about that. I could do larger prints either by using tubes, or invading the dry side of the darkroom. It would be OK once in a while, but not on a routine basis.

raucousimages · Jan 14, 2007

Size is good, I have had smaller with good results but when ever I had the chance I built as big as I can. It is easier to use part of darkroom than rebuild later. When I built the last one I used tape to do the layout. The size was OK but then we hung sheets for the walls and used cardboard boxes for the counters and sink I found I needed to change the layout after role-playing different processes.

The window will make a good place for a outside vent. My only sugestion is to build as big as you can. See what it feels like with sheets up for walls.

joshverd · Jan 14, 2007

That is certainly enough for what you are asking. I've done as much with much less space, and no ventilation! (never again) Windows aren't that light tight, might want to look into covering that. :>

What is the other space in the basement used for?

I'd say go bigger, if possible. Like Gary said, you'll always find something to do with extra space. And you won't miss the lost floor space. Let that beautiful enlarger see some huge floor prints or something.

Good luck in your endeavor, welcome to the club.

I'd love to see the final product.

Josh

Monophoto · Jan 14, 2007

Gerry -

My first darkroom was tiny - I didn't even have space on my "wet side" to lay out three 8x10 trays, and had to use a stacking arrangement instead. So when the time came to move up a notch, I took the time to lay out an array of 11x14 trays to determine the minimum size of the wet side sink. While that was a smart move, and I'm still using that sink today (25+ years later), there are times when I wish I had planned for 16x20 trays.

One thing that I don't understand in your layout is the location of the sink. It appears from the photograph that the house drain will be behind you when you are facing the sink. How are you going to drain the graywater from the sink? It might be more convenient to put the sink on the same wall as the house drain, and then arrange for a lift pump the move the graywater up to the level of the drain.

Another comment - you are planning storage on both sides of the darkroom door on the outside of the darkroom. That's great, but I wonder if it might be better to move the wall out so that those storage areas are inside the darkroom. At least from the limited view in the photograph, there doesn't appear to be any obstacle to having more room inside the darkroom.

By the way - where in Vermont are you? I'm in Saratoga Springs, and would be happy to show off my darkroom if you want to see one before getting too much further down the path.

BWGirl · Jan 14, 2007

I guess personally, I'd want a wee bit more space. You'll find that there will be times when you may want to enlarge bigger than 8x10 if you are dealing with 4x5 negatives. If you have the opportunity to start from scratch (a non-predefined space), don't cramp yourself! Make it relatively comfortable.

canuhead · Jan 14, 2007

The space you have planned looks rather long and skinny. If you have the room, I'd be more inclined to have a squarish darkroom, than long, makes for much less walking around from enlarger to trays. It adds up, trust me.

I'm also going to echo previous posters and agree with making a wetside that accomodates 11x14 trays, unless you are definitely, 100% positive that you will never go larger than that.

Like the others, I'm also wondering why you don't move the wall out where you currently have storage marked off ? Looking at the photo, it seems real estate is yours for the taking so to speak so try for a roomier space, you'll be spending lots of time in there so why not make it comfortable ?

Make sure to put up photos when the work is done !

lamda · Jan 14, 2007

Monophoto said:
Gerry -

Q. 1 One thing that I don't understand in your layout is the location of the sink. It appears from the photograph that the house drain will be behind you when you are facing the sink. How are you going to drain the graywater from the sink?

Q. 2 That's great, but I wonder if it might be better to move the wall out so that those storage areas are inside the darkroom. At least from the limited view in the photograph, there doesn't appear to be any obstacle to having more room inside the darkroom.

Q. 3 By the way - where in Vermont are you? I'm in Saratoga Springs, and would be happy to show off my darkroom if you want to see one before getting too much further down the path.

A. 1 I am also converting a laundry room (on the other side of the wall to my left) into a half-bath, and as part of that project, I will be installing a sump and lift pump under the cast iron pipe in the photo.

A. 2 The storage will be general household storage, so I want to keep it out of the darkroom to avoid dust. I could make the darkroom bigger, but the existing size works well in terms of lining up neatly with existing walls, and not making the workshop cramped.

A. 3 Castleton, Rutland county.

Bob F. · Jan 14, 2007

Well, people have produced exceptional work in their bathrooms with less room than that so it's certainly practical. I would like at least double that space myself, but I do 12x16 regularly and have done the occasional 20x24. Separate dry and wet sides are nice: you don't seem to have a lot of dry-side space for loading holders etc though I guess you can use the enlarger base.

Have fun, Bob.

dancqu · Jan 21, 2007

lamda said:
I could do larger prints either by using tubes,
or invading the dry side of the darkroom.

An alternative is single tray processing. My limited space
grew by leaps and bounds needing only one tray. I allow
space for a second as I use alternate tray washing.
One print though can be processed and washed
using one tray.

I use the chemistry more dilute than usual, one-shot,
minimal volumes. Some single tray users empty and save.
Either way the method is similar to rotory processing; one
tube one tray, save or dump chemistry. Dan

GreyWolf · Jan 21, 2007

Building a darkroom also...

Hi Gerry,

I am also in the process of building another darkroom(this would be my 4th). Like others, I have learnt that making it as big as the real estate would permit has always been the best solution, within reason of course. I'm a bit embarassed to say that my present build will be about 170 sq ft. in area.

Of course my needs are quite different than yours.

Two questions jump to the foreground....

Having a shallow depth may prove less than ideal if you someday wish to place an additional small counter or shelves behind your wet side table. I prefer to have enough depth (if space is available) to turn around comfortably...sort of like a galley kitchen.
Why are you putting in an outside door? This would only add cost, effort and more possible light leaks. Also which way would your door swing? If a "fire exit" is your concern then IMHO in such a small darkroom it is totally unnecessary. Perhaps use the "additional planned outside door money" for more paper? ... additional equipment?... film?

Without an outside door you would now have more storage and working areas.

Just my 0.02's worth...but go as reasonably big as you can, you will not regret the decision.

Cheers,

Jim

lamda · Jan 21, 2007

GreyWolf said:
Why are you putting in an outside door? This would only add cost, effort and more possible light leaks. Also which way would your door swing? If a "fire exit" is your concern then IMHO in such a small darkroom it is totally unnecessary. Perhaps use the "additional planned outside door money" for more paper? ... additional equipment?... film?

Jim

I've decided that I will make the darkroom larger; the area will be about twice as great as my first plan. As for the outside door, I may not install it right now, but I believe the NFPA Life Safety Code, which applies in Vermont, calls for two exits from any area that isn't a bath, storage, or utility. I already have a den in my basement, and the darkroom would be the second room that isn't bath/storage/utility. Placing the fire exit in the darkroom would provide a second exit for all my basement rooms. If/when I decide to move, I think having the second exit might allow me to list the square footage in the basement in the real estate listing. Also, if I ever wanted to conduct any kind of home business in the basement, the 2nd exit might be necessary.

Gerry

David A. Goldfarb · Jan 21, 2007

<Hey, GreyWolf, long time no see! Welcome back.>

GreyWolf · Jan 28, 2007

I understand now...

David A. Goldfarb said:
<Hey, GreyWolf, long time no see! Welcome back.>

Thanks Gerry....I now understand your reason for the door and it makes perfect sense.

Thanks for the welcome back David.

Long story short....over the past two years I have gone through quite a few changes....got the "job package...i.e. unemployed"...moved to the interior of British Columbia....bought an acerage....opened two companies....marriage issues/changes....LOL....LOL.

I have not really seen my photo equipment during all of this.

After this Christmas I decided it was time to start building a darkroom. Have it all framed up , wired and insulated so far. Doing the drywall over the next two weeks and then hanging a "tile ceiling".

Hopefully this time I will finally manage to get to do some of the Pt/Pd stuff I have been wanting to do for the first time. Bought a swack ot the Amidol during the group purchase which I am looking forward to using. Have my UV light box frame built and all the lights/eleictrical pieces but need to do the final assembly. Lots to look forward to.

Hopefully I'll be up and running in some basic fashion by the time the snow melts...LOL.

Cheers,

GreyWolf

Feedback sought on new darkroom layout

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