Got the enlarger now...

Well! I have the enlarger and lens and chemicals!

Now the rest of the process..

I've been thinking in invest in darkroom equipment due to the space, time, and savings (liquids, time, and ecological motives).

So, what do You think about this piece of machinery?

I know I can do it like the old way but maybe this is for the future and a good purchase:

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/Products/Nova-Daylight-Film-Processors/ANFP-D53

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/Products/Nova-Film-Washers/ANFPTW

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Nova-FB-Print-Processor

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Nova-Washmaster-ECO

http://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/00050004001600060001


And an important question, is there any machine which serves like a dryer, press and luster?

Well would be better to replace everything for a Jobo CPP2?

Thanks guys!

I personally started doing darkroom prints a few months ago. I do not own any machine and do everything by hand in a very small toilet room for both my films and RC paper prints. Everything is fine and I was at first surpirsed at just how simple it is to get started and consequently how much room there is for gaining experience and improve. With RC paper I think I will not need any extra equipment other than my enlarger, trays and clips to air dry. If I were to move to fibre based paper, I would then consider the print washer and dryer you linked. For film processing, black and white is mostly developed around 20 degrees C. For me this temperature is very easy to obtain and maintain just by hand processing. If I were to do color work, then it would definitely help to have a film processor.

Thanks Mauro, very kind.

I'm thiking just the same, maybe spend the 100 sheets I bought of RC and then, when I finish them, start with FB and some machines.

You are very welcome! I am still using RC paper since I started, I decided to practice as long as I can and try to find my style and confidence. Actually, I really like the results with this type of paper when I get it right with exposure and burning/dodging. Have fun with it!

The print processors are great for working in small spaces, and the chemistry lasts a very long time with the floating lids and small surface area.

I just started my darkroom printing last weekend. I bought used enlargers, lenses, film carriers, trays, timer, safe light, easel, paper safe, and a grain focuser. I didn't buy any machines you listed. Everything can be done by hand with much cheaper equipment.

I would suggest save the money for the paper and film. I think as a beginner I'll burn the paper like crazy and I need a lot of practice.

If you got money to burn, go for it. But remember gear collecting is a separate hobby, somewhat related to photography.

I myself would concentrate on the basics and if really enjoy the dark end (which I do), slowly add to my tools. JMHO

If you got money to burn, go for it.

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+1
But I've been developing and printing b/w for many years without all that fancy equipment. Main pieces of equipment:
- a few Paterson developing tanks, small for single rolls, large for return from vacation
- a few re-purposed brown glass 1-litre chemical bottles
- two or three good thermometers (cross-check)
- enlarger + negative holders + 2 lenses
- processing trays, one series 18x24cm, one series 30x40cm

The only fancy stuff I indulged recently is a densitometer.
Your last item (glazer) I would not even take for free: I like my FB air-dried. When almost dry (but not finger-damp) prints are put for 24 hours between clean blotting paper with books above, come out flat.

I could go on, but the bottom line is: nice prints will come from acquired experience (and good negatives).

All I need is an enlarger, easel, timer(strictly not necessary but I have one from Kaiser), trays for development and brown glass 1l bottles for storage.

If I'm selling prints, then I'll look for a print washer.

What I would do is to hold off on buying fancy equipment until you figure out how do you like to print. I started out simply and as I got more experience and save up more money, I bought more darkroom gear. I've also made my film washer and drying screens.
I've been lucky that I've been able get used darkroom gear cheaply or even free. So keep your eyes open!

Thanks guys so... I will start as You suggest, cheap equipment and when I realize what I love to do, invest in someone.

bruniroquai said:

Thanks guys so... I will start as You suggest, cheap equipment and when I realize what I love to do, invest in someone.

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Although all of the links you posted appear to be excellent items, they really aren't necessary items.

By way of contrast, a good, calibrated thermometer and a selection of good quality measuring graduates aren't necessarily cheap, but they will serve you well for a long time, no matter how low your volume requirements are.

The one exception might be the Nova processor, because it permits print processing in an extremely small darkroom.

In a few cases (e.g. the washers) the items are much more important for photographers that need them to ensure speed and volume in their workflow and would be overkill in a learning photographer's darkroom.

And as for the dryer, it really is oriented toward speed - FB papers dry in one to five minutes - rather than necessity.

Keep the links. If you find yourself loving the darkroom as much as many of us do, you may want to spend money to increase the efficiency of your darkroom.

Forget that machinery, just buy more paper. The only thing worth spending extra money on is some sort of ventilation for your darkroom/bathroom/work-area.

In a years time think again, with the knowledge you have at that time.

Yeah, don't get ahead of yourself. While you may love the IDEA of darkroom work, for some people it's just drudgery and they find that their darkroom doesn't get much use at all.

BTW: I have a nice stack of 8x10 trays I can sell you.

Im a big fan of building stuff myself. I built a perfectly good print washer out of a plastic tub and some waste water pipe. New darkroom equipment is way pricey but on ebay there are plenty of people selling complete kits for a steal.