I May Be Building A REAL Darkroom

David, from someone who just set up a very small darkroom after many yrs, do it! I figure, there's not too many things most of us do for fun and relaxation, and that's it' psychologically healthy to enjoy life when we can, doing what's relaxing, and to express ourselves in whatever way we choose, within limits of course lol And a darkroom can help with this goal. good luck!

And Aggie, I too would be up to meet with Lee. I arranged recently a Zone VI and some lenses, but the guy squaked. Looking at possibly a Wisner Traditional, but then I have to piece meal the rest and that's more expensive in the end. But I really like the extra bellows. Anyway, still shopping, but count me in.

Chris

Chris,

That's what I was thinking...there are very few things we do for ourselves. It's kind of like someone who outfits a garage to work on cars.

What's Squaking?

And Aggie I would come up too, if you're planning something. I am from Sacramento and am up north all the time.

dgh

Michael (blansky), thanks for putting forward the other side of the argument. You have valid points there, that I frankly had not considered. But, all the same, if someone hires a professional, she should expect and demand more than a point-and-shoot / epson printer operation. She should have been allowed to choose the photographer herself if she wanted to. The wedding photographers I have seen (the real professionals, not the hacks) used a medium format, usually Hasselblad or Bronica, and produced both good proofs and GOOD final prints, which will last her lifetime and beyond.

Anyway to get back on the original subject, I haven't tried my own color yet, but I might. For now, black and white and all the variations of it keep me busy. By the way, I understand black and white is back in fashion for weddings.

For anyone setting up a darkroom, I would give what has become the stock answer....
Get an enlarger that is bigger than you think you will need. It should at least cover both 35mm and 120 film. If you have the cash, get a color enlarger so you have the option of working in color in the future. Or if you are broke and never ever intend to do color, get a black and white medium format condensor (dirt cheap right now).

Whoops! It mean't squawked. "I'm still too emotionally attached""...this after putting it on ebay with reserve not met, and then emailing me asking if I was still interested! lol Oh well, I'll find something eventually.

I also enjoy music and home theater. I've spent a fortune there too. All for music lol Also, there's the always faithful knowledge of knowing we're getting older and that we can't take it with us hehe Enjoy!

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Aggie,

What format is your Wisner? 8x10?

dgh

Sounds like a fantastic idea Aggie!

I posted a question to the lf forum asking for suggestions for cameras for long lenses. I like long lenses and know a Tachihara or similar is too small and I don't want to have to bother with a front ext. can/tube and the inherent limitations. Unfort. that's all the affordable ones lol My choice it seems for something affordable <$1k) is the Traditional (like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...tem=2914298361) Or a Wista field and optional ext rail. So anyway, not sure what I'm going to do. And time is running short if I want to get one, learn to shoot it and develop some film before my Europe trip in April.

Chris

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We're getting back on the 29th April. 210's a nice length and appreciate the offer to check it out. So, you're happy with your choice of the Wisner? No buyers remorse?? lol Is $1000 too much for a used one? Just curious. Still thinking it over.

Chris