Journey to build a new darkroom - Build log

[cliveh]

I can't even imagine what this guy is doing. Is this a photographic lab at some biological warfare centre?

 

[Fragomeni]

I can't even imagine what this guy is doing. Is this a photographic lab at some biological warfare centre?

That gave me a good laugh! I specialize in research and replication of historical processes and experimental work often involving a lot of obscure and sometimes hazardous materials. Right now I'm focusing on daguerreotypy which particularly requires good ventilation because of the fumes of elemental metals and toxic chemicals. The electroplating of my plates involves the use of plating solutions that contain potassium cyanide and silver cyanide which during plating can off-gas hydrogen cyanide gas which I can tell you from experience that you do not want in your body. Plenty of alt processes involve similar kinds of materials. The dual water filtration system also goes a long way to eliminating common contaminants and metals in tap water that can interact with chemistry and cause process problems. This darkroom is pretty standard for anyone working with even moderately toxic chemicals and requiring as much control of process as possible. But thank you. My wife does like to call me a mad scientist which I rather enjoy.

 

[henryyjjames]

Looks great! I'm building my own darkroom right now and I appreciate your documentation— it's given me some good ideas!

 

[Fragomeni]

Looks great! I'm building my own darkroom right now and I appreciate your documentation— it's given me some good ideas!

Glad it’s been helpful! Feel free to ask any questions if any come up. I’m back to making some final changes to fine tune things and will make a follow up video showing how everything has come together.

 

[Fragomeni]

Here is a quick update on the darkroom. I made some final changes and additions and have gotten everything into place. I also just added a new enlarger (Saunders/LPL 4550XLG with VCCE head) which I've just installed over the past couple of days. Here is the video tour of the darkroom.

 

[ic-racer]

Very nice! Reminds me of when my darkroom was new. Now almost 25 years old.

 

[Fragomeni]

Very nice! Reminds me of when my darkroom was new. Now almost 25 years old.

Yea, I'm thinking this space will serve me well for the coming years. At some point I'd like to build a dedicated space on the property but with how good the darkroom has come together I'm not really aching for that any time soon. It's got everything I need!