light tight darkroom entry door

greybeard

Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2005
Messages
366
Location
Northern Cal
Format
Large Format
All of the various tricks described can be made to work, and the simplest is probably to use a preframed exterior door backed up with a black curtain. (I've been using a surplus-store wool blanket backed up with a piece of black, fire-retardant-treated commando cloth for years).

But if you are going to install or replace a door, you might consider the safety aspects: in an emergency (fire, earthquake, injury) a door that swings outward is best, and a pocket door is possibly worst. I live in earthquake country myself, and don't have the luxury of an emergency exit, so when the "cloth door" gets replaced by something solid, it will probably have a styrofoam breakout panel installed in it so that I can get out even if the door is jammed.
 

dancqu

Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
3,649
Location
Willamette V
Format
Medium Format
The wall creates a light trap and, even though the door
leaks a little light, none of it gets to the work area.

A baffled entry. Darkrooms can be baffled so as
to need no door. I've worked in two so equipped.
One had a dark area which served for film
development. Dan
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…