monster enlarger saga part2

[Sean]

interesting Nicholas I'll have a look. Well, made a lot of progress and I think I'm getting close. The garage now resembles a large room, all the walls are finished and I've covered half of the room with carpet as it will be used for non-darkroom things. The darkroom area is now covered with a rubber flooring material (1/4 inch thick rubber, smooth underside, and grooved on the top part). It's really starting to look close to finished. The only main thing left will be getting a sink, and some good exhaust fans installed.

 

[David R Munson]

My Leitz Valoy II saw this thread and has started going to a support group for enlargers with "size" issues...

 

[Sean]

I've been working on my darkroom hardout lately and am so close to having it finished I can't stand it.

All that is left:

-Install exhaust fan.
-Get dark curtains for the doors.
-Paint my plywood sink.
-Get plumbing sorted out

The plumbing is the worst issue since we are not on "city water". Our water supply is from the rain (rain from the roof fills our 7,000 gallon tank, it's then pumped through a filter system and into the house). This tank can get low in the warmer months so isn't usable for the darkroom supply. I've checked with the city and it will be $3,000NZ to get hooked up to the city supply
Well, if anything it will increase the value of the house, but is a pain to get hit with that when I'm approaching the finish line!

Gear wise I am 100% ready! I now have my bag, and tripod. I could use another lens or two but can worry about that down the road.

Getting close!

 

[Francesco]

Sean, I remember you did get the Super Trekker AWII. How does it work out for you? Is it a nice fit for your Dorff?

 

[Sean]

Sean, I remember you did get the Super Trekker AWII. How does it work out for you? Is it a nice fit for your Dorff?

Hi Francesco, yes my Mom has flown in to NZ for a visit (just yesterday actually) and she brought the Super Trekker AWII with her to save me the shipping cost. My first impression was that it would be way too big and heavy. It's around 20lbs empty, so I was getting nervous since I have a bad upper back. But I loaded it up and even strapped my 8lb-ish Berlebach tripod to it -and was amazed. I felt nothing on my upper back at all. The weight was totally focused on my hips which is great, and what I had hoped for. VERY comfortable and I think it has enough room to easily fit an 11x14 with lenses and accesories! I find the bag so well constructed and thought out that whoever designed it took it to the limit and then some. It also has an internal rainshell underneath that can be pulled out quickly if needed, and rainproof YKK zips. It came with a really nice micro backpack strapped to it as well (I can keep food and water in that which will come in handy). TWO THUMBS UP!

 

[yourtheman]

Wow..OMG

I'm new to apug, and been following this thread until Now. Congratulation Sean, GOsh!!! that enlarger makes mine shrink until it's gone...tell us and post a few prints later with that....=) (big grin)...

 

[Sean]

OK, I'd say I'm 90% there! Here are a few quick snaps of my darkroom (click thumbnails to view).

 

[Jeremy]

lookin' good, Sean!

 

[Jorge]

Sean, do you think you have enough enlargers?.....Maybe is time to lock out E bay from your computer.....

 

[Thomassauerwein]

You sure have come a long way, What a great place to turn on some music, hang out and create. can't wait to see the results!

 

[Jeremy]

Sean, all you need is a refrigerator and computer in there and the mate will think you left her--she'd never see you again!

 

[Sean]

thanks guys

I've been struggling to have a real darkroom for about 10yrs now and it's finally coming together. Really looking forward to it.

 

[clogz]

Sean,
Where is the drinks cabinet going to be?

 

[FrankB]

Sean,
Where is the drinks cabinet going to be?

Waitress service, don't-ya-know...!

 

[Sean]

getting closer! our house now has an access point for city water (father in law is going to help me hook up all the plumbing). I have the exhaust fan installed and wired. My home made sink is finished. The room is nearly 100% lightproof. I have a week off starting august 1st and plan to completely finish it. By this time the Mamiya 645 kit I recently acquired from ebay will be showing up. I plan to get shooting with the 645 as well as ease into the 8x10. Can't wait to start posting print scans