Newbie setup help

jkapcoe · Feb 13, 2010

Hello,

As being new to this analog world I need help to figure out what I need to make prints. I don't really know where to start. Any help on a basic setup?

Thank you in advance!

John

Christopher Walrath · Feb 13, 2010

Posted wirelessly..

Basic

Enlarger w/ baseboard
Mean to time exposure of paper and development stage
Paper
Paper developer
(Film stop and fix will work for paper)
Paper safe
Darkroom or space
Running water (opt)
Three trays to fit paper format
Three bamboo tongs
Thermometer
Clothespins and line for hang drying RC paper
Static brush
Enlarger lens (50mm for 35mm negs)
Safelight (red) with 15 watt bulb or less
Mean to rinse prints in running or refreshed water
Log book so you cab denote printing steps for each neg you print
Kodak book. Into Your Darkroom for more lists and easy to follow basic steps.

Good luck and have fun

Jim Taylor · Feb 13, 2010

Hi John! I agree with Christopher Walrath, also, you'll need lots patience, and a good radio station to give you some company!! Have you already got the negs that you want to print, or are you developing those too?

Like Chris says, the most important thing is that you have fun!

Cheers,

Jim.

David Brown · Feb 13, 2010

jkapcoe said:
Any help on a basic setup?

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/consumer/education/lessonPlans/darkroom/fullCourse.shtml

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/applications/page.asp?n=16

http://www.darkroomsource.net/

Christopher Walrath · Feb 13, 2010

Posted wirelessly..

Oh, duh. Check out the August issue of Creative Image Maker. http://creativeimagemaker.co.uk

jkapcoe · Feb 13, 2010

Wow. Thank you all for your help. I feel like I am surronded by a bunch of friends eger to help! I love this site!

Thank you all!

-kid in a candy store

Christopher Walrath · Feb 13, 2010

You're welcome. Here, have a lollipop.

Anscojohn · Feb 13, 2010

Welcome from near Washington, DC. Don't hesitate to ask.

Christopher Walrath · Feb 13, 2010

Oh, saw your location. You're probably a 'Go Blue' huh.

John Koehrer · Feb 13, 2010

How far would you drive for the basics?
Solar enlarger w/4-5 negative carriers, lens, 8X10/11X14 trays, safelight & some odds & ends.
The enlarger can be used with 35mm to 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 & has a 100mm projection Ektar with it & looks like new.
I'm about 45 miles West of Chicago.

It's a freebie if you want to pick it up.

fotch · Feb 13, 2010

Welcome aboard John, and look, your being offered a free enlarger already. Go for it, if its not to far. Good Luck.

Craig Swensson · Feb 14, 2010

Greetings John and welcome, yet another link for you to have a look at. It is all a lot easier than printed word suggests. enjoy

http://www3.telus.net/drkrm/

jkapcoe · Feb 14, 2010

John Koehrer said:
How far would you drive for the basics?
Solar enlarger w/4-5 negative carriers, lens, 8X10/11X14 trays, safelight & some odds & ends.
The enlarger can be used with 35mm to 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 & has a 100mm projection Ektar with it & looks like new.
I'm about 45 miles West of Chicago.

It's a freebie if you want to pick it up.

Sounds great! Should I will try to send you a separate email.
Thanks again all!

And yes...I am patial to the "the Blue" since I did take some graduate classes there...

DLawson · Feb 16, 2010

jimbop said:
Hi John! I agree with Christopher Walrath, also, you'll need lots patience, and a good radio station to give you some company!!

I'm an outlier here. I really enjoy music. It takes my head to distant and wonderful places. As such, in the darkroom I prefer to just listen to the trays sloshing and the stopwatch ticking. Otherwise I get too distracted.

For the OP: Once you get your list together (or even before) start taking a daily look at the Photo section of your local Craig's List. Lots of people are dumping enlargers that a taking up storage space. You never know what you might find.

Christopher Walrath · Feb 16, 2010

Yeah, music is kinda distracting, especially when printing, I count off in my head. To fast paced and not really enough room for a timer where it would do me good. Not enough hands, either. Processing negs, no prob. Printing, forget it.

Jim Taylor · Feb 20, 2010

Ha ha! Interesting. I find it very relaxing to have the radio on in the darkroom... but not one of those awful stations that has loads of talking from the presenters - no no, something much more serene and calming is what I need!! But, we're all different, and if other people like it quiet, that's cool!

I agree with pakeha - it is easier than the printed word suggests - once you've got the basic gear together, get stuck in and have a go. It's amazing how quickly you'll pick things up yourself.

Good advice from DLawson too - keeping an eye on things like Craig's list is great for finding some real bargains!!

Above all, have fun and enjoy!

Newbie setup help

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