Request for darkroom layouts for film loading, Jobo processing and wetplate collodion

[Jay Decker]

Been on of those guys who has a corner of his basement that is used as a darkroom. The intent is to create an enclosed dedicated space for to use as a darkroom for the following:

1) loading and loading sheet film holders (4x5, 5x7 and 8x10) and loading Jobo drums and reels for developing.
2) developing film (B&W and C-41) with a Jobo CPP processor and SS tanks for Diafine
3) poring, developing, fixing and varnishing wetplate Collodion plates.
4) mixing chemistry for all the above activities.

I would like to hear and see your suggestions for layouts, sinks, ventilation, storage, and materials for a darkroom for these activities.

Thanks in advance,

Jay

 

[Tom Kershaw]

It might be helpful for you to post a quick drawing of the sort of layout you have in mind.

Tom

 

[nsurit]

Ditto to a quick drawing. That being said and no mention of a need for an enlarger/sink for processing prints, you aren't going to need much space and the layout will probably be pretty simple. Bill "With Too Small a Darkroom" Barber

 

[ic-racer]

On a larger perspective, you either build an enclosed dark area in the basement or you treat the windows and stairwell such that they will be light tight. I have constructed darkrooms that use both strategies.

 

[Jay Decker]

The attached sketch is the initial thought regarding a layout and the photo shows my current corner of the basement. The sink is 3'x6' and is much larger than I need.

 

[Jay Decker]

Regarding enlarging and printing, well, let's just the back half of my process might not be all that analog... Sorry, I just don't have the time to print at this point in my career.

 

[grahamp]

Water supply and drainage are the usual constraints on what goes where as they are more difficult to install. Power is usually easy to put where you want it. If you are doing wet plate, I would give special thought to ventilation. And maybe a proper flammables cabinet.

Check how your Jobo drains. My smaller CPE2 likes to drain on the left. The CPP may be more flexible in that regard - I am not familiar with it.

 

[Jay Decker]

Water supply and drainage are the usual constraints on what goes where as they are more difficult to install. Power is usually easy to put where you want it. If you are doing wet plate, I would give special thought to ventilation. And maybe a proper flammables cabinet.

Check how your Jobo drains. My smaller CPE2 likes to drain on the left. The CPP may be more flexible in that regard - I am not familiar with it.

The vicinity of the basement that I have to work within does not have sewer and water readily available, so I've installed a sink sump and pump unit (photo below) and routed water there using PEX pipe.

The Jobo CPP also drains on the left. For a reason unknown to me, I think (feel) that I would like the sink to be to the right of the CPP processor - have no idea why I think that. If someone has an explanation why or has experience that confirms or refutes this, that input is invited. I could easily put a drain cup in the counter to drain the Jobo.

I use a high alcohol collodion recipe, so I've wondered if I really need to a flammables cabinet for storage. Thoughts?

However, ventilation is definitely need. Any suggestions, on sizing, intake locations, louvers, or fan types? My naive thoughts are to size the system for at least 6 ACH (air changes per hour), locate the intakes about chest high over the works surface, install "darkroom louvers" in the door, and use a squirrel cage fan so that motor is not in the flow of fumes being removed.

Dead Link Removed

 

[nsurit]

I would think two light tight vents (I use Doran 12"), one near the ceiling and one near the floor. Do you have a way to vent to the outside? I do wet plate and wouldn't do so without a good ventilation although I know some do. Bill Barber

 

[Jay Decker]

Do you have a way to vent to the outside?

Yes.

 

[grahamp]

Most people like to work left to right (at least Western right-handers). I had to extend the drain pipe on my CPE-2, but putting in a drain point is something I have been considering.

You will know how much alcohol you need to stock. Keeping it in 1 litre bottles or less should reduce the risk a lot. The ether recipies would worry me more in this respect. Working in a lab for many years made me very cautious about flammables. On the other hand I have sodium hydroxide pellets and 32% sulphuric acid in my darkroom! (Though I do keep them apart ).