Single Tray Print Processing

foraker · Oct 20, 2004

Almost have all the bits to the bathroom darkroom. Just need to spend more money...
Anyway, given space constraints and my lack of desire to build a sink that fits in the bathtub (and the wife's admonition that it be kept available for human use) I'm going the single tray processing route as that seems easiest and the least trouble to set up and take down. Was just wondering if anyone else had any experience doing this and had some useful advice on what works best or what to avoid.

David A. Goldfarb · Oct 20, 2004

Have you considered a tray ladder (do a search at bhphoto.com on "tray ladder" and you'll see a few examples)? I could imagine doing the single-tray thing occasionally for big prints, but as a regular process, I think it would be a real pain. Three trays take longer to set up, but are much quicker to work with, and will give you greater productivity per session.

I work out of a dark/bathroom, and you'll discover efficiencies along the way that will allow you to speed up the setup/breakdown time. I also recommend a changing bag for loading film in daylight tanks to give you some more flexibility and less need to work around the family's bathroom schedule.

foraker · Oct 20, 2004

Yeah, I've thought about it. Am still thinking about it. I already have a film tent though for when I am in the field (I shoot 4x5).

geraldatwork · Oct 20, 2004

If you have a full size bathtub you could cut a piece of plywood to fit over most of the tub leaving some room at the end so you could place the fixed prints into the water below sort of a large holding tank. You should be able to fit,depending on tray size at least 4 or so trays on top. I would think only using one tray constantly pouring chemicals in and out and rinsing would not only be a PITA but also messy spilling chemicals all over the place (in semi-darkness).

Ian Grant · Oct 20, 2004

foraker said:
I already have a film tent though for when I am in the field (I shoot 4x5).

Thought field tents went out of fashion just after the Boer war, with the advent of silver-gelatin dry plates.

Don't ever go to Wales, the local photographers will say in your passing "Another Roger Fenton" in their droll way

foraker · Oct 20, 2004

Well, mine isn't that dark. I have an LED safelight and it's quite bright even though it's only a few watts.

doughowk · Oct 20, 2004

I built a cart, on wheels, with 4 shelves that can handle 16X20 trays with each shelve able to extend out as in ladder effect. When ready to do printing, I just pull it up next to utility sink in garage. Could work similiarily in bathroom.

Single Tray Print Processing

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