Starting a color darkroom

Shinnya · Nov 27, 2006

Hi everyone,

I just talked to my technician who is working on my CP-51 for RA-4 process. It sounds like there is not much to do, and it will be ready soon.

So, I am go ahead to start looking into buying chemicals. I know there are different chemicals from different brands. Is there any obvious advantages and disadvantages for different manufactures?

By the way, this is going to be a rental color darkroom with 5 enlargers where we also offer classes.

Thanks for your input.

Warmly,
Tsuyoshi

Photo Engineer · Nov 27, 2006

Tsuyoshi;

The Kodak RA-RT developer replenisher will work from 68 deg F to 100 deg F with virtually no change in quality. I don't know about any others except those that charge a premium for this feature.

As for blix, if you can get a cheap source of Ammonium Ferric EDTA, EDTA, Ammonium Hypo and Ammonium Sulfite, I can give you a good formula. Otherwise almost any blix is good.

Remember that Kodak paper will print both Fuji and Kodak negatives, but Fuji paper does best with Fuji negatives. There are posts other than mine here and on Photo Net that attest to that.

Good luck to you.

PE

Shinnya · Dec 19, 2006

Ron,

If I were to start, shoud I buy 5gal cube for both developer and blix? Do they last for a long time?

Also, what is the purpose of using starter? What does it do?

Also, is there any a good reference to RA-4 chemical prep?

Thanks again for your help!

Warmly,
Tsuyoshi

Photo Engineer · Dec 19, 2006

Tsuyoshi;

You do not need to use the starter if you use the RART developer replenisher. It works well all by itself if you use a drum processor with a prewet.

Premixed cubes are ok, but don't last as long as the 3 part and 2 part kits for the developer and the blix.

There was a URL for the scratch mixing of the chemistry posted on Photo Net, but I don't have it. A search will find it though.

PE

davetravis · Dec 20, 2006

Tsuyoshi,
Maybe you've already handled these, but here's some things to think about...
Total darkness!!!
No safelight, unless you try that dark green one, but I never did.
Place your processor in between the wet side and the dry side.
Put your enlarger near the input side of the processor, to minimize steps, and practice loading it straight without light.
Put your paper safe and cutter near the enlarger also.
Make sure your easel won't move during paper insertion, no chance to correct it, if bumped.
If you can, have a wall switch near the input side, so after you close the lid, you can reach and turn on the lights.
Got good ventilation?
Have fun and welcome to the color side!
DT

Photo Engineer · Dec 20, 2006

Dave, Tsuyoshi;

For Kodak color papers, you can use a wratten 13 or equivalent filter with a 15 watt bulb, 5 ft from the paper for the entire time the paper is out in the darkroom as long as the light does not fall directly on the paper.

PE

fatboy22 · Dec 21, 2006

Tsuyoshi

I use a Roller transport machine also and have had great success using Kodak Chemistry RA-RT. My machine takes very small volumes of solution usually 4 to 5 liters. On my machine when done I drain chemistry and put into air tight bottles. I can usually use the same chemistry for 3 months. I have been amazed at how long the chemistry keeps. The only problem I see is it is getting harder to get chemistry shipped to me because of HAZMAT regulations. Adorama and Freestyle are the about the only ones I can find to ship chemistry.

Jamie

Photo Engineer · Dec 21, 2006

Calumet ships.

PE

Shinnya · Dec 21, 2006

Thanks everyone,

I guess I will try Kodak chemicals. The only thing that I cannot decide is if I should buy 5 gal cubes for both developer and blix or smaller one. My processor is using small quantity of chemicals. But what is the shelf life?

We are starting color rental darkroom with 5 enlargers in it. Yes, it is a gang darkroom, but there is nothing in Philadelphia! So, I thought I should at least start one.

I just started blog too. Here's the (there was a url link here which no longer exists). We are about to be done with the vent system. We will be working on a hood and hoist system next week.

There is a Calumet in Philadelphia, so I guess I can buy them from there.

PHOTOTONE · Dec 22, 2006

If you have a local photo store that is a Kodak franchise, as most are, even if they do not carry lab chemistry, they can order it, and you could probably talk them into ordering it with their own mini-lab requirements, even if it is not the exact same chemicals, you could save on the shipping, and haz-mat charges. I do this. I place my order with my buddy who manages a camera store, and he places it on the same order they make for their own mini-lab. I get it when he gets his. They usually order once-a-month. For certain dollar amount orders, Kodak used to ship free. Don't know if they still do.

srs5694 · Dec 22, 2006

fatboy22 said:
The only problem I see is it is getting harder to get chemistry shipped to me because of HAZMAT regulations. Adorama and Freestyle are the about the only ones I can find to ship chemistry.

I've ordered from both Adorama and Freestyle. (The latter doesn't carry Kodak color chemistry, though.) B&H ships some brands and types, but they won't ship their full line of Kodak color chemistry (bleaches and blixes are most likely to be restricted, IIRC). I bought their last 2-liter bottle of Paterson blix (shipped).

Unique Photo is another Web retailer that will ship most chemistry, although they apply hazmat charges to some items. I don't much like their Web site; it's poorly organized and presents minimal information.

PHOTOTONE · Dec 22, 2006

srs5694 said:
Unique Photo is another Web retailer that will ship most chemistry, although they apply hazmat charges to some items. I don't much like their Web site; it's poorly organized and presents minimal information.

I have ordered from Unique Photo as my main vendor for a decade, and if you want better service, you just need to call them and not depend on their website. They are equipped for very efficient and fast service via telephone order. Normally, same day shipping. To avoid the haz-mat charges on certain chemicals, I just order these through a local camera store whose manager is my buddy. He orders for me, when he orders for their internal mini-lab.

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