Starting Darkbag supplies...

[Zedwardson]

I will not be printing at the moment, but plan to get a darkbag and get to film processing.

I stopped using film about five years ago, and I am coming back. But I need to get the equipment.

What am I missing from the list? (other then chemicals)

Patterson style development tank
Dark Bag
Thermometer
clips
graduated vessel
Jugs to store the fixer (I use a one use developer)
anything else I am forgetting?

 

[splash_fr]

A funnel is handy to get the liquids into the tank.

 

[AgX]

gloves

clock

 

[Xmas]

Yes gloves are important.

I just recycle ex screen washer fluid plastic bottles for hypo bath a bath b and hypo clear.

And a film squeegee - film dries quicker

Bulk loader and cine or bulk can for specialist film or cheap

 

[ruby.monkey]

Scissors and perhaps a cassette opener, if you're processing 35mm film in non-reloadable cassettes. A funnel isn't necessary with a Paterson-style tank (although I'd prefer to replace it with a steel tank and Hewes reels).

 

[Simonh82]

Having paid through the nose for my first set of darkroom equipment, I would now suggest you look online for second hand equipment. You will likely find plenty of people selling their entire darkroom supplies for very little. It might be a bit dusty but will cost a fraction of the same stuff new.

 

[mooseontheloose]

A timer. But a simple kitchen timer will work just as well as a darkroom one (and you don't need to worry about whether or not it emits light).

 

[DannL.]

I mix my stock chemistry in 1 gallon plastic bottles (jugs), one bottle for each chemical. I use those 1 gallon bottles that windshield washer comes in for the automobile. Those bottles are only opened to make the working solution as needed. The working solution bottles are 32oz plastic photo-chemical bottles (brown), one for each working chemical.

So, here's my tally . . .
One gallon bottles (stock) . . . (3) Developer, Fixer, Photo-Fo.
32 oz bottles (working) . . . (3) Developer, Stop, Fixer

You could get away with fewer bottles, depending on your own working methods.

 

[BradS]

A funnel is handy to get the liquids into the tank.

The Patterson tank has a funnel built into the lid.

 

[David Brown]

From my workshop notes:

I like to think of darkroom equipment in three categories:

Absolutely Essential

• Developing tank and reels (critical)
• Accurate thermometer (critical)
• A completely dark room OR a changing bag (critical)
• film cap remover (for 35mm)
• measuring cylinders or beakers
• chemical storage bottles
• funnel
• stop clock/watch/timer
• film clips

Nice To Have

• scissors
• negative storage bags
• stirring rod (for mixing chemicals)

Luxuries

• temperature controlled water bath
• mechanized processor

 

[David Brown]

And a film squeegee - film dries quicker

Yes, quicker and with scratches ...

 

[MattKing]

The Patterson tank has a funnel built into the lid.

But the bottles that you may be pouring chemicals (fixer?) back into won't .

 

[StoneNYC]

Here, this makes it easy, shopping list done... This is the B&W list, I have a C-41 version as well...

Just make sure to ship it to you and not to me! Lol!

~Stone

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/wl/771A833B26

 

[juanito]

A Paterson Film Washer Hose or something equivalent

 

[MattKing]

A changing tent is even better than a changing bag.

And even better? A closet or room you can make dark.

If you are using plastic reels, a hair dryer to ensure that they are dry. And an old toothbrush to scrub them from time to time.

I use the bottom tray from a dish drainer to protect my counter.

 

[StoneNYC]

A changing tent is even better than a changing bag.

And even better? A closet or room you can make dark.

If you are using plastic reels, a hair dryer to ensure that they are dry. And an old toothbrush to scrub them from time to time.

I use the bottom tray from a dish drainer to protect my counter.

Let's just set him/her up with a whole darkroom then! :munch:

 

[Xmas]

Yes, quicker and with scratches ...

web rumour - not had a scratch in a decade: and I use softer emulsions like forma: YMMV.

there is always one in local shop.

 

[John Koehrer]

A clip or two to hang the film with and something to hang them from.
Some orange juice or pop bottles are made with plastic that doesn't breathe.

 

[StoneNYC]

web rumour - not had a scratch in a decade: and I use softer emulsions like forma: YMMV.

there is always one in local shop.

I had to switch from using a squeegee because I didn't have any problem with scratches, but I did have a problem with watermarks from the squeegee not squeegeeing evenly...

Photo flo or its equivalent in other and names solved that problem quickly.

 

[Xmas]

I had to switch from using a squeegee because I didn't have any problem with scratches, but I did have a problem with watermarks from the squeegee not squeegeeing evenly...

Photo flo or its equivalent in other and names solved that problem quickly.

I need to use surfant and squeegee to avoid drying marks, the unexpected gain was much faster drying.

 

[David Brown]

web rumour - not had a scratch in a decade: and I use softer emulsions like forma: YMMV.

there is always one in local shop.

No, voice of experience. YMMV ...

 

[Jaf-Photo]

Like David said.

I would also stress the importance of an accurate thermometer. It's worth spending some money/time to make sure you get a good thermometer.

I was lucky enough to find an electronic termometer which is (truly) accurate to +-0.1 C for both B&W and C41.

 

[Zedwardson]

Well I picked up everything I needed except for the developer, which is on the way from freestyle. Thank you for the help.