Starting up a Home Darkroom

[MattKing]

Yep - all those developers are for film.

Kodak Dektol is probably the standard for print developer. I use Kodak Polymax. One of the most valuable contributors here is the co-inventor of Liquidol, available through Photographer's Formulary. There are excellent Ilford choices ... (you probably get the fact that you have choices ).

If you have a local store with supplies and advice, I would talk with them. Otherwise, I would recommend Freestyle Photographic, who are a supportive partner to APUG - click on their link at the bottom of the page.

Others more local to you may have other good ideas.

Have fun!

 

[FormerAirline]

Thanks. I know quite a few local places where I can probably pick up something. I'll keep those names in mind. I use freestyle a lot since I'm in the LA area. I love them so.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Congratulations on your new setup. The Schneider lens is definitely a plus. I also use Freestyle quite a bit and I'm near San Francisco.

Roger

 

[FormerAirline]

Well i gave things a whirl today. The hardest part was getting the window all sealed up. I got a big piece of cardboard from the photo place where I got the paper developer.

I always forget that developing can be hard work. Especially in a little bathroom. I had to break open the door for a break at one point. I of course plan to print way more than I actually end up printing, and doing test strips can be tedious. But I'm sure things will go smoother as I become more knowledgeable / proficient.

This is from an old roll of Ilford SFX.

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I think I prefer using the more sloppy edges. It's part of the whole analog look I guess.

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This one benefited from the full 8x10 though I think. At least that aspect ratio.

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[HelenOster]

....if you want to purchase some inexpensive paper to play with, the Adorama house brand is about half the price of Ilford MGIV and seems pretty decent. It's not the same thing, of course, but it is very usable.

We do have sample packs available:

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[hpulley]

Here's a link to the sample packs just for darkroom Helen ;-)

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[HelenOster]

Here's a link to the sample packs just for darkroom Helen ;-)

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Clearly having a mad head day .......I also meant to note that our current papers are an improved version of the Resimbrom we used to carry; we feel that the new coating results in brighter whites and richer blacks.