lack of an enlarger that can handle medium format.
I think that pretty much hits the nail on the head. I love making darkroom prints, but thanks to digital alternatives I don't *need* to if I want to share my photos with friends and family.The reality is that many people just don't want this particularly badly, and/or the alternatives (e.g. something digital) don't leave them wanting for much else. That might be a pity for those in the business of manufacturing darkroom paper, but from the perspective of the photographers involved, I think it's all perfectly reasonable.
I think there's a sampling bias going on here. I think "I don't have enough space" could indeed be the most important reason... if you sample members of Photrio who do not print at home.
For me, the barrier to entry was not lack of space, but the intimidating cost and size of this weird device called an "enlarger", that apparently I am supposed to buy second hand from Craigslist or whatnot, in lord knows what condition, without knowing if I will get it to work, just to attempt a new hobby that I might not even enjoy.
EDIT / PS: Even now, the main barrier for me trying medium format is not lack of interest, but lack of an enlarger that can handle medium format.
Which can easily be solved. This is not to criticize you in any way; I think it's just a great example of what's going on. If you would badly want to darkroom print your photos, you'd overcome the hurdles.
Oh well, I've seen many times people here on photrio threw off their top notch enlargers and other darkroom equipment for the price of a coke or just for free, given you pick it up yourself.
Here in Russia if you want a decent Durst or Kaiser enlarger get ready to pay 350-500 USD and still you will have to wait when it will be available for purchase. Nice Meopta enlarger might be found for much less though being a scarce thing too.
But heck, Moscow is the biggest city in Europe, so we're having quite a lot of everything here.
Telling us about your problems is enough determination to find a solution in my book, exchanging ideas is what forums are for.Few people would spend $350-$500 on something they've never tried before just to see if they like it. The hurdle is quite real.
In one place I squeezed into a cupboard under the stairs having to sit cross-legged on the floor. I learned how to colour print in that tiny space and got many cramps!
I tend to think about this, as I am helping in a local camera club with a fully equipped darkroom. We did have a super excited teen visiting and seeing the process, who immediately signed up. However, haven't seen him around. Perhaps when some rolls are shot and need some support with it.Regardless of space, which really is an issue for young people (I knew few people under 30 who even have a flat to themselves) the point made above is pertinent. I knew I liked making prints because I had the chance to try.
This works if you are within driving distance. If anyone in the Las Cruces area wants to give me an enlarger that can enlarge medium format and I can put in my car, for the price of a coke, I will go pick it up.
That is a pretty significant cost. I think it's a good example that the hurdle if getting an enlarger is real. Presumably when you got your enlarger, you already knew what the process is like and that you would enjoy using it.
Few people would spend $350-$500 on something they've never tried before just to see if they like it. The hurdle is quite real.
I live in a relatively remote area. If I lived in a big city, there would surely be more options for me.
I'd use some Kodak Tri-X if the price was frankly ludicrous here.
Here in Russia if you want a decent Durst or Kaiser enlarger get ready to pay 350-500 USD and still you will have to wait when it will be available for purchase. Nice Meopta enlarger might be found for much less though being a scarce thing too.
I think they have increased over the past few years, yes. The spread is pretty large though; it still ranges from 'free to pick up' to 'pretty darn expensive for what it is'.Have enlarger prices skyrocketed?
Have enlarger prices skyrocketed? Genuine question.
I picked up a Durst M305
Durst 184 10X10
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