Wanting my own Darkroom, where to start?

Mark Paschke · Dec 3, 2010

Hey gang,
I was curious if anyone knows how to find locals at this site that help people wanting to get into using some of the older equiptment, I just completely restored a Century Studio that I received through inheritence, the Bellows were shot and the finish was rough but I do remember taking pictures with it when a small child.

I also have an old Kodak Vest Pocket. I really dont mind having my own darkroom and have a great room in the basement. I would just like a little hands on before I start dumping cash on unnecessaries. I remember taking photography in high school ohhhh so long ago and we did alot of darkroom work but...........Is this as easy as just getting info off the internet, or do you try and find other people shooting with these cameras?

Heres my newest additions

winger · Dec 3, 2010

If you were to put your location in your profile, you might get some responses from someone (or more) near you. That Century is quite pretty!

jp498 · Dec 3, 2010

close to Perrydale OR is where the OP claims to be from.

First, you finished the camera VERY fast. Getting a darkroom together isn't going to be quite so fast as you have to wait for some of the big things to become available (or pay a lot). Lots of choices and a million different ways to take it.

There's a thread here of darkroom photos and shows lots of nice ways of doing things.

The basics would be a big long sink which you can build yourself with wood and epoxy paint/resin, or buy a used or new stainless one online/craiglist. The plumbing should comprise of hot and cold water and a drain of course. Then you'll need the safelight and a quality (accurate) thermometer. Add a table to do the "dry" work on, and a cabinet under/above the table and or sink for supplies. A ventilation fan is good if you're building from scratch; the B&W chemicals aren't bad enough to need ventilation but it's still nice to consider.

Then you can get the items needed for the different tasks. A multitude of options exist for each task. Consider each one separately and research what's popular for each task.

For instance to develop 120 film for your folder you'll need a tank and reel(s), chemicals, negative storage pages.

For processing sheet film from your century, you can use the same chemicals as for 120, but you'll need trays for 8x10 or trays are one of many options for 4x5 developing. You might want to adapt an 8x10 or 4x5 back for your big camera if you only have the plate holder. I have an adaptor frame that snaps into the back of the camera where the j-clip is. From that, I can clip in 8x10, 5x7, 4x5, or rollfilm backs.

For contact printing, you can use the same trays. (and different chemicals depending on the process), contact printing frame, light source, and paper.

If you want to enlarge photos, you'll need an enlarger suited for that film size or bigger, negative carriers suited to your negative, and an enlarger lens suited to that size film or bigger. Some speed-easels or an adjustable easel help you position the paper properly.

All of this stuff is cheap used; shipping is often the most expensive part. I would buy consumables new of course, and new trays, since trays are cheap new or used.

Mark Paschke · Dec 3, 2010

Location would be a good thing, thanks for reminding me!!!!

Mark Paschke · Dec 3, 2010

Thanks JP, are the chemicals toxic in any fashion? I have a drain that leads to a pond ( full of fish) or septic tank. Can the sink be right next to the dark room or is it needed while keeping room dark?

Christopher Walrath · Dec 3, 2010

The chemicals are no more toxic than household cleaners. But they can have adverse effects on the bacteria needed for a properly operating septic system and you don't go and dump chlorine bleach in on the fish. So you might need to use slop buckets.

ROL · Dec 3, 2010

Mark Paschke said:
Hey gang,
I was curious if anyone knows how to find locals at this site that help people wanting to get into using some of the older equiptment, I just completely restored a Century Studio that I received through inheritence, the Bellows were shot and the finish was rough but I do remember taking pictures with it when a small child.

I also have an old Kodak Vest Pocket. I really dont mind having my own darkroom and have a great room in the basement. I would just like a little hands on before I start dumping cash on unnecessaries. I remember taking photography in high school ohhhh so long ago and we did alot of darkroom work but...........Is this as easy as just getting info off the internet, or do you try and find other people shooting with these cameras?

Not exactly sure what you're asking for, but this article may be of some help with your darkroom questions.

Jerevan · Dec 4, 2010

Welcome to APUG!

Here is the darkroom thread: (there was a url link here which no longer exists) - it is a fun (and long!) read.

As for the Vest Pocket, as I said on the other forum, it takes 127 film. You can use the Paterson tanks - its reels are adjustable for 127 film. The big camera needs some wetplate equipment and that, I think, needs a more hands-on approach (someone guiding a bit what to buy and how to handle things) - at from what I have seen when I was introduced to it by a local fellow.

Oh, and the big camera looks terrific! Can I send my fixer-upper to you?

dwross · Dec 4, 2010

Hi Mark.

Ditto on what Jerevan said. Terrific job on a beautiful camera.

You're really in luck. The PNW, and particularly Oregon, is a great place to be a retro photographer. Steve Anchell lives just a few miles from you. He literally wrote the darkroom cookbook. He also gives LF workshops. He's got one in Montana in July. (www.workshopsinmt.com). There are a number of photography groups in the Willamette Valley, and in Newport, where I live, we have a Visual Arts Center with a darkroom. It's not public right now, but there are photography workshops in the summer and fall. The 2011 schedule will be out right after New Year's.

I suggest you go to the Groups page here and introduce yourself to the U.S. Pacific Northwest Regional Group. You'll get more advice than you'll know what to do with .

Best to you,
d

Mark Paschke · Dec 4, 2010

dwross said:
Hi Mark.

Ditto on what Jerevan said. Terrific job on a beautiful camera.

You're really in luck. The PNW, and particularly Oregon, is a great place to be a retro photographer. Steve Anchell lives just a few miles from you. He literally wrote the darkroom cookbook. He also gives LF workshops. He's got one in Montana in July. (www.workshopsinmt.com). There are a number of photography groups in the Willamette Valley, and in Newport, where I live, we have a Visual Arts Center with a darkroom. It's not public right now, but there are photography workshops in the summer and fall. The 2011 schedule will be out right after New Year's.

I suggest you go to the Groups page here and introduce yourself to the U.S. Pacific Northwest Regional Group. You'll get more advice than you'll know what to do with .

Best to you,
d

Fantastic! I actually called Steve yesterday and left a message, Ive been watching alot of videos on Wet Plate, is there a source to get the collodion out here in Oregon?

dwross · Dec 4, 2010

As far as all photo chemicals go, you can't beat the Photographers' Formulary. http://stores.photoformulary.com/-strse-407/COLLODION*/Detail.bok They have free shipping in December, which is a great boon.

Steve's a busy guy, but he will get back to you.

I don't know if Ray Bidegain still has room in his workshop next week, but you should contact him, too. Dead Link Removed

Mark Paschke · Dec 4, 2010

Wow silver nitrate $475 a lb. GULP.......is there an alternative while experimenting with wetplate?

michaelbsc · Dec 4, 2010

Mark Paschke said:
Wow silver nitrate $475 a lb. GULP.......is there an alternative while experimenting with wetplate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6hPgGV_qAg

This is dangerous. I won't be responsible if you kill yourself.

You might start with film in the 127. I love the 127 format.

winger · Dec 4, 2010

Mark Paschke said:
Location would be a good thing, thanks for reminding me!!!!

Thanks! If you'd been closer to here, I would have helped you out! I'm glad you've gotten plenty of help.

dwross · Dec 5, 2010

I don't know much about wet plate collodion recipes, but if they are anything like dry plate, you can make a couple a dozen 4x5 plates with 11g of silver nitrate. Silver is particularly high right now, but that's still just a tad over $11. Think about the cost of film, or Heavens! the cost of inkjet cartridges. Factor in that roll-your-own photography doesn't burn through the materials like currently practiced contemporary photography, and it's all actually a hell of a bargain!
d

Mark Paschke · Dec 5, 2010

dwross said:
I don't know much about wet plate collodion recipes, but if they are anything like dry plate, you can make a couple a dozen 4x5 plates with 11g of silver nitrate. Silver is particularly high right now, but that's still just a tad over $11. Think about the cost of film, or Heavens! the cost of inkjet cartridges. Factor in that roll-your-own photography doesn't burn through the materials like currently practiced contemporary photography, and it's all actually a hell of a bargain!
d

You're probably right! Im supposed to go over to a Pro Large Format Photographers today and find out what type of film holders I have and discuss a good route to take, Wet Plate appears fun and easy and having the photos on Glass with that "look" that only seems possible with wet plate has me drooling. I'm sure its alot harder than it seems.

dwross · Dec 5, 2010

Mark,

You may want to consider starting a separate thread for the wet plate aspects of your plans. The Alternative Processes forum here has a thread going right now, or you can start your own. You may not have the process folks looking in the Darkroom Equipment Forum.

One note I'll add: Without a doubt, wet plates are droolable, but much of the look you like is due to the UV light-only sensitivity of collodion. You can get the same sensitivity, with more 'speed', as easily or easier, with unsensitized gelatin dry plates. Something to think about down the line a bit. http://www.thelightfarm.com/Map/DryPlate/DryPlatePart1.htm.

d

healyzh · Dec 13, 2010

Considering your location, you might be interested in the following places.

In Salem:
http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/

In Portland:
http://www.bluemooncamera.com/

Blue Moon carries 127 film, and can develop it. If you ever make it up to Portland, they're worth the trip. It's like a candy store. I bought my 8x10 from them.

Zane

removed account4 · Dec 14, 2010

consult your local authorities to see what you should do about the spent fixer.
... it likes to kill the bacteria in your septic system and isn't too good for your fish ...

Mark Paschke · Dec 15, 2010

healyzh said:
Considering your location, you might be interested in the following places.

In Salem:
http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/

In Portland:
http://www.bluemooncamera.com/

Blue Moon carries 127 film, and can develop it. If you ever make it up to Portland, they're worth the trip. It's like a candy store. I bought my 8x10 from them.

Zane

Thanks guys! Well yesterday I took my first wet plates and was it fun! My 110 year old camera got a little work-out, I need to really clean her plate holders, they're releasing dust

Mark Paschke · Dec 28, 2010

macandal said:
I would like to jump in on this thread, if I may, and ask a similar questions to the OP. I want to build my darkroom and would like to see what others have done. I live in San Francisco, CA.

My situation, however, is slightly different. My parents would be willing to let me build one in their house (I live in an apartment). They have a huge room next to the garage and would be willing to let me build one using as little room as possible. So, I guess my question should be, what is the minimum space needed to build a darkroom? I would also like an enlarger, etc, to make my own prints. I shoot 35mm, MF, and LF (4x5). I'm not a big guy; I'm only 5'7". I mention this because I know that if I were a big guy I would need a lot more room to maneuver my body in that room.

I don't want to hijack this thread, so, please let me know if I should post this separately. Thanks.

I started with wet-plate, shot about 10 on Christmas, this takes very little room, some use the inside and back area of a mini van. Im doing mainly 8x10 and work in an area thats 8'x8' but only using about 5'-6' for the work area. I highly recommend an exhaust fan as a must which I installed. For now Im using a simple 25 watt red party bulb and its working great for Collodian Wet-plate. I bought a closeout utility sink from HomeDepot and ran some ABS to a floordrain ( didnt even glue it) and this works really well. So Far I have $49 invested in my darkroom including trays I bought used from a photography store and washed them good with alcohol. Im moving on to Ziatypes experimenting and then to Platinum hopefully so I will expand to the full 8'x8' room. with an enlarger my guess is you need atleast the size of the enlarger plus add up all your tray sizes (8x10,11x14 etc) heres my very first attempt using my 1900 Century studio and wetplate, they are taken with a flash, dusty, and on the back of a piece of black glass with a collodian negative on the opposite side so the quality is pretty bad compared to the finished product which I no longer have to take pics of

Christopher Walrath · Dec 28, 2010

Wish I had 8'x8'. Very good work.

Jose LS Gil · Dec 29, 2010

127 film

Mark, one place to get B&W 127 film is a supporter of this site, Freestyle photo supplies in Los Angeles. It is not a very popular film size, and Freestyle only has it in B&W ASA 100 speed. You can develop this film using an adjustable plastic reel in a daylight tank using standard film developing chemicals like Kodak D76. To make enlargments, finding a negative carrier might be difficult as the film is 4cm X 4cm square. You can use a 645 or 6X6 neg carrier and mask off part of it to fit the 127 film size.
Your wet plate photos turned out quite nice. Looks like you have gotten bit by the photobug.

Wanting my own Darkroom, where to start?

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