Want to Buy WTB Darkroom Tray Ladder

Looking for a darkroom tray ladder of any size. They appear to be nonexistent at this point, but I have a cramped darkroom and would love to get my hands on one.

For what it is worth, and if I understand what you are looking for - here in Australia I went to Office Works (like Home Depot in the US) and bought a couple of "in box" trays stands that fit my 10 x 8 paper trays perfectly. I have "double story" stackable trays in my broom closet of a darkroom. The bottom trays slide out towards me for access while the penthouse trays are accessible from the top. There would not be any reason that I could not go up with more stackable stories but all I need is 1 x developer, 1 x stop, 2 x fixer and 1 x hypo clear. Hope this helps. Cheers, Sam

samcomet said:

For what it is worth, and if I understand what you are looking for - here in Australia I went to Office Works (like Home Depot in the US) and bought a couple of "in box" trays stands that fit my 10 x 8 paper trays perfectly. I have "double story" stackable trays in my broom closet of a darkroom. The bottom trays slide out towards me for access while the penthouse trays are accessible from the top. There would not be any reason that I could not go up with more stackable stories but all I need is 1 x developer, 1 x stop, 2 x fixer and 1 x hypo clear. Hope this helps. Cheers, Sam

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Thanks, I'll explore that option!

I saw a video of a guy who used a vertical plastic 3-drawer storage bin for his trays... developer in the top, stop in the middle, fix in the bottom. I can't find the video now, but the idea is really simple, and saves space!
John

FOUND IT:

pwadoc said:

Looking for a darkroom tray ladder of any size. They appear to be nonexistent at this point, but I have a cramped darkroom and would love to get my hands on one.

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I have one of the old stainless rocking print trays from Rockwell Nikor. It's a single rounded tray that is sort of an all in one: you develop, pour out the developer, then pour in the stop, then fix etc. Might be a decent solution for you. LMK if you are interested and I can send photos.

ParkerSmithPhoto said:

I have one of the old stainless rocking print trays from Rockwell Nikor. It's a single rounded tray that is sort of an all in one: you develop, pour out the developer, then pour in the stop, then fix etc. Might be a decent solution for you. LMK if you are interested and I can send photos.

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The similar Heath Color Canoe is sometimes available online.

Thanks for the link, JLMoore3, it's a good idea, IMO, though I have a suggestion or two.

Before you start using these, contact cement a double layer of Lexan, Plexi, or plain Acrylic to the outer edges of the top, or you'll find the frame bending inward from the weight of the contents and the weight of the jug, things you put on top.

I know from 20 years experience with these just how badly they will bow in the top and a gallon of water or about seven pounds of weight to keep them stabilized, will be more than enough to wreck them.

A good piece of heavy plywood with Marine Spar Varnish, several coats all around, will substitute for Lexan, and, if you decide to set one unit on top of the other, make top plywood piece or Lexan one inch over sized on the back and sides, and use those outer edges to mark the outside edges of a five sided box, with the front open for trays/drawers

Buying and adjusting/hacking two more units will allow a more comprehensive chemical and rinse set-up for FB papers.

Pair this with a easily portable enlarger in a suit case, such as the Valloy II or Omega B66 and you've the ideal small darkroom for Travel Trailers/RVs, Corporation apartments, or Dorm rooms, without abundant running water.

Do no forget, old Samsonite hard sided luggage is your travel darkroom's enlarger's best friend.

IMO.