Whats needed for a B&W beginner darkroom?

Hi Folks,

I have started a phography course where I will be developing my own B&W
films.

I was wondering what equipment and what the costs of doing this at home
would be?

Thanks,

Andrew McCall

$10-20 for a developing tank and reel. I advise you to spend a few more
bucks here. The difference between a cheap stainless reel and a good one is
well worth the saved frustration.

$4 or so for a package of D76
$4 or so for a package of Kodak Fixer

$1 for a kitchen thermometer
$1-2 for some kitchen measuring cups

Thats really it for minimum costs. Find a clean stick for a mixing rod.
For mixing D76, I advise wearing a mask and do this in a bathroom with a
ventilation fan. Actually I recommend using HC110 instead of D76 for its
convenience. Its a liquid concentrate and I use it one-shot and mix
directly from the concentrate for a single roll of film. See
www.covingtoninnovations.com/hc110/. No worries about mixing or working
solutions going bad.

Save some old bottles for chemicals. Glass is preferable but I also use
plastic from 2-liter soda bottles and etc. I sometimes duct-tape the
translucent ones to keep light out.

Use a light-tight closet or bathroom to get the film in the reel and tank.
The rest you can do in your bathroom with the lights on.

I don't use Stop Bath for film development...just water. I do use
hypo-clearing agent to reduce washing time, but I didn't start this way.

Try it. Its easy.



"Andrew McCall" wrote in message
...
Hi Folks,

I have started a phography course where I will be developing my own B&W
films.

I was wondering what equipment and what the costs of doing this at home
would be?

Thanks,

Andrew McCall

I'd suggest going to the public library and looking for a book about it. I
have one called " The New Darkroom Handbook" by DeMaio, Worth and Curtin,
Focal Press, 1998 which describes the equipment necessary, how to set up a
darkroom in a closet or bathroom, and how to move on to color or
professional caliber setups. There are other similar books.

"Andrew McCall" wrote in message
...
Hi Folks,

I have started a phography course where I will be developing my own B&W
films.

I was wondering what equipment and what the costs of doing this at home
would be?

Thanks,

Andrew McCall

Andrew McCall wrote

Hi Folks,

I have started a phography course where I will be developing my own B&W
films.

I was wondering what equipment and what the costs of doing this at home
would be?

I'd suppose the at home processing is to take you beyond your
photography course. I'd be interested in just what gear you are provided
with while enrolled. Also, what film will you be processing? Dan

If you do not have a ligh tight place, you will need a changing bag.
Look for used equipment in your neighborhood or in auction sites.

Jorge


"Mike" wrote in
m:


Use a light-tight closet or bathroom to get the film in the reel and
tank. The rest you can do in your bathroom with the lights on.