A beginner's question - Darkroom Techniques Forum

a. S.	Srna S.	Nuno M.	Mumen K.	Francisco P.	Jill B.	Weston D.	a. S.

	Sign Up Now! \| Log In \| Help
	Your photo sharing community!

	Your Photo Art Is Not Just A Fleeting Moment In Social Media imageopolis is dedicated to the art and craft of photography! Upload your photos. Award recipients are chosen daily.
Click above to buy imageopolis art for your home or office.	Read About Awards, Featured Critiques and Comments - Click HERE
Check Out Today's Uploads - Click HERE Check Out Timeless Photos From The Past - Click HERE

Share On

Photography Forum: Darkroom Techniques Forum:

Q. A beginner's question

Asked by Pete Coyne (K=0) on 7/14/2005

I'm about to do a darkroom course at a local college to learn about B&W printing and wondered, to save costs, whether it would be possible for me to process B&W films at home and then doing printing in a hired darkroom. I don't have access to a darkroom at home but I've heard it is possible to do your own processing by using a light-tight bag, the rest of the developing being done in daylight.

Have I got this right and is this a practical way of doing it?

Any recommendations of a suitable B&W film for a beginner to start processing and printing with as well?

Thanks very much.

Pete

ann clancy (K=2014) - Comment Date 7/14/2005

Yes, it is very easy to process negatives at home with limited space, etc.
However, you say you will be taking a class at your local college. I would think this darkroom couse will provide chemicals and a darkroom as part of the course.

There probably is a lab fee that covers the chemical use, with you providing film and paper.

With regard to they type of film, i would suggest that you talk with the instructor to see what they require. Everyone has their own requirements, etc. For instance, with my students i give them a couple of choices but limit those to just a few of the ISO 400 films, your instructor may have different thoughts.

Go to the ILford website and look in their PDF files, they have a very good basic download on developing film , etc.

However, again, check with the insturctor of your class, am sure they will provide the necessary information needed for this class, and if they don't find another teacher.

dania o'laughlin (K=16) - Comment Date 7/19/2005

Hi Pete.

I develop film at home without even the expensive nylon light tight bag. I simply turn out the lights in my bedroom, draw the shade, sit in my closet with the door shut and socks shoved under the crack in the door and spool the film onto stainless reels underneath a big piece of black velvet (synthetics attract less lint that can get onto your film) that I got from a remnant pile at the fabric store. Practice on some exposed film you don't care about first.

Andrea Musi (K=1622) - Comment Date 7/25/2005

Hi Pete,
to answer to your question I think you can try to develop some B&W films at home, you'll see it's quite easy. The only condition is to have a perfectly dark room (bathroom) where you could do the process. About printing your photos at home I think it's more complicated and it would better for you to find a structure that could afford to you this possibility. I tried to print photos at home, in the bathroom, and you get tired quite soon cause it's reallu unconfortable.
Regars

Log in to post a response to this question

Return To Photography Forum Index

Elapsed Time:: 0.15625

Your photo sharing community!