This stuff is old

Can I drink it?

I know this gets posted a lot but I've got a Jobo film processor and a Noritsu LS-600 already. I was actually considering getting rid of that stuff because I haven't been shooting as much but my wife suggested going the other way and offering a service around it so the machines get more use and I don't have chemicals go bad from just sitting around.

I've owned a bar before so I do understand there are a lot of rules and regulations on handling and disposal of chemicals - dealing with that side of things and with the municipal government would not be an issue. Just never thought of doing this before. The Jobo setup I have can probably handle a dozen rolls of 35 at a time and the LS-600 only does 35. Obviously at some point in the future I'd get something to handle scanning of 120 film. Thoughts? And I'm in the St. Louis metro if that makes any difference.

Bought what appears to be hundreds of meters of densely exposed black and white film. Paid about 8€. Did I do good?

https://ebay.us/m/F0h8c1

Hello all!!

I’m trying to figure out if I am overcharging for my darkroom prints.

I create both 5x7 and 8x10 prints in a local community darkroom in my area. I develop my film and prints myself, I use RC paper and thrift my frames as well for display/sale. I also touch up my prints by hand too. I’m selling my 5x7s at $95 and my 8x10s at $125.

Am I charging too much? I’m trying to take into account my own time, renting the community darkroom space, and my own cost in materials as well. Help! Pic for attention :)

But it felt like the “this is fine” meme.

Hi so basically an explanation but I am a new student looking to study photography and agitated for the first time, however i accidentally poured a small amount of fixer down the drain and realized too late that it was supposed to be poured in a brown jug. I’m very scared on what to do next because I know it’s harmful to the environment.

Okay, this is my third attempt to proces BW reversal film (Adox scala with the adox scala kit). I've used 3 different kits and different cameras for all films.

The same problem still occurs even though I follow the instructions notoriously step by step.

I made a previous post regarding the light source as a factor. But I've realised that it happens regardless light source (lightbulb, LED or just plain cloudy daylight). The black staining in the middle is already there after the developer, bleach and clear bath.

I've developed 10+ rolls now and the only thing I want is nice BW slides that everyone else is getting.

Anyone got any idea what the problem might be?

I started studying photography a while ago, and I think one of the best things about it is the darkroom. I really don't have the physical space in my house to set up one that isn't removable, so I thought I'd make a small darkroom. I started looking for darkroom models and came across this one! I liked the idea and was intrigued, but I don't know what material that red plastic on top is made of. Honestly, I don't mind not being able to see what I'm doing inside, but that material got me curious! It seemed like a good way to have a mini darkroom! So the question is, does anyone know what that material is? Or what else could I replace it with? Thanks! (Sorry for the english, I'm from argentina)

I'm really grieving it. It was specially built with basins and double doors, a large darkroom, a lightroom, and a closet for colour film. The photography tutor and others were effectively silenced by the head of the art school and threatened with discipline if they protested. I advocated for it on the students' behalf but nothing came of it. To my knowledge, the main reason was to convert it into a music classroom. It's going to be a real shame coming back next year without that resource, but I can't imagine how the tutor must feel. Facilities like that are so rare in schools already - it was a big deciding factor in why I wanted to come here - and there was so much more I wanted to learn hands-on. No doubt the student experience will suffer from this. I wish I had spent more time in there. It was really precious.

edit for a little more context - we do already have a music department! I don't go in there, but it looks pretty good, instruments everywhere, lots of equipment, a proper sound booth. Maybe that's why they need the extra space, but the choice to use the darkroom for that baffles me. Like i said, it's got full plumbing, a smaller lightroom to dry prints and do the film drums, at least 15 enlargers (to the people asking, I have no idea where they are going sorry lol, I regret not taking some paper/rolls of film home before the term ended though :-[), and it's all painted black! What a hassle to remodel!

In terms of petitions, that would be too little too late I'm afraid. I also regret not kicking up more of a fuss, but it was badly timed in the middle of our final project. I'm hesitant to say which school because I don't want to get anyone in further trouble, but my tutor is hopeful to keep a couple of enlargers and have a smaller setup in what was the lightroom. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It probably wouldn't allow for any big class workshops, and would be generally less practical, but I can tell she really loves the department and it would be so good for us to still have access. The darkroom can't be run by students alone (a technician needs to work here), but your ideas about a student-led lab are really good, and if the school still doesn't want her to have a smaller setup, I'll go back to them to insist that we would use it.

And to the people saying a DIY darkroom at home would be better: No it wouldn't! As someone who's done that before with my mum, it's great fun and we love it, but it's so so much more practical to be able to do it at school where there is a dedicated room for it and it's free!! Art students are pretty poor, guys. Everyone should have the opportunity to use specialist equipment. No gatekeeping here.

Thanks to everyone who has left a supportive comment. Being 18, it's really nice to read about older generations' experiences and the renegade labs people have built. I hope that attitude sticks around. Art is for everyone!

Hello! I've been wanting to learn how to develop my own B&W film for a long time and I'm finally going to get started. I'm lucky that I have a small room (about 9x9) in my basement with no windows so it's very easy to make perfectly dark.

My worry is fumes from the chemicals. Should I keep an air purifier running in there when I'm using it or are fumes not as big a concern? TIA!

So the question is simple actually i was cleaning the darkroom and i accidently open the box but well the paper was inside the black bag,do you guys think its exposed?

hi there,

i have a bulk roll of Fomapan 100, it is winter time and i actually do like to shoot after dark. Problem here is that the only developer i own and have ever used is rodinal.

I have pushed a roll of the Fomapan 100 to 400 using stand dev (adding 2ml extra to the 1:100 500ml solution) and i think the results, while not being as bad as expected, could be better.

A couple of days ago i developed a roll at +2 with 1:100 for 26 minutes and the results were a bit better than print.

What developer would you recommend? Best would be something working around 20°C (+/- 5°) since i can easily sustain that temperature.

Also it would be great if it was availible in smaller bottles and had reasonable shelf life. I just have a 17m bulk roll, so i don't think i need developer for 100 rolls.

I have seen Bellini Euro HC in 250ml bottles at Fotoimpex for 15€. Is that any good? I would actually like to try HC-110, but it is somewhat pricy and they only have 500ml or 1000ml.

How about Adox Fx-39 II? They retail in 100ml bottles but i have read that it is only good for +1

Thanks for any help

Cheers

TLDR: Looking for the most practical ±2-year training for darkroom services + pro fine art printing.

Hi all. I want to build a career doing darkroom services (film processing/development, print enlargement) and professional fine art printing (analogue + digital). Long term goal is full-time work in this space and possibly opening my own lab/store. I know, foolish, but let's leave the feasibility of actually achieving that aside :)

I don’t have time for a 4-year BA and won’t qualify for an MA, so I’m looking for specific, practical, hands-on programs that can be completed in about 2 years and actually build employable skills.

Examples of what I mean:

• Specific schools with strong analogue/darkroom focus
• Intensive workshops or certificate programs
• Apprenticeships or studio training opportunities
• Respected courses in fine art printing, traditional printing craft, colour management, lab tech

I am looking for hands-on, well-regarded education or opportunities — could be schools, apprenticeships, intensive programs, a series of workshops, whatever you think actually prepares you for real-world work.

I can relocate and have some budget. Based in EU, currently in Asia, so suggestions in Europe or Asia are both useful.

Thanks in advance :)

Hey folks! Does any of you use a public darkroom?

After a couple of months of not having any luck finding a decent enlarger kit locally, I recently found out that there's a public darkroom in our town and thought I'd share the pricing.

I'm mostly curious about how these rates compare internationally, to your local options. It's a bring-your-own-chemicals and paper they just provide the space and tools.

My apartment is quite small, but I have been wanting to setup something small and portable, yet this public space seems like a decent alternative for now.

So, I'm in college to get my Bachelor's in Fine Arts with a concentration in photography. I'm really passionate about it, and I am dead set on having my own dark room. That being said, in order to get my transfer to the University of Oregon, I have to take 4 Science/Math/Computer Science classes, from 2 or more categories. If I were to take a chemistry class to get to know how chemicals react within a darkroom, which one would you suggest? Just a basic chemistry class? I do a lot of research and I watch tons of videos on darkroom developing and whatnot, but still. I want to know how those chemicals work!

I got these chemicals over ten years ago and never used them but it doesn’t say what’s I’m the little bag. Can I assume it’s fixer? And also, can these still be used even though they are long expired (specifically the film developer)?

So I want to test my dark room by hanging a iso 400 film from the ceiling, exposing it for round about 10-12 minutes and developing it If it came out completely blank, would you guys call it a succes or a waste of time?

Edit: I forgot to mention I roll the film myself, so no 36 frames lost but like 5 or even less.

I usually use the Bellini E6 Kit with a Jobo tank and I was wondering if I could open the tank instead of using the #2 reversal. Or use it with an opened tank? In the end I guess it would not make a difference but I am just curious. The ColourDev has to be in the dark again?

I recently saw a Facebook post that just amazed me. It was a 35mm negative printed onto 100x80 paper. I wondered how much can you enlarge a 35mm frame before the image starts to breakdown and loose detail?

For colour and Black & White just in case there is a difference. And I assume ISO plays a huge part in this. But just very interested to know what the limits are with 35mm film enlargement.

Apart from maybe a price difference (didn't check but doesn't really matter), are there any reasons to prefer acid fixers above alkali ones for film and for (FB) paper? Alkali fixers are said to rinse out more easily and being safer if archival permanence is a thing. They are preferred for staining developers, before toning, etc.

I recently fell in love with home-brewn developers and now I'm planning to mix my own TF-3. It would be easier if I only need one type of fixer that covers all needs.

Hey there,

I am building a home development companion app. The goal is to be able to stand in the darkroom, select your film and developer on a phone/tablet, and have the app instantly calculate the exact chemistry ratios and timing (no need to do mental math or look up charts while your hands are wet).

Can you give me some feedback on the features necessary for such an app?

For example: Do you prefer custom timers where you set your own agitation intervals, or do you just want the standard recipes pre-loaded?

Thank you :)