Introduction

Before We Begin

Getting Started

The Process

The Process II

Enlarger

Print Drums

Temperature Control

Tips / Miscellaneous

 

BEFORE WE BEGIN

What you need: 

Dry side:

Any space can be adapted to function as a darkroom, whether it be a closet, a bathroom, a laundry room, or simply the corner of your bedroom that you section off with some sort of opaque material. The key feature is that it’s completely dark and light proof, and has enough space for you to work comfortably. It is in this space that you will set up your enlarger, store your paper, expose your paper, load the print into the tube, etc. Ventilation is preferable, but not absolutely essential in the setup being described. The most noticeable thing that differentiates a colour darkroom from a black & white darkroom is the lack of a safelight. This means you have to do a lot of work by feel, in complete darkness. This is why I recommend a paper easel: so that you can place the paper in an exact, prepared location by feel alone.

Wet Side:

For the wet component, you need not worry about light proofing. Just use a space with a sink (bathrooms are great) or access to running water with some variety of crude temperature control (read: hot and cold faucets) You’ll need a flat surface on which to roll the tube, or space for the motor base.