This is a fabulous guide from Kodak (almost as fabulous as my Beginner’s Guide to Film Photography) for improving your darkroom technique. It covers basics like achieving proper negative density and avoiding kinks in your film when developing, along with facts and tips about fogging and how to avoid it.
It also covers test strips, mixing and storing chemicals the push process in depth; using variable contrast paper; and the differences, benefits and drawbacks of RC and fiber papers. There’s even a section on hand-coloring your black and white prints (which I can quickly state from experience always works better on fiber paper). Here’s a direct link to download the PDF: Kodak’s Black-and-White Tips and Techniques for Darkroom Enthusiasts
wasteofficetime asked: Hi! Your blog is just awesome - really the one place that got me to want to start film photography. Now on that note I was hoping if you could help me out with a noob question - and I'm sure I might get some sort of flak from other readers but here: I figured I'd try my hands on pinhole photography but then I just couldn't understand that thing about photographic paper. A friend dropped by and gave me a pack with inkjet written on it. I don't know what to make of it. I'm lost, what should I be looking for? :D
Thank you! That’s great to hear :)
As for your question: first, inkjet paper is not photographic paper. Photograhic paper has been treated with silver nitrate to make it light sensitive and must be kept in the dark (black and white paper can be used under a red safelight). Photographic paper comes in fiber and RC (resin-coated). Companies that make photographic paper include Ilford, Kodak and Fuji. You can often buy it at photo stores that still sell film or order in online from B&H or K&M.
Second, pinhole cameras don’t have to be used with paper - it depends on the type of pinhole camera. Many use 35mm, medium and large format film. If you are doing the traditional oatmeal pinhole, then yes you would need photographic paper. You will also need a darkroom for developing.
krule asked: Hey I'm studying in paris for the year. I was wondering if you knew any darkrooms where I can work in the 11th or anywhere for that matter. Thanks
Okay so this is a tricky question… personally I have never found a “public” darkroom here in Paris. However, I know there is a school called Speos in the 11th - they offer everything from short workshops and adult education classes to a full year program - and I know they have open darkroom access. Meaning that if you take one class with them you can use the darkroom whenever it’s free. What has become relatively popular is the darkroom “co-op” where you share the rent and space of a darkroom with other people. I did this for a while, and it’s great solution for constant darkroom access that won’t break the bank… however it’s not easy to find darkroom co-ops that accept new people. I would ask around, especially at supplier/labs to see if they know of any.
yourclogsarewank asked: I'm thinking of setting up my own dark room, in my spare bedroom.
What'd your reckon I need to get. I have quite a large budget.(For someone my age, at least.)
Well, it’s not at all a small endeavor…. first you’d need to seal up the entire room and make sure it’s light tight (completely dark). Then you’ll need:
- - 2 counter tops for a “wet side” and “dry side”
- - an enlarger (diffusion or condenser)
- - chemical trays for developing
- - negative carriers (35mm or medium format depending on what you’re working with)
- - a cropping easel (for printing)
- - a safelight
- - running water
- - chemicals for film & paper (developer, stop, fixer, photo flo, perma wash, and water bath)
- - paper (RC or Fiber, I prefer fiber)
- - tongs (DO NOT stick your fingers in the chemicals!)
- - orange cloth and spray air for dust
- - paper safe
- - drying rack for prints
- - film clips (for hanging film to dry)
- - timer (for printing)
- - grain focuser
- - I’m sure I’m forgetting something…
Have a look at http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/darkroom-equipment—accessories-67-c.asp
Even if you’re not in the UK or don’t want to buy from them, everything on their website is split up into handy little lists like “wet side essentials,” “dry side essentials,” “paper developing,” etc.
You will also need to find a way to dispose of your used fixer, since it is totally illegal to pour it down the drain as is and is considered hazardous material. If your budget is gigantically huge, buy a silver separator… if not see if you can find a local lab that will let you dump your fix (they should be MORE than happy to get the free silver.)
Good luck and let me know how it goes :)
