Designing/Thinking about a darkroom

[Leigh]

Kodak published a book on darkroom design. So did some other folks.

I expect Google could find them online.

On edit: I was right. Google gets over 3 million hits for "book on darkroom design" (without the quotes)

- Leigh

[angusparker]

More thoughts: http://www.angusparkerphoto.com/blog...ntury-darkroom


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[angusparker]

Add two cinder blocks height to the basement.

Or remove the drywall and insulation between the ceiling joists so you can get the extra 12" for your enlarger!


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[xkaes]

I would not go forword without reading the Kodak book "Building a Home Darkroom" by Ray Miller, 1981 -- ISBN 0-87985-273-9, or a similar book. You can probably get it cheap on EBAY or AMAZON.

You are generally right about working backwards, but there are several major things to consider up front from electricity to ventilation and plumping. If space will be tight, and it usually is, ALWAYS consider your options. Chances are there are ways to solve the problem that you are not aware of. It's kind of along the lines of the "measure TWICE, cut ONCE" philosophy.

I'm lucky, I've got lots of space, but I'm still limited. My largest easel is 8x4 FEET -- it hangs from hooks on the ceiling -- but my largest tray is 20x24". I opted not to have five 8x4 foot trays, but others have done it that way. I don't have THAT much room. For most film and paper processing I use tubes. Not only does it save a LOT space, it save chemicals (therefore money), assures fresh chemicals for each print, and forces me to get the exposure correct! My eight foot prints are processed in 12" PVC pipe that has been sliced down the middle and plugged at the ends with PVC plates. Fives of these "tube-trays" take up less space than one 4x8 foot tray would. Each "trube" as I call them only needs one gallon of fluid. Not bad.

So go slowly, get a book first, then think about it all, backwards, and write it all down as you go. You will be glad you did. We are all here to help you through it.

[xkaes]

Type in "Building a Home Darkroom" on EBAY. They have nine copies starting at under $4 with free shipping.