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Thread: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2006
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    Collinsville, CT USA
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    Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    We have a Rialta RV (VW Eurovan conversion done by Winnebago, all the facilities but all in a very, very compact RV). Am planning on making a few multi-day photo excursions with it come this summer. Shoot LF & ULF film and want to process some sheets of film while traveling. Blocking out the windows at night no problem. Processing space no problem - plan to use a JOBO processor (Rialta has a 110v inverter to run it). Tray processing takes up a lot of space and uses a lot of water... with the JOBO using reusable Diafine, stop bath, and fixer and Permawash with minimal wash cycles, dealing with a very minimal gray tank capacity of the Rialta is hopefully possible.

    Has anyone else out there done similar? Any, really any experiences helpful.

    One suggestion was to use stream water to wash the film.
    Another to just stop at RV parks and use their endless supply of water... but I like to Boondock at locations for free.
    Another suggested overnighting at motels to process the film... but to me just negates traveling in the RV.

    thanks in advance

    Greg

  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2006
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    grand rapids
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    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Maybe Walter White will chime in.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
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    Chicago
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    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Thanks to the Library of Congress, we have this idea:

    Thanks, but I'd rather just watch:
    Large format: http://flickr.com/michaeldarnton
    Mostly 35mm: http://flickr.com/mdarnton
    You want digital, color, etc?: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stradofear

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
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    Minnesota and Massachusetts, USA
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    593

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Is there a way to adapt Ilford wash method for sheet film?

  5. #5
    Anthony Oresteen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Newnan, GA
    Posts
    25

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Can you stow an extra 5 gal water can somewhere on/in the RV for extra wash water? Can you add a drain tube that lets you dump the wash water on the ground under the RV, thus not filling up your waste tank?
    Tony
    Newnan, GA
    Cambo 23SF



  6. #6
    Ironage's Avatar
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    Apr 2012
    Location
    Wichita, KS
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    442

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    I used a couple of trailers and very remote locations to process 5x7 sheets. I have used Jobo drums, and a tray for washing, but now have a Patterson Orbital processor. I use a large changing bag to load the processor, process as normal, and rinse a couple of times and then find some water elsewhere. Most camp grounds have some running water which can be used in successive baths. I also use an alkaline fixer which eliminates the stop bath, and reduces wash time.

  7. #7
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,338

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Oh gosh. You all should see the Sprinter "portable ski lodge" a friend of mine rigged up. Indoor as well as outdoor shower, bathroom, four folding bunks, instant
    hot water, kitchen with range, roof shooting or napping platform with chrome ladder, everything inside hardwood paneled, and yes, one of those little rooms instantly converts into a film changing closet, then the rear has a flip-up light seal to turn it into a small working darkroom. In a Sprinter of all things, not a
    Walter White Winnebago.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
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    Chicago
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    1,856

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Quote Originally Posted by HMG View Post
    Is there a way to adapt Ilford wash method for sheet film?
    That is what I do in my Vinny-tanks. But each change is 5 quarts.
    Thanks, but I'd rather just watch:
    Large format: http://flickr.com/michaeldarnton
    Mostly 35mm: http://flickr.com/mdarnton
    You want digital, color, etc?: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stradofear

  9. #9
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Mar 2004
    Location
    Albuquerque, Nuevo Mexico
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    9,864

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    Quote Originally Posted by vinny View Post
    Maybe Walter White will chime in.
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  10. #10
    Drew Wiley
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    SF Bay area, CA
    Posts
    18,338

    Re: Using a RV as a traveling darkroom

    So now we know what goes on out there in the desert ....

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