Dark Box Build

[Ethan]

Getting close!


Kent in SD

Yup!

What kind of fabrics have you guys used for the hood on your dark boxes? I’m considering going with the same stuff I built my bellows out of, because it is lightweight and light tight, but it only comes in 5x9ft pieces, and after putting a sheet of similar size over the box I’m thinking I may need a larger piece of fabric.

[Two23]

Fabric stores sell curtain lining fabric. It's 100% light proof. Mine is black on one side and white on the other.


Kent in SD

[Ethan]

Fabric stores sell curtain lining fabric. It's 100% light proof. Mine is black on one side and white on the other.


Kent in SD

thanks for telling me about that! My local fabric store looks to be closed to in person purchases, but I'll order some lining fabric and hopefully the mail service is functioning enough to get it here without too much delay .

Something I haven't come across much information on is how dark boxes should be ventilated. Since working in airflow vents and fans might be difficult, I was contemplating just wearing my woodworking air filtration mask when I'm in the dark box, would that be enough?

[Two23]

It takes such a short time to pull a plate and put it in a holder, or take it out of holder and pour on developer, that I've not worried about it. If developing glass negs I could rig up a small battery powered fan blowing into a short black hose if needed.


Kent in SD

[Erik Larsen]

This is what I came up with for a portable dark room. I used jo Ann fabrics blackout fabric like Kent. I had to sew a bit to get the right pattern and gaff taped the seams. I used flag pole holders and dowels to hold the fabric up when in use. The fabric is stapled to the inside of the box. I gathered up the excess fabric around my waist to block light. The whole thing folds up into a 2 foot by 4 foot by 4 inch suitcase. Red led headlamps for safelight. It works ok but can get hot quickly. It's like being inside a plastic trash bag😀

[Lachlan 717]

For the OP's design:

Is there any reason that the sides are timber? For portability, couldn't you have a skeletal design with fabric (infill) sides/back to reduce weight? I understand that the base needs to be solid.

Also, does Rubylith work for windows, rather than electric lights?

[Ethan]

For the OP's design:

Is there any reason that the sides are timber? For portability, couldn't you have a skeletal design with fabric (infill) sides/back to reduce weight? I understand that the base needs to be solid.

Also, does Rubylith work for windows, rather than electric lights?

I could possibly have made more of it from fabric, but I know how to work with wood a lot better than I do with fabric. The safelight filter, if that’s what you’re referring to, is not transparent enough to see through, but does allow enough light in during broad daylight I think. However when the sun gets lower in the sky, which is when I often like taking photos, it might be too dark, so I’m considering getting a couple red led bicycle lights to use as needed.

[Two23]

For the OP's design:

Is there any reason that the sides are timber? For portability, couldn't you have a skeletal design with fabric (infill) sides/back to reduce weight? I understand that the base needs to be solid.

Also, does Rubylith work for windows, rather than electric lights?

In my own experience a window alone isn't enough light to do developing by.


Kent in SD

[Ethan]

I picked up some wheels which I attached to one side of the stand. When the box is folded it is still quite heavy and awkward to carry, so my idea is that when the stand is folded it becomes a hand cart which can be used to transport the box

[Ethan]

Here is the box in it’s folded cart state