In the age of digital photography, the darkroom is becoming less and less prominent. However, many photographers still want to stay in touch with the creative options darkrooms offer concerning processing and printing. If you would like to make your own darkroom, there is certain equipment you will need.
For Film Processing
The first step in the darkroom process is processing your film, so you will need to make sure to have all the right tools to get this done. Film is popped out of its casing on a reel in the dark and placed into "daylight" tanks for chemical processing over a specific amount of time. According to Photogs.com you will need to purchase these tanks, available in stainless steel or plastic, and a reel to wind the film around so the surfaces do not touch one another.
You will also need to buy the processing chemical known as "film developer" and "fixer" that will be poured into separate tanks to develop the film and then set the image. Be sure to buy the appropriate chemicals for your type of film and buy either black and white or color chemicals, depending on your preference.
Enlargement
Enlargement is the actual burning of the image onto the photo paper. In addition to the photo printing paper, you will need the enlarger itself. This will be the largest piece of equipment you need. According to FreeStylePhoto.biz, this machine will hold the processed film and shoot light through its lens, exposing the image onto the printing paper.
You will need a timer to ensure proper exposure time and an easel to hold the paper flat and still. Some enlargers will have a built-in easel and timer attached.
Printing
Once the photographic paper has been exposed to the image on the enlarger, it's time for the magic to happen. In order to bring your photograph to life you must process the paper through a series of four chemical baths. This will require four processing trays, a couple sets of printing tongs, as well as a thermometer to make sure the chemicals stay at the proper levels during mixing and use.
This is when the previously mentioned chemical developer, stop bath, fixer and rinse come in. These chemicals will be kept in lightproof brown or black bottles, poured into holders to place the photographic paper for each session and can be reused. You will also want to buy a funnel for pouring the chemicals back into the corresponding bottles for storage at the end of each printing session. According to FreestylePhoto.biz, make sure the bottles are labeled clearly to avoid mixing,
Safelight
It would be tough to do all of the steps in the darkroom without being able to see. Using a safelight can be the remedy. This is a red or amber-colored light bulb that can be safely used to perform processing functions. Make sure the paper you buy is compatible with the color safelight you choose to go with or else fogging could occur on your prints.
Other Important Equipment
In addition to this basic essential equipment, you may also want to buy a print squeegee to aid in print drying, as well as clothes pins and a line for hanging prints to dry. Other items such as graduated cylinders for mixing chemicals, a paper safe to protect paper from accidental light exposure, hypocheck chemical to test your fixer, an apron and gloves are also required.
