Building a budget darkroom

Building a quality darkroom doesn't have to be expensive. You don't need to go out and buy every accessory made. First thing you need to do, is to decide where to set up your darkroom. You can either build a permanent or a temporary darkroom. Most people don't realize that they don't really need to have a permanent darkroom. For processing films, you don't even need a darkroom. The only time that you need to work in total darkness is when loading films into the tank. You don't need a darkroom for that. Buy a changing bag for less than $10 and you are all set. Load your films inside the tank and the rest of the process is done in normal light.

For printing, any room that can be darkened for a few minutes will be just fine. That's all you need for most applications. For color printing, you only need a few minutes to expose the paper and calculate your exposure time and filtration. The rest is done in normal light once the paper is placed inside the drum.

Black and white requires more time since the whole process is done in total darkness or under a safelight. If you have an extra room or a basement, you can make a permanent darkroom. Otherwise, you can make a temporary darkroom in your bathroom or even a closet. I suggest a bathroom since you have easier access to water. I do not recommend using your kitchen sink for washing and rinsing processed materials or equipment. Avoid using places where food is prepared. Buy a cart or a table with wheels with two shelves, one on top and the other at the bottom. It should be large enough and easy to move around. Place your enlarger, timer, safelight and any other dry side equipment you can comfortably fit on top. Place processing trays at the bottom. You should be able to easily roll the cart into a bathroom or a closet. Another alternative is to buy a board which can cover your bath tub. Place the board on top of the bath tub. Place your enlarger and other equipment on top of the board. Make sure there is no light coming into the bathroom. Work at night if possible, otherwise you must cover all the windows which can be a bit difficult.

For a temporary darkroom, you should buy equipment that can be easily moved around. I recommend Beseler Cadet II enlarger or Cadet II kit. This enlarger is small, light and very sturdy. It comes with a 50mm lens and if you buy it in a kit, everything you need for a quality darkroom. Timer, safelight, trays, thermometer, etc. The kit even includes 10 sheets of Agfa black and white paper and chemicals. Best of all, it costs less than $200! Cadet II is well made and easy to operate. You can print up to 8X10 or reverse the enlarger for floor projections if you need to make larger prints. When you are ready for color printing, all you need is a set of printing filters and a paper drum and the Cadet II can make quality color prints. The small size of this enlarger, makes it very portable. There are many other quality and affordable enlargers available. If you plan on printing medium format and large format negatives and have the space, you must purchase an enlarger that can handle the larger negatives. Unfortunately, these are not cheap. For beginners and smaller darkrooms, there are many other quality and affordable equipment available. You don't have to spend a lot of money or have additional room to set up your darkroom. With a small investment, you can have a nice darkroom and start making your own prints and develop your own films. You save a lot of money, and best of all, have total control over your photography.