From: dhong@wam.umd.edu (Sze Yuen Hong)
Subject: Re: Darkroom Equipment Questions
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 05:28:17 GMT

In article <1992Jul23.215024.17518@sco.COM> staceyc@sco.COM (Stacey Campbell) writes:
>
>Greetings rec.photo readers.  After 15 years I've just made a
>decision to get back into black and white developing (I broke a
>bone in my wrist and now have a cast that's going to be there for
>several months so my usual leisure activities have been severely
>curtailed...:-
>
>I use Oly OM 35mm camera equipment.  My darkroom will be a large
>walk-in closet with power, ventilation, and no running water.  The
>house is a rental, so I'm not interested in "modifications" to the
>house to get a more usuable darkroom.  The kitchen is very close by.
>I don't plan on going medium format or color in the near future, if
>ever.  Cost is a concern.
>

   I have raise some similar questions to the net in a month ago, but
I didn't got much reply. Now, I finally have my first darkroom set up 
within $250 and would like to share some of my experience with you. 

>So, the questions;
>
>1. What is the most straightforward non-hobbypak film and paper
>developer chemical combination, my right hand only has limited use
>so the less chemicals I have to juggle the better (even if that
>means initally lower image quality).
>
 
   I use D-76 film developer, Detol(D-72) paper develper and Kodak fixer 
as I think they are the most common chemicals and will be good for starter
like you and me. For paper, I use varies brand of RC varible contrast paper,
and is still finding which one is better.


>2. I've got my eye on some second hand enlargers, would it be better to
>get, say, a new Omega C700 from B+H in Pop Photo (I've had good luck
>buying lenses and film from them)?
>
   At first, I am looking for Omega C700 enlarger also. But since it is still
to costly for me at that time, so I decided to seek for a used one. Finally,
I got a used Beseler 23C with condenser head and 75mm lens(though a little bit
dirty) for $110. One thing to remind you is that when you get a used enlarger
from the owner, usually it will come with some more darkroom stuffs. In my 
case, I got a stainless tank with two reels, a 2 litre gradute, funnel, and
some old chemicals and papers. Those things may cost you ~$40 if you buy a
new one. Almost forgot, I got an Time-o-lite timer also.

>3. I think this is the list of the expensive bits (is it?);
>	- enlarger with baseboard
>	- lens and 35mm negative carrier

    Those may probably come together if you buy a used one.

>	- easel

    A big problem for me. A new two blades 8*10 easel will cost you $45, and
a 11*14 will cost you ~$55. I am still using a 11*14 piece of glass instead
of an easel.

>	- safelight
  
   I use a Delta Jumbo Safelight bulb(~$17) which can pulg in normal socket.

>
>4. Are these all the slightly less expensive bits?
>	- 4 trays (devel, stop, fix, wash)
>	- tongs
>	- film and paper squeeges
>	- thermometer
>	- clips for hanging drying film
>	- graduate
>	- jars for mixed chemicals
>	- developing tank and reel
>	- proofing aid for easel
>	- timer
>	- stirrer
   Those thing wouldn't cost you much individually, but you will suprise when 
you add up all the cost. Among the list, timer and easel is more costly. You
can easily find used timer but not so easy for easel.

>
>5. What is going to be the least difficult film reel to load if
>I only have limited use of my right hand?  I'm thinking Patterson
>auto at the moment.
   
   I have no idea as I am using conventionl stainless reels. For stainless
reel, I think there will be no problem.

   One thing you might forgot is a set of variable contrast filter which may 
cost you twenty dollars. ( I got a set of Ilford 6*6 for $30, I think a 3*3 
may be cheaper)
   
    All together, I have spend not more than $250 for the first set up. Of
course, as you become more serious on you print, you will find that you will
spend much more afterwards to improve you darkroom. 
>
>Thanks for any advice.
>-- 
>          Stacey Campbell - staceyc@sco.com - uunet!sco!staceyc


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