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If you're particularly knowledgeable, you can save quite a bit of money buying used. Check with friends or family in the hobby for hand me downs; knowing the previous owner means you're more likely to get a good deal. You can also find used photo development gear on eBay and Craigslist. Make sure to check the condition of the equipment before buying. If you live near a college, check campus bulletin boards near the end of semesters for ads from students looking to offload supplies. The enlarger is the centerpiece of the darkroom, as well as the most expensive piece of equipment you'll need to acquire. If you're new to the hobby, look for an entry level enlarger that's easy to use and store. Beseler has a line of enlargers aimed at newbies, made for developing 35mm film. These models also come with lenses. Not all enlargers come with a lens, especially at higher price ranges. You'll get the best deal picking and choosing each article, but this requires a minimum of knowledge. Several companies have complete darkroom kits available; these give you all the equipment you need without having to shop around. Keep in mind that some of these don't include an enlarger, but will provide you with most of the equipment you'll need. Developing photographs requires three specific chemical solutions. You'll need developer, fixer and stop bath. The first two of these can be purchased from photography speciality store, while there are more options for your stop bath. You can either purchase acetic acid, pickling vinegar or a specialized premixed stop bath solution. Make sure your trays and tongs are clearly marked, as putting chemicals in the wrong tray can contaminate your materials. You'll also need a water tray close at hand to rinse your developed pictures. These lights provide just enough light to allow you to see your workspace, without compromising your photo paper or chemicals. These lights can get quite expensive, but many photography stores have safelight bulbs available for purchase. This is where the chemical processes involved in photo development takes place. The equipment in this area will include: Funnel Trays Tongs Film clips (for drying processed film) Graduated Cylinder Chemicals (in their storage bottles) This side of the room will house your enlarger and photo paper. The rest of the equipment here will include: Film tank and reels Safelight Easel Timer Grain magnifier Optional: Paper cutter used to trim your photo paper. The chemicals used in the development process can be harmful for your skin, especially if you're planning to spend several hours in your darkroom at a time. As such, make sure to wear latex gloves when handling chemicals. Additionally, a face mask will help protect your respiratory system from the fumes created when you develop your pictures.
Buy used supplies. Choose your enlarger carefully. Acquire your printing kit. Acquire and arrange your chemicals. Get a safelight. Set up your equipment in the wet side of the darkroom. Equip the dry side of your darkroom. Get the necessary safety equipment.