Darkroom Setup

Creating a Workable Darkroom Setup

A darkroom is an enclosed area where you develop camera film into physical photographs using special processing solution and photo paper. In order to achieve a proper darkroom setup, you must create a light-free space, and acquire the necessary equipment. Essential darkroom equipment includes safelights, processing trays, processing chemicals, and photographic paper.

What Are Darkroom Safelights?

Using darkroom safelights is the final step in fixing chemicals to photo paper and exposing the final image. Amber or red darkroom safelight bulbs are the most common for film development. When using safelight filters, never mix red bulbs with amber filters, or the reverse, as it causes a fog on photos. In addition, mount safelights onto walls using wall flanges situated at least four feet from the developing images for best results.

Useful Darkroom Equipment

Aside from the essentials, several items are helpful in a darkroom setup. A darkroom sink, or developing sink, lets you develop film with processing trays, or you can use several built-in processing basins. Dust masks can keep you from coming in contact with or inhaling caustic processing chemicals. Other accessories like graduated cylinders for measuring, funnels for filling bottles, and print squeegees help complete your darkroom setup.

Darkroom Setup Tips

If you only have a small space to work with, processing trays are stackable options that replace the need for multi-basin sinks. Use retractable boom arms and mounts like wall flanges to push safelights out of the way when not in use, or to angle them just right for developing.

B&H Photo and Video has all the equipment you need to build your darkroom at home. Choose from darkroom safelights, sinks, revolving doors, photo paper, processing chemicals, and other essentials for film development.