When photographers are developing a film they always want a darkroom and all essential darkroom equipment for developing the photographs. The equipments essential for film developing is of different variety, sizes and shapes.
These equipments are placed in a darkroom. A room in which there is no light in order to develop delicate light sensitive film. A Darkroom is a separate place that can be built anywhere. It is kept dark by special means to work with light sensitive tools and equipments.
Numerous tools, materials and accessories are required to create colored or black and white pictures. These tools are
- Lightning.
- Tanks
- Easels
- Sinks
- Work table
- Air purifier.
- Paper trimmer.
And so on
Everything present in a darkroom has a particular function and purpose. These things might appear intimidating for photographers who are starting to use darkrooms. Here are a few ideas which they might include in their darkroom once it is ready.
Lightning
The foremost thing the photographer must consider is the lighting. The lighting within the darkroom is very important and good care should be taken to select this thing. Normal or extraordinary light will spoil or damage the film. Safelights, specially prepared for darkroom use, permit adequate light to see through without damaging the photographer's work. Not all safelights are alike. Every light might function with definite bulbs and papers, at a set position and processing time. Ceiling lights with changeable hoods is very useful lighting as one can focus it as per requirement.
Film Processing Tanks
Each and every dark room should have film processing tanks. Daylight tanks, plastic tanks, spirals and reels are available in photography shops. Daylight tank is used for making 35mm film. Daylight tanks load the film in the dark and then capped. The photographer might prefer to do the remaining work in light without worry of damaging the film.
Film reels
The film reels might be manual or motor driven. Film reels are made up of stainless steel or plastic material. It is always good to check the compatibility among the tanks and reels before getting this darkroom tool.
Easels
Darkroom easels are available in different shapes and sizes to hold photographic development solution. These are compulsory equipments while developing photographs on photo paper. One can get easel to create one size photograph or one can get multi sized easel along with 4 different photo sizes.
Work Table
Every darkroom should have a work table. These might be moveable and foldable metal tables. Try not to use wood table for photo developing because spilled chemicals can spoil wood.
Sink
Have a fixed or portable sink in a darkroom for both photos developing and later cleaning.
Paper Trimmer
Paper trimmer can be used if multi sized easels are not available in order to cut down the paper to normal photo sizes.
Air Purifier
Have an air purifier or exhaust fan that will eliminate the unwanted chemical and dust from the room in order to keep darkroom air safe.
Other Equipments
Various other equipments like trays, enlargers, other printing items are obtainable in a photography shop and one is should carefully select them by searching on Internet or the ask the professional in the darkroom equipment shop
Photography journals, books and magazines often print the important darkroom tools along with reviews. One can also find lots of information online regarding essential darkroom tools and accessories. These tools and accessories are of different styles, brands and sizes.
