[pure-silver] My Darkroom



   Hi,
Given that my darkroom is somewhat temporary and it's only setup when I actually make prints, I figured I'd take a few snaps and send you all how I setup my darkroom.
First, is a shot of how I close off the light to my office. There is no actual door here, just an opening. I close it off with a dark cloth that a friend of mine sewn for me. It's got velcro along the edges (which someone on this list suggested I use.. Sets up in no time at all. 

http://www.shampoo.ca/pics/DSCN0150.jpg
Then the wet area. This is on top of a washer and dryer. Dev, stop the print washer (a DIY) and fix.. It's a large tupperware container. We cut a hole at the bottom and then at the top on opposite ends. We then installed a thingy (I only know the name in french) that basically allows you to run a tube through the container ensuring that no water ever leaks. Works like you have no idea. We run that through a tube that we drilled holes in and capped the end.
To divide the paper, we took four metal rods, some plexi glass, drilled holes in the corners of the plexi-glass and then ran the rods through it. They are separated by little pieces of tubing. This keeps the plexi-glass from sticking together.
At the back of the print washer runs a large tube that goes to the drain of the washing machine. We setup a series of valves to the hot and cold of the washing machine that allows me to control who gets water and of what kind. It works extremely well... Ok, not entirely. There was the exception when I forgot to put the drain tube from the washing machine back into the drain. Several days later when I ran the washer, GUSH went the water and hosed my landlord's apartment downstairs. Needless to say, he was pissed. In the end, no damage. 


http://www.shampoo.ca/pics/DSCN0148.jpg
Then my enlarger. This is built into a closet. The problem is that it's thigh level and I have to crouch down between it and the washing machine. There's maybe a foot between the washing machine and the enlarger. So by the time I am done, my back and knees are killing me. 

http://www.shampoo.ca/pics/DSCN0149.jpg
The good news is that this summer, I'll be able to convert the entire office into a dedicated darkroom. I am quite excited about this. So are my knees and back. 

     Anyhow, I thought I'd share..

     J

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