AboutSteve Pearson Expertise Try me for 35mm or darkroom issues. I am a professional photographer in Australia. I work solely in 35mm digital format, after 35 years of colour and monochrome film in many formats. I have darkroom experience and for many years belonged to my local camera club. I conduct photography workshops around the state on any and most subjects relating to photography and often judge photography exhibitions and competitions.
Experience I hold a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation, with part of my studies involving photography. I spend most days with a camera and am into digital photography in a big way. I was given my first camera in 1965 and have not been without one since. I spent nearly 20 years as a forensic investigator with my state Police Force, and since retiring a couple of years ago have concentrated on commercial photography - especially weddings.
Expert: Steve Pearson Date: 2/3/2005 Subject: Home Darkroom
Question Hi Steve, if you can't help with this I understand but I'm going to give it a try!
I'm planning on building a home darkroom this spring. My best bet so far is putting it in a closed off room in the garage. Here are my questions:
-Can equipment be damaged by temperature? I would use a space heater or fan while I was working in there, but I'm wondering if it would be ok to leave all the stuff there when I wasn't working and temperature wasn't controlled.
-How could I control a dust issue out there?
-What is your best recommendation on how to handle not having running water? Buckets? I think I have a portable camping shower that might suffice. Do you have any tips? Thanks!
Answer Brenda. Sure I can help. I don't know what you mean by 'temperature'. Is the darkroom going to be real cold or real hot? I gather you are going to build a black & white darkroom. Equipment can only be damaged by extreme heat. But then there is not a lot of equipment involved. An enlarger, a couple of trays, a couple of bottles of chemicals and that's about it. Obviously if you can run a heater or fan, then you can run a small fridge. Keep your chemicals in there when not in use. Heaters and fans are fine, but remember you will need some sort of circulation - even minor. Your chemicals should all be used at 20degC which isn't hard to adjust to despite what time of the year it is. As far as controlling dust - good seals on doors and windows will help. No running water - buckets are okay but it is important that you have enough fresh water to have enough water 'changes'. If there's a camera club in your neighbourhood, go along and ask for some advice. You'll find club members are always happy to help a new worker. Good luck with it. Steve!
