AboutDave Nyce Expertise I have used SLR cameras for 30 years and have taught classes on photography at work for my co-workers. I had a darkroom for 20 years, but now am using mostly digital cameras. I can answer questions on equipment and techniques for photography, but am not an expert on specific model numbers of cameras or accessories.
Expert: Dave Nyce Date: 7/23/2007 Subject: darkroom equipment
Question QUESTION: My husband had bought black and white darkroom equipment about 10 - 12 years ago. He has now passed away and I am wondering if I should keep the enlarger, etc. The enlarger is a Beseler 75 watt model 23 g. I might get into black and white development later, but just don't have the time right now. Also I shoot exclusively digital now. Any advice?
ANSWER: I had a Besseler 23C II for color and B&W, but sold it about 5 years ago. With the capabilities of digital cameras and software, it seemed to me that the darkroom was no longer necessary.
If you enjoy darkroom work, you might still want to use the enlarger, but digital work is easier and doesn't require you to handle and dispose of the chemicals. A few techniques are better done in the darkroom, but there are also many techniques that can be done with software and not possible in the darkroom.
Also, color work in the darkroom is very involved, but relatively easy with digital.
Hope this helps!
Dave
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QUESTION: Thanks for the information. So what do you recommend as the best way to get rid of the equipment as I know taking it to a yard sale would not work?
Answer I took mine to the largest photographic supplies store in my area. It's the place where hobbyists and professionals go to get specialized equipment. They took it on consignment. When they sold it, they got 10% and I got 90% of the selling price.
