Darkroom Setup

Darkroom Setup

Designing a new darkroom from scratch can be overwhelming. Not only do you need to consider vital details like water supply, ventilation, and lightproofing, but you also have to create a space that’s comfortable and efficient to work in for long periods of time.

Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful equipment and accessory options to help you design a darkroom setup that fits your workflows.

Fans and Ventilation for Your Darkroom Setup

Ventilation is one of the most important factors when building your darkroom. You’ll be regularly working with a variety of chemicals in a small, enclosed space, and your body is your most important piece of gear. Ventilation systems need to be highly effective and also lightproof. They also must help minimize dust and debris so you can avoid imperfections on your drying film and prints.

Whether you’re planning a compact darkroom setup or a more elaborate multi-station darkroom, it’s a good idea to select from ventilation systems designed specifically for darkroom use. Bathroom exhaust fans are ideal for evacuating steam after a hot shower, but they’re not designed for use in darkrooms.

At Adorama, we carry many excellent fan models designed to keep your darkroom lightproof, and your air supply clean and fresh.

Darkroom Sinks

When creating a new darkroom setup, it helps to select a sink designed for your intended film and print development activities. Darkroom sinks have plenty of surface area so they can act as a multifunctional workstation with a built-in drain. Because many photographic processes have a narrow temperature tolerance, the best darkroom sinks provide handy temperature regulation features.

Safelights and Bulbs

The ideal darkroom safelight supplies ample visibility while protecting your developing negatives and prints from damaging stray light. While many casual darkrooms struggle along with bare bulbs and clamp-on work lights, consider investing in a high-quality, darkroom-specific safelight.

Select a safelight lightbulb to use in any lighting fixture, or purchase a safelight filter that will render your existing lighting source safe for darkroom use.

Top Brands for Your Darkroom Setup

Top brands like Delta, Kodak, and Active Thermal Management have elevated the darkroom setup market for years with innovative products that streamline workflow and offer extended efficiency for darkroom developing. By investing in darkroom setup equipment from these and other great brands, you ensure your darkroom will function as intended for years to come.