OGUN STATE POLYTECHNIC OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES,
ILESE-IJEBU
A SEMINAR PRESENTATION
ON
EQUIPMENT IN THE DARKROOM
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL IMAGING PROCESSING TECHNICIAN
PRESENTED BY JOSEPH TOCHUKWU MARY
300L
MATRIC NO. 20220312150
TABLE OF CONTENT
• Definition
• Types
• Purpose
• Equipment
• Structure
• Adverse effects
• Treatment
• Conclusion
DEFINITION
A darkroom is a light-proof room used in traditional photography
for developing film and printing images. It's characterized by the
absence of light, or the use of specialized safelights, to prevent
light from unintentionally exposing light-sensitive photographic
materials like film and paper.
In radiology, a darkroom is a light-tight room used for processing
x-ray films. It's designed to be completely dark except for a safe
light, which allows handling of the light-sensitive film without
causing fogging. The darkroom is where exposed x-ray films are
developed, fixed, washed, and dried.
TYPES
• Film Darkrooms: These darkrooms are specifically designed for developing photographic film, both black and white and color.
• Print Darkrooms: These darkrooms are used to create prints from negatives by projecting the image onto photographic paper.
• Black and White Darkrooms: These darkrooms are dedicated to processing black and white film and prints, often using specific
chemicals and techniques designed for monochrome photography.
• Color Darkrooms: These darkrooms are equipped for processing color film and prints, which requires more complex chemical
processes and temperature control.
• Digital Darkrooms: While not a physical room in the traditional sense, the term "digital darkroom" refers to the use of software and
digital tools to manipulate and enhance images, essentially mimicking the functions of a traditional darkroom.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A DARKROOM:
• Dry Area: This area is for storing equipment, organizing materials, and setting up for printing or film development.
• Wet Area: This area is where the chemical processes of developing, fixing, and washing film or prints take place.
• Safelight: A specialized light source that does not fog or damage light-sensitive materials.
• Enlarger: A device used in print darkrooms to project an image from a negative onto photographic paper.
• Chemicals: Developers, stop baths, and fixers are essential for developing and processing film and prints.
• Film and Paper: Photographic film and paper are the light-sensitive materials used in darkroom photography.
• Equipment: Trays, tanks, tongs, timers, and other tools are needed for handling film and chemicals.
PURPOSE OF DARK ROOM
A darkroom's primary purpose is to provide a light-tight space for processing light-sensitive photographic materials, primarily
film and photographic paper. This allows photographers to develop negatives, make prints, and manipulate images without
unwanted exposure to light. Darkrooms are equipped with specialized equipment like enlargers, developing chemicals, and
safelights, enabling the creation of traditional photographic prints.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
• Film Development: Darkrooms are essential for developing film negatives, as film is highly sensitive to light and needs to
be handled in complete darkness during the initial chemical processing stages.
• Print Making: The darkroom is where the magic of creating photographic prints from negatives happens. An enlarger
projects the image from a negative onto photographic paper, which is then developed, fixed, and washed.
• Darkroom Equipment:
Key pieces of equipment in a darkroom include:
• Enlarger: Projects the image from the negative onto the photographic paper.
• Developing Chemicals: Solutions like developer and fixer are used to bring out the image on the photographic paper.
• Safelight: A low-wattage red light that allows for safe handling of black and white photographic paper, as it is insensitive to red light.
• Control and Manipulation:
• Darkrooms allow for precise control over the photographic process, enabling photographers to manipulate images through
techniques like dodging (holding back light to lighten areas) and burning (adding more light to darken areas).
EQUIPMENT IN THE DARKROOM
In most darkrooms, an enlarger, an optical apparatus similar to a slide projector, that projects light through the image of a negative onto a
base, finely controls the focus, intensity and duration of light, is used for printmaking. A sheet of photographic paper is exposed to the light
coming through the negative, resulting in a positive version of the image on the paper.
FILM PROCESSING EQUIPMENT:
•Film Developing Tanks and Reels: Used to hold the film during development, ensuring even processing.
•Film Clips and Hangers: For hanging film to dry after washing.
•Film Washers: For thoroughly rinsing film after development.
•Thermometers: To accurately measure the temperature of processing chemicals.
•Film Drying Rack: A place to hang film to dry after washing.
PRINT MAKING EQUIPMENT:
•Enlarger and Lenses: Projects the image from the negative onto photographic paper.
•Focusing Magnifier: For critical sharpness when focusing the enlarger.
•Print Washer: For thoroughly rinsing prints after processing.
•Print Dryer: For drying prints after washing.
•Squeegee: For removing excess water from prints before drying.
OPTIONAL BUT HELPFUL EQUIPMENT:
•Contact Printer: For making contact prints from negatives.
•Film Viewers: For examining negatives.
•Densitometer: For measuring the density of negatives and prints.
•Water Filter System: For removing impurities from water used in processing.
STRUCTURE
A darkroom's structure revolves around managing light exposure for photographic processes. Key components include an
enlarger to project images from negatives, a safelight for illumination, trays for processing solutions, and negative carriers to
hold negatives flat. Additionally, darkrooms need to be lightproof, with specialized curtains or doors, and often include
ventilation and temperature control to maintain optimal conditions for film and paper.
Here's a breakdown of the structure and equipment:
LIGHT CONTROL:
• Light-Proofing: The darkroom must be completely lightproof to prevent fogging of light-sensitive materials. This includes
light-tight doors, curtains, and sealed windows.
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to remove chemical fumes and maintain a comfortable environment.
ENLARGER SETUP:
• Enlarger: A device that projects an enlarged image from a negative onto photographic paper.
• Negative Carrier: Holds the negative flat and secure within the enlarger.
• Baseboard: Provides a stable surface for placing the photographic paper under the enlarger.
PROCESSING AREA:
• Processing Trays: Trays holding the developer, stop bath, fixer, and wash solutions.
• Timer: For precise control of developing, fixing, and washing times.
• Paper Dryer: To dry the processed photographic prints.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the correct temperature for processing solutions is important for consistent results.
• Workbenches: Providing ample space for organizing and working with equipment.
• Electrical Outlets: For powering the enlarger, safelight, and other equipment.
ADVERSE EFFECT
Darkroom equipment can pose several adverse effects if not handled properly, primarily due to chemical exposure and
electrical hazards. Chemicals like developers, fixers, and stop baths, if inhaled or spilled, can cause skin irritation, respiratory
issues, or even more severe health problems. Additionally, electrical equipment in a wet environment like a darkroom can
lead to shocks or fires. Proper ventilation, protective gear, and careful handling of chemicals are crucial for minimizing risks.
Chemical Hazards:
•Inhalation: Many darkroom chemicals release fumes that can irritate the respiratory system. For example, acetic acid in
stop baths can cause chronic bronchitis with prolonged exposure.
•Ingestion: While less common, accidental ingestion of chemicals can lead to poisoning. For instance, boric acid is toxic if
ingested or inhaled.
Electrical Hazards:
•Shock: Darkrooms, being wet environments, increase the risk of electrical shock if proper precautions are not taken.
•Fire: Faulty wiring or improper use of electrical equipment can lead to fires.
•Equipment-Specific Hazards:
•Enlarger: Improper handling or accidental contact with the enlarger's heat source can cause burns.
Mitigation Strategies:
•Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to remove chemical fumes from the darkroom.
•Protective Gear: Wear gloves, aprons, and eye protection when handling chemicals.
•Chemical Handling: Follow manufacturer's instructions for mixing and using chemicals. Avoid spills and clean them up
immediately.
TREATMENT
• To properly care for darkroom equipment, regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial. This includes rinsing equipment
immediately after use, especially with hot water, and using specialized cleaning solutions for stubborn stains. Avoid soap,
as it can contaminate chemicals. Safe lighting and proper storage are also essential to prevent damage to light-sensitive
materials.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
• Rinse immediately: Rinse all equipment thoroughly with warm or hot water after each use. Dried fixer, a common
chemical, can be difficult to remove if left on equipment.
• Avoid soap: Soap can contaminate chemicals if not completely rinsed away, so it's best to avoid using it on equipment that
will come into contact with processing solutions.
• Specialized cleaners: For chemical stains, consider using a cleaning spray with chlorine bleach.
• Safe lighting: Ensure your safelight is appropriate for the photographic materials being used and is positioned correctly to
prevent fogging of prints or film.
Specific Equipment Care:
• Film and cassettes: Be careful not to damage screens by using fingernails or sharp objects when handling film and
cassettes. Clean screens regularly with a mild solution, according to the World Health Organization.
• Enlarger: The enlarger, a key piece of equipment, should be kept clean and dust-free. Refer to the manufacturer's
instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.
• Processing tanks: Clean processing tanks thoroughly after each use to prevent chemical buildup and contamination.
Darkroom Environment:
• Humidity control: Maintain the humidity in the darkroom between 40% and 60% to prevent film and paper from being
affected.
• Darkness: Ensure the darkroom is completely dark when needed, testing for light leaks before use.
• Cleanliness: Keep the darkroom clean and organized to prevent accidental spills or contamination.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, In a darkroom, the equipment, particularly that
used for film development, should be meticulously chosen and
maintained. The choice of tools, like tongs and trays, should
consider ease of cleaning and potential for
contamination. Proper organization with separate wet and dry
areas, along with secure storage for light-sensitive materials, is
crucial for successful and safe darkroom work
REFERENCES
BreezeBrowser Pro and Downloader Pro – available from www.BeeezeSystems.com
BreezeBrowser is a great file browser that gives you a histogram display (unlike Bridge)
and Downloader Pro is the best downloading software I have seen
Photoshop CSx for Nature Photographers by Ellen Anon and Tim Grey – this is an
excellent book for whatever version of Photoshop you are using. The newest version is
for CS4. There are oodles of excellent third party books on all these applications.
Tim Grey’s newsletter – www.timgrey.com. He publishes a print magazine called Digital
Darkroom Quarterly and an almost daily email newsletter.
David DuChemin’s blog http://www.pixelatedimage.com/blog/ and E-books
http://www.craftandvision.com/ - . for $5 per book you cannot go wrong!
LensFlare35 – www.lensflare35.com – a great podcast series of interviews with
photographers who specialize in a wide variety of genres.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING
