dark room?

La frog fairy

Hi guys,

Need an opinion, I have learned to develop photos the old fashion way in a dark room, with an actual film, I honestly love it but now im wondering if the digital way is really the only way to go for everyone. Is that really the only way and better quality?

I mean, is theres anyone still doing it the old ways or the fact that films are coming rare inevitably not an option

Im not a professional just an old fashion amateur!

Chorcai

Starting my own little darkroom in a few weeks, have me shed 99% ready. Just have to pick up a few trays and a sink :P

Loads of threads on here about setting up a darkroom, chemicals, film types etc

johndoe99

i started off myself developing photos in a darkroom, done a course about 15 years ago and then bought all the equipment and built a darkroom.

About 3 years ago my sister bought me a digital camera and that was it, i used the darkroom less and less for colour, but still do B&W

Digital gives a way better photo, in colour anyways. Developing B&W is still better than digital in my opinion anyways. Digital shifts the spectrum to 'Black' and 'White', but a true developed B&W photo is actually mage up of various shades of blacks and whites.

So if you are doing B&W stick with developing yourself as I do. But if its colour try digital.

La frog fairy

thanks guys, well Im actually not from here originaly so I dont have anything for dark room anymore, you guys know if theres a place where you can rent a dark room??

Agree about the black and white prints, and colors, im more into black and white actually

CabanSail

You will get the best images where you have the most passion for them. If this is with a Box Brownie, Polariod or Top End Digital it doesn't matter. If you enjoy the Darkroom then go that way. There are plenty of people who still work with film and produce amazing results. There is something lovely about good traditional monochrome prints.

DougL

La frog fairy wrote: »

thanks guys, well Im actually not from here originaly so I dont have anything for dark room anymore, you guys know if theres a place where you can rent a dark room??

The Gallery of Photography in Meeting House Square in Temple bar used to rent out B&W and colour darkrooms. I assume it still does, although I haven't been there since I stopped shooting film in 2002.

Film is not dead, contrary to the assertions of some. In fact, among my photography circle, it seems to be going through something of a resurgence.

redto

as johndoe says keep at the black n white but probably digital is easier for color. I do my own b + w and its addictive. probably more expensive too though, because you will be tempted to improve on the print, well at least i do, so i end up making two or three prints all slightly different, where as in digital its a click of a mouse to make changes.

I think good black an white prints from the dark room are nicer looking than digital. I cant comment on color processing or printing though.

Im not much good at the dark room stuff though but I keep trying

La frog fairy

thanks guys

Yeah I used to do the b&w in dark room but I was sharing a lab with few a friend so didnt get to keep anything with me when i moved so guess i could invest here but will for sure look into the The Gallery of Photography in Meeting House Square, thx DougL for the tip.

I never did color in the dark room, i agree with all its much better looking like this than digital, its more artsy which im more into, Brassai is one of my favourite photographer and i could not imagine his pics done by a pc.

pimark

Check out the Airfield Trust in Dundrum also as they provide darkroom rental also.

thefizz

CabanSail wrote: »

You will get the best images where you have the most passion for them.

This is a very good statement. I never care which is better than the other, I just do what I love doing.

La frog fairy, there are loads of films still being made, drop into Gunns on Wexford Street and you can buy Kodak, Ilford, Fuji and Foma films as well as everything you'll need if you find access to a darkroom. They have everything you need for colour printing also, should you be interested. Its even easier to do than B&W.

Peter

La frog fairy

Thanks

I will for sure check Dundrum and the store on wexford street, i have the week off so plenty of time to go around and see what i can find..

And Peter i will give a try to the color develop, guess you have to try a lot of ways to find what is the best that suits you, for me i love the dark room as i love to see my photo coming on the paper..its silly but its just a very intimate feeling beside behing in the dark that is!

thanks again!;)

davmigil

Dublin Camera Club have a dark room set up, which members can use.

http://www.dublincameraclub.ie/dcc/joomla/

sineadw

Was just gonna suggest Dublin Camera Club (just up from Gunns). I shoot both digital and film. I develop in my house (very cheap to set up - a tank, a darkbag, some chems and a few other bits) and I print in DCC. Mostly B&W, but I've dev'd C41 and i'm taking the plunge with a 3 bath E6 set up next week. Haven't tried colour wet printing yet..

If anything I'd say film is on a huge revival at the moment. Loads here shooting it!

FUNKYTOWWWN

if anyone hears of any classes going in dark room processing, i'd be grateful if you could PM me!

thank you!

thefizz

Pm sent.

davmigil

For anybody interested www.blockt.ie are running dark room courses for all levels.
They are based in Smithfield and prices are very reasonable.

http://www.blockt.ie/BLOCK_T/DARKROOM/DARKROOM.html

chisel

Check out the courses from monochrome meath - Peters very helpful, and can also supply the bits you need. Courses at different levels too.

Thephotoshop.ie
Monochromemeath.ie

Fran