29 Sep 09: Darkroom Workshop #1

John is running some optional workshops on film photography and processing.  This was my first time in the dark room. We were working in the studio using:

• a monorail Cambo camera
• ambient light from above plus a fluorescent tube at the side
• Ilford orthochromatic large format film - film speed 80/black and white

Orthochromatic film doesn't record red light so it can be used with red light in the dark room. The alternative type of film is panchromatic which records all colours and must be processed in complete darkness.

The steps involved in taking the photograph were:

• Loaded the film into plate with notch at top left or bottom right (this ensures you get the emulsion on the correct side).
• Loaded the plate into camera.
• Set up the subject and camera (exposure, focus etc) and then removed the cover from the plate to give the required exposure.
• Replaced the cover on the plate, took the plate out and took it to dark room for development.

Chemicals we used for processing (all mixed to 20 degrees) were:

• Development: Microphen extra fine developer - 9 minutes
• Stop bath: Acetic acid - 1 minute
• Fixing: Ilford Hypam non-hardening fixer - 6 minutes
• Rinsing: Cold water bath - 20 minutes

Developer works on shadow first and then on the highlights, so the outcome can be changed by adjusting the development time or by using different developer.

A copy of my negative is attached. Okay so it's not central and I chopped a bit off the bottom of the phone but (luckily) getting the perfect picture wasn't the aim.  I was just glad to actually produce a properly exposed and developed negative at my first attempt and the workshop demystified the process for me.