Essential Darkroom Tools

A well-equipped darkroom runs smoothly. The right tools make development and printing consistent and enjoyable. This guide covers essential equipment for film processing and printing.

Timers

Accurate timing is critical for consistent development and printing.

Development Timers

Mechanical timers:

• Wind-up designs with loud bells
• No batteries needed
• Gralab 300 is the classic choice
• Accuracy typically ±5 seconds

Digital timers:

• Precision to the second
• Multiple interval settings
• Battery or mains powered
• Programmable sequences useful for rotary processing

Smartphone apps:

• Convenient and free
• Massive Dev Chart Timer is excellent
• Ensure screen stays on
• Keep phone in plastic bag to protect from chemicals

Enlarger Timers

Basic mechanical timers:

• Dial-set exposure time
• Connect to enlarger outlet
• Focus mode for composing
• Budget-friendly starting point

Electronic timers:

• Digital display, precise timing
• F-stop timing mode on better models
• Foot switch connection
• Memory for repeat exposures

Metronome method:

• Count beats during exposure
• Useful backup when timer fails
• Requires practice for consistency

Thermometers

Temperature control is essential, especially for colour processing.

Dial Thermometers

Characteristics:

• No batteries required
• Immersible in chemistry
• Typically ±1°C accuracy
• Can be slow to respond

Best for: Black and white development where ±0.5°C precision isn't critical.

Digital Thermometers

Characteristics:

• Fast response time
• Higher precision (±0.1°C possible)
• Battery powered
• Probe can be immersed

Best for: Colour processing (C-41, E-6) where temperature precision matters.

Laboratory Thermometers

Spirit thermometers:

• Glass with alcohol fill
• Accurate and affordable
• Fragile—handle carefully
• Slow response

Mercury thermometers:

• Most accurate traditional option
• Hazardous if broken
• Being phased out
• Not recommended for purchase

Thermometer Calibration

Check thermometer accuracy:

Measuring Equipment

Accurate measurement ensures consistent chemistry.

Graduated Cylinders

Sizes to own:

Materials:

• Glass: Chemical resistant, easy to clean, fragile
• Polypropylene: Durable, slightly less accurate, can stain

Syringes

Uses:

• Precise small measurements (1-50ml)
• Drawing from concentrate bottles
• Adding small amounts of chemistry

Recommendation: Keep separate syringes for developer, stop, and fixer to prevent contamination.

Digital Scales

For powder chemistry:

• 0.1g precision minimum
• Tare function essential
• Protect from powder spills

Not essential if using liquid concentrates exclusively.

Processing Trays

Trays are used for print processing and some film techniques.

Sizes

Rule: Tray should be at least one size larger than the print.

Materials

Plastic (polypropylene/ABS):

• Lightweight
• Chemical resistant
• Affordable
• Can stain over time

Stainless steel:

• Premium option
• Easy to clean
• Temperature stable
• Expensive

Tray Organisation

Colour coding: Assign specific colours to each chemical:

• White/cream: Developer
• Yellow: Stop bath
• Red: Fixer
• Grey: Wash

This prevents cross-contamination when working in dim safelight.

Print Handling Tools

Tongs

Purpose: Move prints between trays without contaminating chemicals or getting hands wet.

Types:

• Bamboo tongs: Gentle on paper, absorb chemicals over time
• Plastic tongs: Easy to clean, some can scratch
• Rubber-tipped metal: Durable, safe for paper

Minimum set: Three pairs—one each for developer, stop, and fixer.

Print Washers

Archival (FB) paper:

• Requires extended washing (30-60 minutes without washing aid)
• Dedicated print washers with water circulation
• Slot-type washers keep prints separated
• Archival washers are expensive but essential for fiber paper

RC paper:

• 5-minute wash sufficient
• Tray with running water adequate
• No special washer needed

Squeegees

Rubber blade squeegees:

• Remove excess water before drying
• Reduces drying time
• Can scratch if debris present
• Use only on RC paper

For FB paper: Blot with lint-free towels instead.

Safelights

Safelights provide working illumination without fogging paper.

Types

OC (amber) safelights:

• Standard for multigrade papers
• Most common choice
• Kodak OC, Ilford 902

Red safelights:

• Safe for most papers
• Provides slightly more visibility than amber
• Ilford 906

LED safelights:

• Modern option
• Adjustable brightness
• Long lifespan
• Ensure correct wavelength

Testing Safelight Safety

Solutions for fogging:

• Move safelight further away
• Reduce bulb wattage
• Check filter for cracks or fading
• Switch to a safer wavelength

Changing Bags

For loading film without a darkroom.

Sizes

Features to Look For

• Double-zippered entry
• Elasticated arm holes
• Opaque inner and outer layers
• Quality stitching (light leaks from poor seams)

Changing Bag Tips

• Work slowly to avoid static
• Keep interior lint-free
• Practice loading with old film first
• Check zippers before every use

Storage Bottles

Proper storage extends chemical life dramatically.

Bottle Types

Accordion bottles (concertina):

• Squeeze out air
• Best for oxidation-sensitive developers
• Expensive but effective

Standard bottles with floating lids:

• Plastic disc floats on surface
• Reduces air contact
• More affordable

Glass bottles:

• Non-reactive
• Easy to clean
• Fragile
• Best for stock solutions

Bottle Colours

Brown/amber bottles:

• Block light
• Best for light-sensitive chemistry
• Essential for developers

Clear bottles:

• Useful for checking solution colour
• Need dark storage

Labelling

Always label bottles with:

• Chemical name
• Dilution (if applicable)
• Date mixed
• Capacity remaining

Funnels and Filters

Funnels

Uses:

• Transferring chemistry to bottles
• Pouring from large containers
• Directing flow during mixing

Recommendation: Keep separate funnels for each chemical type.

Filters

Coffee filters:

• Economical
• Single use
• Remove particulates from reused developer

Purpose-made darkroom filters:

• Finer filtration
• Reusable
• Better for critical work

When to filter:

• Before storing reused developer
• When chemistry looks cloudy
• After mixing powder chemicals

Additional Useful Items

Film Clips

• Weighted clips for drying film
• Prevent curling during dry
• Stainless steel recommended

Negative Sleeves

Archival sleeves:

• PrintFile (clear polypropylene)
• Glassine (translucent paper)

Avoid: PVC sleeves—can damage negatives over time.

Dust Blowers

Rocket blower type:

• Compressed air without propellant
• Essential for dust-free scanning
• Use before every scan

Anti-static Cloths

• For wiping negatives before scanning
• Kinetronics or similar

Apron

• Protects clothing from chemicals
• Waterproof material
• Pockets for small tools

Budget Breakdown

Minimum viable setup (film development only): £50-80

• Developing tank + reels: £20-30
• Thermometer: £5-10
• Measuring jugs: £5-10
• Chemistry (B&W): £15-25

Full darkroom setup (including printing): £200-400

• Add enlarger: £50-150
• Easel: £20-40
• Safelight: £15-25
• Trays, tongs, timer: £30-50
• Paper: £20-40

Starter Kit Summary

Minimum for film development:

• Developing tank and reels
• Graduated cylinder (500ml)
• Thermometer
• Timer (phone app acceptable)
• Changing bag
• Storage bottles
• Film clips

Minimum for printing:

• Enlarger with lens
• Processing trays (3-4)
• Tongs (3 pairs)
• Safelight
• Timer
• Graduate
• Thermometer

Add over time:

• Print washer
• Better timer
• Additional trays
• Squeegee and drying screens

Summary

• Timers ensure consistent development—digital for printing, app for film
• Thermometers should match your precision needs—digital for colour, dial for B&W
• Graduates in multiple sizes cover all measurement needs
• Trays should be one size larger than your prints
• Tongs prevent contamination—minimum three pairs
• Safelights need regular testing—OC amber is standard
• Changing bags require double-checking before use
• Storage bottles extend chemistry life—accordion type for developers
• Label everything with chemical, date, and dilution

Good tools last decades. Invest in quality where it matters—timer, thermometer, and storage—and economise on items like trays and funnels. A well-organised darkroom makes the work pleasurable.