Newbie wanting to learn B&W processing, printing

[wingless84]

Hi,
i'm a newbie to B&W, so far only sent my b&w negs to labs for development. but i'd like to learn how to develop my negs and how to print them.

can anyone recommend a place to learn these things? also, can recommend a darkroom that i can rent/use? how much for renting the PSS one, by the way?

thanks in advance,

Wingless

 

[kex]

i find the sticky thread on darkroom developing by our moderator Streetshooter very informative,just go get the developing kit from Ruby..

as for printing...can try the safra darkroom course at Mount faber,i heard their darkroom are well equipped..

 

[student]

A lot depends on how serious your intentions are. Assuming you are really interested in the traditional process, I would suggest taking a PSS course in the B&W process. Streetshooter's thread at best allow you to develop your negatives with some potential images. There is a lot more to B&W process than that, especially when you factor in making prints. You will need a place to develop your prints, and unless you have one at home, you will find it very difficult to self learn. Possible, but difficult.

 

[jcryan55]

So...Student. Can we get you to do a workshop session on B&W film developing & bulk roll demo? Can use one of the Circle of Light gathering in the next few months....since we're the b&w bunch.!

 

[PansBulc]

I have tried both labs in PSS and Bukit Merah Safra. Safra’s equipment is definitely better. Cheaper rental rates too. Dunno about the course though, never attended any. But I think they are essential for first timers, they teach the basics foundations and you explore the rest with creativity . What I understand is that they may not let you use the darkroom without experience ... afraid that you may damage the enlarger?

Go ahead sign up for the course, learn somethin new. But if you are thinking of getting good results (prints), I suggest you leave it to the people who do this for a living (the pros). I believe a Master Printer can save a lousy photographer (me).

PSS charges is base on hourly rates. Cannt recall how much, has been a year since I use their darkroom. There was talk of buying a new club house (but their site still show the old Selegie address) maybe new enlargers as well.

One last thing ... if you are into MF, PSS enlarger only accept 6x6

Have Fun.

 

[wingless84]

like student said, i want to learn the traditional process.

how are the rates at SAFRA like? i have to join the safra photo club, right? is that expensive, too?

wrt printing, i'd like to learn how to print my own images. I just feel that it does not do justice to send my negs to other people to print - only i can do them the way i visualise them. that's why i want to learn all the processing and printing stuff in the first place.

 

[student]

I will be quite happy to "conduct" a black & white film development "workshop", although there are defintely better qualified people than me.

But I have never used bulk roll film.

 

[theITguy]

like student said, i want to learn the traditional process.

how are the rates at SAFRA like? i have to join the safra photo club, right? is that expensive, too?

wrt printing, i'd like to learn how to print my own images. I just feel that it does not do justice to send my negs to other people to print - only i can do them the way i visualise them. that's why i want to learn all the processing and printing stuff in the first place.

Probably you want to go to www.safra.org.sg to check it out. $18 per year for NSmen (provided you also join the Safra membership) and $50 per year for non-Safra member in order to join the Safra Photgraphic club.

 

[student]

like student said, i want to learn the traditional process.

wrt printing, i'd like to learn how to print my own images. I just feel that it does not do justice to send my negs to other people to print - only i can do them the way i visualise them. that's why i want to learn all the processing and printing stuff in the first place.

Developing the negatives is easy. Making good negatives for your purposes is a little harder. Learning to make a good print takes a life time!

It is possible to make good prints without going to a school. Two weeks ago, I met a professor of mathematics from Massassachusetts (right spelling?) who made great prints. Of course in the US, unless you live in a very cramped place like New York or LA, you can almost always rig up a permanent darkroom. So with practice over 20 years, this professor, called Bob, learnt to make prints. But it takes a long time.

As for me, I do not have space for a darkroom. Oh, how I wish I can have a permanent one! So much easier and conducive to work! But I made "creative" innovations over the years, and managed to learn how to make some prints. But I do have my "darkroom" when I need it.

So the essential thing about printing is that you should have access to a darkroom. This can be your bath room. Another guy I helped recently "created" a small space in his office in Balestier. Small, but adequate for his purpose. If you can make such a space to have a "darkroom", I will happily assist you in learning how to make some reasonable prints. Not great, but reasonable.

 

[kex]

making a "darkroom" for hobby printing can be easily done up by blanketing the windows and cover the door opening with a rag..

2nd hand enlarger are dirt cheap nowadays,i sold away one for only $150.

3-5 trays on a table with a safe light on,and u are ready to print..

hobby printing session are not recommended for prolonged hours,maybe 2-3 prints.

for prolonged usage,VENTILATION IS VERY IMPORTANT !!

 

[canturn]

Developing the negatives is easy. Making good negatives for your purposes is a little harder. Learning to make a good print takes a life time!

Fully agree! :thumbsup:

Developing film is chemistry. Printing is an Art.

What's good is also subjective...the older you get, the darker your print tends to become though, hehe.