SPEC lab
Darkroom Guide / Troubleshooting
- If something breaks, let us know ;)
- Lightproof bags can be re-used. Please leave them when they are empty or bring them home to store your prints
- Cardboard enveloppes come in handy, use them to bring your prints home in or leave them behind for other users
- Please do not throw food/waste in the paper bin, there are trashcans that are regularly emptied in the hallway
- Keep the darkroom tidy, leave it in the way that you found it and do not leave behind empty bottles/cans
Paper
- 24,2x30,5 cm and 30,5x40,6cm (actual size) Fuji DPII is in stock in MATTE and GLOSSY
- If you run out of paper you can help yourself with a new set of 50 sheets
- You can pay directly using the shoplink here
- Alternatively you can let us know and we will send you a payment link/invoice :)
- The two middle drawers are fully lightproof, we still recommend keeping full-sheets in a lightproof bag during your session
- Want to print bigger? Give us a heads-up and we'll set you up to print up to 50x75cm
Using the Colenta print processor
- Minimum paper length: 15cm, we recommend feeding the short side first
- Use straight-cut paper only, do not tear your test-strips- they get stuck
- Make sure (!) that the paper is being pulled in by the processor before closing the lid
- Exposed side facing down when feeding the machine
Using the enlarger(s)
- Aperture fully open (for more light)
- Filters out (if you need more light)
- Make sure illumination setting is set to 'High' (if applicable: Fuji/Omega)
Exposing your image:
- Aperture closed down, ideally 3-4 stops from the max open aperture:
> 50mm f2.8 > print @ f8
> 80mm f4.0 > print @ f11
> 105mm f5.6 > print @ f16
- Filters in (or no color correction is applied = red image)
Choosing the correct lens
35mm
645 - 6x6
6x7 - 6x9
4x5"
50mm
80mm
105mm
135mm or 150mm
Troubleshooting
Image super red
Print too dark/black
Red edges/shapes/stains
Cyan-ish stain
Filters are out
Aperture left open
Paper exposed to roomlight
Paper held too close to timer/red light