Ilford Pop Up Darkroom?

[MrDrizz]

This Ilford Pop-Up darkroom thinky. Do any of you have it? If so what are your thoughts?
There doesn't seem to be a tonne of reviews out there from actual users.

Just in case you're wondering

Pop Up Darkroom

The ILFORD Pop-Up Darkroom is the perfect solution for film photographers wanting to print but struggling to convert spaces into darkrooms.

www.ilfordphoto.com

 

[Andysnap]

I haven't got one but I had a good look at one on the Ilford stand at this year's photography show. It's very well made and sturdy. I was told it's easy to erect and put away....not so sure about that but maybe that's just because I'm cack-handed.

 

[StephenM]

I've seen a video of it being erected (probably when it first came out) and it looked easy, but then so does folding a Lastolite reflector when you see it done - I've watched the challenge to fold one taken up by people new to it at Focus/The Photography Show.

And I can fold one, faster than it takes to describe how it's done. BUT we have a 3D version of it in the form of a pop up greenhouse, and that's a nightmare (to me) to pack down...

I think actually it's a great idea, not least as a substitute for a changing bag for loading tanks or film holders.

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

Prior to building my permanent darkroom a pop up version was a serious consideration. The ideal at that time seemed the Nova version but priced ruled that out (currently £545).

I'd also considered modifying a "specialist" hydroponic grow tent but they are black on the outside and highly reflective on in the inside to aid the growth of the "product". From online research they have loads of vents, 1.2 x 1.2 internal size are cheap at under a £100. I decided I didn't need the hassle of risking modifying it and having the neighbours saying "the courier has left your grow tent with us because you were out"!

If the Ilford pop-up was available 2-3 years I would have jumped at the chance and bought one. My darkroom is only 1.2m x 1.3m and I get on great with that limited space so the Iford should be eminently usable. Even if you don't get on with it I would imagine you be able to sell it easily without too much of a loss. It's got to be easier than than light proofing a bathroom then packing everything away again when someone needs a shower - yes it happened when I tried it!!

I think actually it's a great idea, not least as a substitute for a changing bag for loading tanks or film holders.

From my perspective the only possible caveat to StephenM's comment is this partial disclaimer from Ilford:

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Many years ago, I built a version of that from 2x2 timber and builder's black plasic sheeting.

With a four foot by four foot floor space there was room for an Omega 5x4 enlarger and a 16" Nova three slot tank. It was a semi permanent structure but it did me well for two or three years. I think the total cost in todays money was well short of £50. Here is what went inside the tent (the drawers weren't part of that)...

 

[Kevin Allan]

I have a Nova Darkroom tent which I purchased second-hand. It fits a Durst L1200 5x4 enlarger on a low table and a Nova slot processor, but only just. I leave it set up all the time in my garage. If I was to pack it away when not in use, I'd still have to find somewhere to store the table, enlarger, and processor, which would take up almost as much space.

Recently the slot processor died and I had to change to processing in trays. There isn't room in the tent to set out three-four trays next to each other so I am using a four-tier plastic shelving unit purchased from the supermarket which is big enough for processing 8*10 prints.

Although the Nova tent has a fan, this summer condensation was a real problem - I'm glad it's cooler now.

 

[MrDrizz]

I have thought of the DIY way. Using PVC pipe as a frame and some black out material.

@Kevin Allan Those slot processor are nice but expensive so even that I have thought of a DIY option