Pop Up Darkroom

Harlequin565

Harlequin565

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Ian
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I gave my email address to Ilford at the Photo Show last year and have just had notification through that the pop-up darkroom is now available.

After a long think, I decided not to go for it. I don't have the space to store it, and my original intent was to use it to run film workshops alongside my other classes. The reality is that it's just more stuff to carry and mess about with and is a step too far for a once-a-year thing - especially after watching the video and knowing what I'm like with tents. Hell, my pop up background can take me 20 minutes to fold down! I don't wet print, so this is an expensive replacement for a dark bag.

Erection video here: https://www.ilfordphoto.com/pop-up-darkroom/

Purchase for £215 here: https://www.ilfordphoto.com/popup-darkroom

I did get a code for giving them my email address at the show for £200 delivered, so PM me if you want that. I don't think it's a one-off code.
Edit to add, the code expires March 20th!
 
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Hmm, you're right of course, its a faff and hardly qualifies as a "popup" anything.
I can see uses for it, but I'd probably want to leave it up semi permanently, its probably quicker, easier and less destructive than lightproofing an entire room but you'd have to be hardcore determined to even attempt wet printing in it.. :D
 
I use a Nova Darkroom Tent (https://www.theimagingwarehouse.com/ProductGrp/Nova-Darkroom-Tent) which is considerably more expensive than the Ilford product, when purchased new, but I bought mine second-hand.

The internal dimensions of the two products seem to be similair. The frame arrangement of the Ilford tent seems more robust than the Nova tent - I usually have to come out and refix the poles at least once during a session.

I have the Nova tent set up permanently in my garage. It is not by any means an ideal solution but it does work and doesn't require any alterations to doors or windows of a room. Condensation is a problem, even with the fan blowing. I have a 4x5 enlarger (Durst L1200) in the tent which is perhaps going beyond the intentions of the product designer. Because of the height of the enlarger column I have to set it on quite a low table and the ergonomics aren't great. I use a Nova vertical slot processor (taking up to 12x16 prints I think), this helps to make the most of the available space. I see the Ilford image shows three trays in use but I think they are probably 8x10s and you may struggle to fit larger trays in a tent.

I did think about constructing a permanent dark room, with plumbing, inside the garage, but to be honest I think the Nova tent is good enough for my needs.

The late Roger Hicks had a web page explaining how he had used the Nova tent in three different houses for long periods; however the domain, not surpisingly, appears to have expired.
 
That would drive me nuts ,I would loose the will to live , Then you have to take it all down again :eek:
 
I had a couple of attempts at temporary dark rooms, ie light proof a room, make wet prints then pack everything away. Although technically they worked it wasn't conducive to family life with 2 kids in a small house.

I then considered a tent type darkroom, the Nova looked ideal but not at that price for new. I considered modifying a "specialist indoor growing tent" which are cheap but ultimately just didn't fancy the risk. The Ilford wasn't an option 2 years ago.

In the end I boarded out part of my shed, this dark room is the roughly the same size internally (1.2m x 1.3m) as the pop-up Ilford and is fine for my requirements.

I've nothing against a tent/pop-up version but its the taking down, putting up and packing all the enlargers etc that's the major pain. If it's the only way you could get a dark room then you'd have to manage but after trying temp dark rooms a permanent one is way, way better.
 
auntiemaryscanary said:
I had a couple of attempts at temporary dark rooms, ie light proof a room, make wet prints then pack everything away. Although technically they worked it wasn't conducive to family life with 2 kids in a small house.

I then considered a tent type darkroom, the Nova looked ideal but not at that price for new. I considered modifying a "specialist indoor growing tent" which are cheap but ultimately just didn't fancy the risk. The Ilford wasn't an option 2 years ago.

In the end I boarded out part of my shed, this dark room is the roughly the same size internally (1.2m x 1.3m) as the pop-up Ilford and is fine for my requirements.

I've nothing against a tent/pop-up version but its the taking down, putting up and packing all the enlargers etc that's the major pain. If it's the only way you could get a dark room then you'd have to manage but after trying temp dark rooms a permanent one is way, way better.
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No one will argue with your last point!
 
F1.2 said:
That would drive me nuts ,I would loose the will to live , Then you have to take it all down again :eek:
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Tbh I’m pretty much agree.

Until my latest home move, I was in a one room studio apartment and although I did darkroom work , it was an ordeal blocking windows etc , setting up and then having to clear everything away at the end of the session in order to be able to live normally.

Now I have a dedicated room which is so much better as if I do wish I can leave it in complete chaos and close the door behind me.
 
Here is an encouraging review and the pop-up darkroom has been tested here in a challenging environment.

www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

The ILFORD Pop-Up Darkroom Review by Simon Riddell

Full Review – Simon Riddell March 2022.ILFORD were kind enough to send me their first prototype pop-up darkroom in early February this year. I was tasked with testing it out in the field for my ongoing wet plate collodion projects. This would see the darkroom put to use in both studio...
www.srfilmphotography.co.uk www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

Although I have Calumet Film Changing Room (the model name is a bit of an exaggeration although it is very useful) I think it would be nice to be able to load/unload film holders for black and white with a safelight rather than blind. It would also open up other photographic possibilities now I'm retired. Ha, ha! I wish!

As you can probably tell I'm hovering a bit.

Anybody got a suggestion for an LED battery powered safe light?
 
PeterSpencer said:
Here is an encouraging review and the pop-up darkroom has been tested here in a challenging environment.

www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

The ILFORD Pop-Up Darkroom Review by Simon Riddell

Full Review – Simon Riddell March 2022.ILFORD were kind enough to send me their first prototype pop-up darkroom in early February this year. I was tasked with testing it out in the field for my ongoing wet plate collodion projects. This would see the darkroom put to use in both studio...
www.srfilmphotography.co.uk www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

Although I have Calumet Film Changing Room (the model name is a bit of an exaggeration although it is very useful) I think it would be nice to be able to load/unload film holders for black and white with a safelight rather than blind. It would also open up other photographic possibilities now I'm retired. Ha, ha! I wish!

As you can probably tell I'm hovering a bit.

Anybody got a suggestion for an LED battery powered safe light?
Click to expand...
Presumably you’re talking of loading black and white ORTHO film ?

I’ve read about several folk setting up darkrooms using red led safelights but not battery powered.

There again I’ve also heard of people using bicycle led lights but I have no idea as to how safe they really are as when I cycled , my rear led light was seriously bright.
 
PeterSpencer said:
Here is an encouraging review and the pop-up darkroom has been tested here in a challenging environment.

www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

The ILFORD Pop-Up Darkroom Review by Simon Riddell

Full Review – Simon Riddell March 2022.ILFORD were kind enough to send me their first prototype pop-up darkroom in early February this year. I was tasked with testing it out in the field for my ongoing wet plate collodion projects. This would see the darkroom put to use in both studio...
www.srfilmphotography.co.uk www.srfilmphotography.co.uk

Although I have Calumet Film Changing Room (the model name is a bit of an exaggeration although it is very useful) I think it would be nice to be able to load/unload film holders for black and white with a safelight rather than blind. It would also open up other photographic possibilities now I'm retired. Ha, ha! I wish!

As you can probably tell I'm hovering a bit.

Anybody got a suggestion for an LED battery powered safe light?
Click to expand...

Perhaps something of interest amongst those.
USB charged portable darkroom lamp looks like a possibilty
 
@PeterSpencer

Another option but expensive and again from the states


www.ebay.com

SafeStik LED Darkroom Safelight By XRS - Battery Operated - Can Be Wall Mounted | eBay

SafeStik is a versatile & affordable alternative to costly safelights. Simply place SafeStik right next to your processor to easily see what you are doing. It makes working with film in the darkroom much easier.
www.ebay.com

Evidently battery lamps are available on the other side of the pond. As yet I haven’t found anything based in the uk or Europe though the latter will still impose taxes for you now.
 
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Well, that's the original darkroom lamp - admittedly in a proper lamp housing though. I expect I could dig up some adverts...
 
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StephenM said:
Well, that's the original darkroom lamp - admitted in a proper lamp housing though. I expect I could dig up some adverts...
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I used to have one as a collectors piece. Metal housing with chimney , small candle and red glass front
 
Thanks everyone for your advice, however ridiculous.
Asha said:
Presumably you’re talking of loading black and white ORTHO film ?

I’ve read about several folk setting up darkrooms using red led safelights but not battery powered.

There again I’ve also heard of people using bicycle led lights but I have no idea as to how safe they really are as when I cycled , my rear led light was seriously bright.
Click to expand...

Of course you are correct, only ortho film and that would apply to Arista Ortho Litho film which I have used but haven't processed. I think it might need some sort of tray development? Not sure until I try it.

Asha said:
@PeterSpencer

Just found one of those listed in my first link on fleabay uk

www.ebay.co.uk

Darkroom Red Safelight 635nm LED Safelight Process Developing Darkroom Equipment | eBay

Strictly selected 635nm light wavelength red LED, minimal harmful to B&W print paper. 1x darkroom safety light. Lightweight & compact, it can be moved anywhere you want. Batteries are not included.
www.ebay.co.uk

;)
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Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like a magic candle but not so hot it will burn the darkroom down, unlike the candle with handle and the red gel.
 
PeterSpencer said:
Thanks everyone for your advice, however ridiculous.


Of course you are correct, only ortho film and that would apply to Arista Ortho Litho film which I have used but haven't processed. I think it might need some sort of tray development? Not sure until I try it.



Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like a magic candle but not so hot it will burn the darkroom down, unlike the candle with handle and the red gel.
Click to expand...

Adox CHS 100 ortho is what I have for ortho film in 5x4 sheets
It’s quite a nice film tbh



CCCD800B-0D38-431E-AA6D-8A7BDDB3285D.jpeg6472F7F3-FFF8-46F1-B0F4-E9E157FCBDFA.jpeg
 
From the data, not actually ortho, just no sensitivity in the extended red region. And it seems still sensitive to 635nm in your post 12.
 
StephenM said:
From the data, not actually ortho, just no sensitivity in the extended red region. And it seems still sensitive to 635nm in your post 12.
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Ahh!

This is why I’m so glad you came back to TP…….

To keep me on my toes !:LOL:
 
Come on, with your height if you weren't on your toes you wouldn't be able reach a keyboard :D:exit:
 
In what way does that "pop up"? Hardly fair advertising IMHO. it's a black toilet tent for want of a better title. You'd be better off blacking out the room that putting that up, and having the faff of taking it down again.
As for safe lights would a dim led small torch popped inside the normal safelight work, can't see why it wouldn't provided it was dim enough.
 
StephenM said:
Come on, with your height if you weren't on your toes you wouldn't be able reach a keyboard :D:exit:
Click to expand...


Being closer to ground level has its advantages……. Like when one falls over:p
Ask Nick, @RaglanSurf , he’s so low down that he can’t possibly take a tumble :exit::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
I wonder if a "normal" LED light in an old mains safelight shell would do the job? That's if a "proper" battery powered alternative can't be sourced.
 
Asha said:
Being closer to ground level has its advantages……. Like when one falls over:p
Ask Nick, @RaglanSurf , he’s so low down that he can’t possibly take a tumble :exit::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
:bat:
 
I'm tempted by this and that review above is starting to convince me. I'd be using it to tray develop my 8x10s and do some contact prints, it'll be semi-permanently set up in some free space. In any case it's actually cheaper than buying a large Harrison changing tent so even if don't print much I'd get a lot of use out of it.
 
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