A darkroom in a closet, for $180
A blackout curtain, a used tank, three thrift-store trays and a fan from the hardware store. How I develop black and white film at home in a coat closet, and what I would buy first if I started again.
Sending film to a lab costs about $15 a roll with scans. I shoot a lot of black and white, so a home setup paid for itself in a season.
What it cost
- A used developing tank and two reels: $35.
- A changing bag: $25.
- Chemicals for about forty rolls: $70.
- A blackout curtain and tape: $30.
- A clip-on fan: $20.
That is $180, and the closet still holds coats.
Start here
If I started again, I would buy the changing bag first. With it, the only step that needs real darkness happens inside a bag on the kitchen table.