Where do you get your kit for your darkroom

[pirate59]

So on saturday i will be heading into a joint called Vanbar imaging to purchase the stuff i need to start developing my own film. Im starting alot of medium format shots and looking to do both C-41 and E-6 work. Depending on the price.

Has anyone dealt with these guys and have any comments. if they are bogus ill avoid them just looking to get a feel on what they are like.

ill be after mostly just the chems, 1 or 2 tanks and a few necessities like changing bag, photo-flow etc...

[pirate59]

i should probably mention that i dont plan to do enlarging and prints in there.... yet :D

just looking to get developed negs ready for scans...

[Krzys]

I'd love to have access to a place like Vanbar :)

[ricktas]

Vanbar have been around for years and are a good Co. to deal with.

[wongyboi]

I bought most of my developing gear from Vanbar. Very good. If you are in Sydney the alternative would be Foto Reisel.

[Krzys]

Les Porter is a very good supplier mainly due to his payment policy and cheap postage.

[TOM]

yep, Vanbar are good to deal with. what film are you developing, what developer/fixer/stop do you plan on using?

[pirate59]

i know it sounds bad, but i was planning on rocking up and seeing whats on offer :eek:

ive done some research, seen some of the developing kits for c-41 and e-6. if i can find a local that does medium format c-41, then i may be looking at e-6 or re-considering the whole thing entirely.


to give you an idea, i have a stash of fuji pro400 pro800 velvia50 in medium and XP2, Superia 400, Velvia 50, BW400 and Pro image 100 in 35mm.

[Krzys]

Look for a Jobo Processor on ebay to keep your temps constant. Id I stated c41 or e6 I'd love one of these.

[hoffy]

There is a Jobo on ebay at the moment....not sure where it is located. I think they were asking $600, but pickup only

[GlennSan]

For colour - when I lived in Sydney, I used to take my colour 120 to the local photo lab. There was one at Thornleigh and one at Hornsby mall. There's also a fabulous Fuji lab at Heathcote that does mail order 120 colour work. I do my own B&W but could never gather the enthusiasm for DIY colour.

[rogklee]

Vanbar's great, been there and have great service, talk to you bout what you want etc. too. also stuff is usually reasonably priced