A friend gave me this Cherry Vale Beginner's Darkroom Developing Kit, found at a yard sale for $1.00. I've searched the Web several times, but can't find much info about it. Captured for the MadHatters photo history week.
Nice comprehensive little kit; contains everything needed for a first attempt, including roll-film 'daylight' developing tank (load in total darkness and pour chemicals in and out through a light-proof hole in the lid) and a few sheets of 'contact' paper and a frame for your first prints. Better than my first kit ... my mother's kitchenware! I still pine for those good old days!
My dad used to do this all the time. I have no personal warm memories like Arthur above, so my reaction is that I'm so thankful for the modern instant images of digital.
I took one class where we learned to develop and I loved it but never had the place to do it. Plus playing with chemicals not my thing. Too much of a scatter brain.
Reminds me of my Photography 101 class. Unlike Jane @cejaanderson , I enjoyed developing and printing with our father. He converted the interior bathroom into a temporary darkroom by placing a piece of plywood over the tub, on which he placed his enlarger and trays of chemicals. The sink was there for rinsing the film and prints. My husband is also a hobbyist photographer (He started out as a newspaper photographer @wordpixman ), and had our basement set up as his darkroom. He has now gone completely digital, but we both miss the smelly old chemicals and the thrill of watching your image slowly appear on the paper. What a great find for you, Lin, and a perfect addition to your growing collection.
@wordpixman@cejaanderson@joansmor@mbemis@juliedduncan@agedrunner Thanks so much for the great comments and sharing of memories. I watched the process many times in my college years, as the guy I dated was the school photographer, but I never learned it myself. And, yes, Mannie, I still remember the smell after all these many years!
You will have to get yourself a Box Brownie camera to have a go with that. I have a dark room if you want to use it. Great find for $1 and a lovely capture.
What a find, and for just a buck! You have a thoughtful friend, thinking of you when seeing this. I too recall the excitement (and smells) of the developing process as I took photography in high school and really enjoyed my time in the darkrooms. Can you imagine the time needed to have to go through that whole process everyday for a 365 project??
