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Hey all, well i just picked up a barly used Durst M302 enlarger, but now i have some questions.

1. Where i put the negative in the enlarger is it just meant to sit there?

2. Now i have the larger i guess i need to get everything else, so could someone please write me out a basic list on everything else i need to process and then print my photos.

All i is the enlarger so far.

Thanks

yes, the negative is placed in the carrier and jut sits under the condersor and above the lens.

go to Ilord's website. they have a very good pdf showing step by step processes for developing.

have fun.

Thanks for the help.

But i was more asking on equipment needs, i have the enlarger so now what do i need to get started?

Thanks

For developing black and white prints, you need three separate trays, and several sets of good tongs. (some just use their hands...however long term this isnt always a good idea...the chemicals can enter your blood stream, and arnt particularly good for your skin)

It would be best if you have a sink with running water, but if you cant do that, then a large tub for rinsing photos in would be ok. (i did this for a long time, and usually had no problems)Its best if you throw a couple drops of a chemical that helps to get rid of bubbles and calicium etc(i think ilford makes one called Ez flow...i think thats what its called)

You will also need a red safe light, and somewhere to hang your photos to dry. They even make weights to hang on the corners of the photos so that they dont curl as they dry...

You will also need chemicals... a good developer, a stop bath and a fixer. For these, most photography supply stores should carry them. (not somewhere like blacks though, i really dont think that they have this stuff)

Its also a good idea to have some empty laundry detergent jugs to pour old chemicals into, as you cant just dump them down the drain. You have to dispose of them at a chemical recycling facility.(call your city or town garbage department for this)Where i live, theres no charge.

In order to make a good print, you will also need a printing easel. Its a frame that alows you to decide how much border you want around the print, and allows light only to fall on the area of the paper which you want it to.

A good paper cutter is also needed(unless you plan on buying paper in the size you want already , but this can cost a lot more)

You can also find all kinds of neat toners for your images...sepia for example. They can be fun, but if youve never developed before, i suggest practicing that first before using toners.

To make a contact sheet, they also make a glass topped contact sheet frame...where you put the negatives in on top of the paper. This isnt essential, but the contact sheets look very professional when you use it. It ensures every thing is lined up right on the paper.

If you have a photography store nearby, they should be able to give you any information you need regarding developing.

Good luck to you!!!

Forums are not really the spot to ask and expect an answer to a question that many people have written complete books on. Hence Ann's answer directing you to the Ilford site. More specific questions are more appropiate, like your 1st one. So, when you've read the PDF Ann mentioned, Agfas site also have a decent B&W primer. If the 'articles' section on this website is still in existence, there's a goodish one which lists equipment and chemicals required. Either that or find and buy the Kodak Basic Darkroom Guide or another basic book.

Now back to Question 1...

When you say 'just sits there' sounds almost like there's no neg carrier. Most enlargers (and I'd reckon a Durst M302 would) have a 'negative carrier' which holds the neg flat in a sandwhich arrangement. Holding the neg flat is important. You usually remove the carrier from the enlarger, open it by lifting the top half which will be hinged at the back most likely, place your neg so it's positioned over the hole and close the top half, locking the neg in place and holding it flat. The carrier may have glass over the holes to ensure the neg stays flat. Make sure you get rid of any dust from the neg and glass surfaces before inserting back in the enlarger.

Also, find out what your local laws are for dumping photo chemicals down the drain. General concensus is that only the used fixer is anymore harmful than any of the other things poured down drains used in the kitchen and laundry, not to mention what industry does.

there should be a list of items in that article

At this stage I think that your first stop should be your local library, which will have tons of books with information about darkroom equipment and procedures.

Jon

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