Equipment and materials

Darkroom printing requires a few essential tools. Beyond the basics, additional equipment can make the process easier, more consistent, or more enjoyable.

Required tools

You need these to make your first print.

Enlarger & timer

An enlarger projects light through a negative onto photographic paper to create a print. Different models take different negative sizes. Check that yours accepts the format you shoot before you buy it.

The lens needs to suit your negative size. A 50mm lens covers 35mm negatives, and an 80mm lens covers 6x6. Longer lenses are needed for larger formats.

A timer switches the enlarger on and off for an exact number of seconds. That precision is what lets you make the same print twice. A second timer or clock helps you time each tray.

Darkroom printing paper

The choice of darkroom printing paper affects the final print quality and the overall look and feel of your image.

Paper is typically available in two main types: resin-coated (RC) and fibre-based (FB). RC papers are quicker to process and dry, which is why most test prints are made on them. FB papers offer greater depth and richness in tone but require longer washing and drying times.

Both types come in a variety of surfaces, including glossy, matt and satin, each providing different aesthetic results and textures.

Paper is sold in inch sizes in the UK too. 5x7 in (12.7 x 17.8 cm) is a good size to learn on. 8x10 in (20.3 x 25.4 cm) is the usual size for a finished print.

Developing trays

Trays hold the chemicals used in the printing process. Use one tray per chemical, each a size larger than the paper, so a print can be slid in and out without tipping the bath.

Safelight

A safelight gives you enough light to work by without fogging black & white paper. Red is the usual colour. Check the paper's instructions for which colours it tolerates. Colour paper needs complete darkness instead.

Chemicals

Black & white prints need three chemicals: developer, stop bath and fixer. Use a developer made for paper. Film developer works differently and gives poor prints. For colour prints, buy an RA-4 kit.

Helpful tools

These tools are not essential but make darkroom printing easier and more efficient.

Easel

The easel holds the paper flat and square under the enlarger. Its adjustable blades set the size of the white border.

Print tongs

Print tongs let you move prints between chemical trays without touching the emulsion. They help avoid damage or fingerprints and keep chemicals from cross-contaminating.

Grain focuser

A grain focuser (focus finder) helps achieve critical focus by magnifying the projected grain on the baseboard.

Drying rack

A drying rack holds prints flat while they dry. Washing and drying prints covers how long each paper needs.

Dodging/burning tools

Dodging and burning tools selectively alter exposure in specific areas of the print. They are used to fine-tune contrast and highlights.

Exposure printing scale

An exposure printing scale helps you find the right exposure time for your darkroom print. It works by placing a step wedge under the enlarger light and exposing it onto photo paper. A step wedge is a strip with areas of varying density. The resulting print shows how different exposure times affect the paper. By examining this print, you can quickly estimate the best exposure time for your negative. This tool reduces paper waste during testing and keeps results consistent across sessions.

Luxury tools

For those who print frequently, these tools provide extra convenience and precision.

Print dryer

A print dryer speeds up drying while helping keep dust off the surface for quicker, cleaner results.

Print processor

A print processor runs the development stages for you, at a held temperature and a fixed time. It is ideal for RA-4, where the chemistry does not lend itself to open-tray developing.