Are you trying to find darkroom equipment among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling darkroom equipment on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 23 hours of research and did 81 darkroom equipment tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best darkroom equipment you can buy today
- Package included: 1. Timer clock x1 2. Chemical bottle x3 (color in black or white, send in random.) 3. changing bag x1 4. Rubber gloves x3 5. Film canister opener x1 6. 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1 7. 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 8. 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 9. 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 10. Thermometer stirrer x1 11. 10x loupe magnifier
- The developing tank and spirals can be accommodated the 2 rolls of 135/35mm films at a time or 1 roll of 120 film, made of unbreakable plastic, the spiral reels compatible with Paterson and other tanks on the market.
- The timer clock have 3 independent channels can be started independently or simultaneously, clock in HR/MIN/SEC, AM/PM format. timer not include battery
- The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. The 10x magnifier loupe, it's more clear, high contrast, and let you see more details.
- Note: Thermometer not include battery. these darkroom kit suitable for photography foundation buyer but it also suitable for beginner if you don't know how to use these darkroom kit please contact us, we will do my best to help you, we already equip correspond instruction for developing tank.
- High quality ： The outer layer is high density polyester taffeta and the inside is silver shade fabric. High quality zipper and velcro are very durable and stable. Anti-static! 100% Light Seal!
- Professional：Cinestille operating space is large and easy to use, suitable for film photography enthusiasts
- Lightweight design： You can easily fold it to fist size, very convenient to put in your pocket or camera bag, can save more space and reduce travel weight. At only 5 ounces, this film change bag is lightweight and practical.
- Unfolded size:：22X22.8'' INCH (manual measurement may vary by 1INCH)
- Warm tip： Any questions, please contact us. We will give you answers to any questions within 24 hours.
- Package included: 4x tongs (red + blue+ green + 1x random color)
- Feature: The three color corresponds to each stage of developing (Developer, stopper and fixer), one extra tongs for spare. The head and foot of the tongs come with silicone tips to avoid scratching the print.
- Material: bamboo + silicone
- Brand: eTone
- Package included: 1. Timer clock x1 2. Chemical bottle x3 3. Film changing bag 4. Darkroom safelight 5.Rubber gloves x3 6. Film canister opener 7. 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels 8. 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 9. 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 10.25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 11. Film Clip x4 12. Thermometer stirrer 13. 10x loupe magnifier
- The developing tank and spirals can be accommodated the 2 rolls of 135/35mm films at a time or 1 roll of 120 film, made of unbreakable plastic, the spiral reels compatible with Paterson and other tanks on the market.
- The timer clock have 3 independent channels can be started independently or simultaneously, clock in HR/MIN/SEC, AM/PM format. timer not include battery
- The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. The 10x magnifier loupe, it's more clear, high contrast, and let you see more details.
- Lightweight and protable film changing bag
- Note: timer not include battery.
- Compatibility: Suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.
- Material: HDPE
- Package: 3x Chemical Storage Bottles + 3x stickers
- Dimension: 23.5 x 7 x 7 cm/9.25 x 2.76 x 2.76 inch
- Weight: 86g/0.19lb
- Material: shock, acid and alkali resistant plastic.
- Heat resistant: up to 80ºC (176ºF).
- Function: for film/negative/photo paper processing, conducting cyanotype, thinning and thickening
- Inner size: 8.6"x11" x1.06"x1.06"(21.84x27.94x2.7cm), suitable for 8x10" and smaller format photo.
- Outer size: 13.11"x10.43"x1.3" (33.3x26.5x3.3cm).
- Package included: 120 135 developing tank with 2 spiral reels x1 + Chemical bottle x3 color in black + Rubber gloves x2 + 1000ml plastic measuring cup x2 + 50ml plastic measuring cylinder x1 + 25ml plastic measuring cylinder x1
- Design for 120 135 film processing and developing.
- Developing Tank come with 120 135 spiral reel , which can processing 2x rolls of 35 film or 1x roll of 120 film at same time, make of unbreakable plastic, heat resistant, waterproof.
- The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer. Accurate calibration of measuring cup and cylinder.
- Brand: eTone
- Material: Stainless steel.
- Features: 1. Flat mouth clips will allow to hang films tightly but no indentation marks or scratches leaving on the film surface. 2. 10pcs separated clips will come with for bottom straightening. 10pcs fixed clips on the top to sure the safe distance between films.
- Design for 135,120, 4x5" multi format film air-dry, make film surface flat and neat, it’s convenient for processing and observe film
- Brand: eTone
- Package: 1x film hanger (with 10pcs fixed clips), 10x clips. Films not included.
- Package included:Set of 3 Darkroom Print Film Developing Trays Dishes For 8x10'' 5x7'' 4x5'' Photo Paper,1L Darkroom Chemical Storage Bottles*3.Bamboo clip*4.Darkroom safelight*1.A pair of gloves*3.Thermometer*1.Steel clip*10.1L Measuring cup*1.25ml Measuring cup*1.Sponge*1.5M Nylon rope*1.
- The chemical bottle have wide bottle mouth, suitable for all photographic chemicals including developer, stopper and fixer.
- Professionally matched to make operation easy and convenient.Includes the tools needed for each process.
- Note: Thermometer not include battery.
- Brand: eTone
- Material: high quality plastic shell with 635 wavelength light
- The package includes 1x darkroom safety light, 1x Android USB cable.(not include AAA batteries)
- Note: When using Micro USB to supply power, please remove the batteries first. Please test the safe working distance before processing.
- Strictly selected 635nm light wavelength red LED, minimal harmful to B&W print paper.
- Size: 75x75x135mm or 2.95x2.95x5.3"
- 【Material】:The opener is constructed of premium metal, sturdy and provides years of reliable use; the handle part is warped with high-quality silicone, which is anti-slip and provides a comfortable hold.
- 【Useful for at-home Film Processing】:Film Cassette Opener is an indispensable and straightforward tool for at-home film processing.
- 【Note】:1.Use only in the darkroom.2.You cannot restore the film cartridge once it opens.3.Please be cautious about the sharp opening of the film cartridge.
- 【Package Included】:1 x Film Opener
- Professional Design: 4 programs can be set to facilitate different Processing needs, precise setting of time, speed.
- Compare with manual one, an automatic rotation processor allows chemicals distributed in film more evenly, and save much chemicals.
- Material: metal compound, greatly increase the service life, easy to clean and take care of.
- Compatibility: All series tanks like Jobo 1505, 1510, 1520, 2520, 2509......; Osiris F1; AP; JC. etc.
- The product has been upgraded for easier operation. Built-in manual and full after-sales warranty.
- 【SIZE PROFILE】：Oversized portable Film changing bag that can accommodate large developing canister and accessories, open size: 23.6" x 21.6".
- 【ANTI-STATIC】:The film changing bag is made of anti-static material, which can effectively avoid static electricity to make the dust adsorbed on the top of the negative
- 【DOUBLE SEALED】:Film changing bag cuffs with internal and external two-layer elastic mouth, the bottom of the bag is equipped with high-quality zipper and Velcro, two-layer seal to ensure that the operation will not leak light.
- 【EASY TO CARRY】You can easily fold it down to the size of your fist and very easily fit it in your pocket or camera bag, saving more space and reducing travel weight.
- Material: ABS plastic body
- Package include: 1x timer + 1x manual (not include batteries due to battery is prohibited stuff when ship it by airport)
- Flexible design: the back of timer with magnet and stand feet so it can be attached to metal surface or stand alone on the desk
- Clock alarm: when the timer reach the setting time it will alarm and keep one minute
- Feature: 3 independent channels can be stared independently or simultaneously and correspond to hour, minute, second, 0~99 hours, 59 minute, 59 second.
- AVOIDING LIGHT & DURABILITY: The entire 1000ml photo chemical storage bottles are made from black material, which help reduce UV transmission during transportation, handling,and storage, effectively preventing sunlight penetration and protecting sensitive contents. Additionally, the plastic Photographic Chemicals Container is durable, easy to clean, and reusable.
- HIGHLY COMPATIBLE & VERSATILE: Plastic storage containers with lids are suitable for all photographic chemicals, including developers, bottle stoppers, and fixers. Darkroom bottles can also be used for liquid dispensing, reagents, solid powders, and sample storage, meeting a wide range of experimental needs. Chemical storage bottles are widely used in laboratories, classrooms, homes, personal use, hobbies, and industrial applications.
- LEAK-PROOF DESIGN: Plastic reagent bottle features a cylindrical body with uniform thickness,precision molding, and smooth inner and outer surfaces. Plastic container with wide mouth makes it easy to fill, while the screw cap design allows for easy and comfortable opening and closing. Sample storage container also comes with an aluminum foil liner that enhances the seal. The smooth, even bottle neck fits snugly with the cap, so you don't have to worry about contents leaking out.
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: Darkroom chemical developer storage bottles are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Leak proof darkroom bottle is corrosion-resistant,acid-resistant, and helps preserve the freshness and stability of chemical liquids. Plastic lab chemical reagent bottles are BPA-free, lightweight, and durable, resistant to cracking and deformation. The material is thick and sturdy.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: We are dedicated to providing our customers with excellent service and high-quality products. Each product is thoroughly inspected before it reaches you. If you encounter any issues while shopping, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.
- High-Quality Materials: Our safe light lamp is made with a durable plastic shell and features an energy-efficient LED Red light.
- Parameter: 3w 110v light bulb.
- A must have for your darkroom/exposure room!
- Note: Please test the safe distance before use.
- 【Darkroom Film Drying Hanger】:The film hanger specially designed for 35mm/135 120 4x5" multi format film air-dry, make film surface flat and neat, it’s also convenient for processing and observe film.
- 【Durable Stainless Steel Frame】:The rack frame is made of stainless steel, rust-resistant and durable.
- 【Anti-Slip Clip】:Each clip of the film drying hanging rack features smooth rubber coating on the clip mount, which will grip your film securely and avoid damaging. Package includes: 10-Fixed Clip x1, Extra Clip x10.
- 【360°Rotating Hook】:The hook of the film dryer has 360°swivel design which allows you to effortlessly rotate the rack. It also ensures that the film can sway with the wind, allowing each roll to dry naturally in optimal conditions.
- 【Foldable & Space-Saving】:Our hanging drying rack allows you to adjust the space between the clips to hung the film separately and keep flat. What’s more,It is retractable to save space and can hangs easily on a stick or rope.
- 【Warm Tips】:If your film is long, it is not recommended that you hang too many rolls on this rack at the same time, which may cause the rolls to be too close to each other and have the negatives touch one another!!!
- Time setting switch: Will come with a English instruction for time setting switch guiding.
- Package included:1x enlarger timer+1x power cable+1x foot switch+1x EN instruction+1x plug converter
- Technical Parameter:Input Voltage: 110V-220V, compatible with different enlarger.Max Power Loading: 600W.Timing Range: 0.1 second to 99 hours.Foot Switch Cable Length: 2M/78.74 inches.
- Time Setting Switch:Press “Time Adjust” button’s “—”, and turn on the power switch at the same time. The screen shows “P00” means time range setting start, pressing the “time adjust” button “—” and “=” (represents up and down) to select the time program you want. After selection, please wait 2 seconds, then the setting complete.
- Time program setting code as the following:P00: 1-999 seconds.P01: 1-999 minutes.P02: 1-99 hours.P03: 0.1-99.9 seconds.(Note: Program P03 will not present decimal point, e.g. 105 refers to 10.5 seconds.)
- 60-minute timer has 6.5” face (Diameter), with luminous numerals, dial, and hands for enhanced visibility in darkrooms
- Two hands for setting by minutes, seconds, or a combination of minutes and seconds
- Two outlets for automatic switching between enlarger or printer and safety light
- Electric motor provides + or - .015% accuracy
- Nonconductive plastic case with rubber base pads help protect against impact, chemicals, moisture, and electrical shock
- Material: high quality stainless steel, anti rust and corrosion.
- Package include: 1x film hanger
- Feature: suitable for film and darkroom prints air dry. This hanger is foldable, you can store it on drawer and box when you don’t need to use it. and it come with 10x flat head clips which won’t scratched the surface of the film.
How to choose a good darkroom equipment
Does the idea of finding a fantastic darkroom equipment make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in darkroom equipment. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top darkroom equipment products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top darkroom equipment on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top darkroom equipment brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top darkroom equipment based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the darkroom equipment were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good darkroom equipment, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your darkroom equipment.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting darkroom equipment for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our darkroom equipment. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what darkroom equipment should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on darkroom equipment.
