[Leica] Darkroom work

[Bob_Maxey@mtn.3com.com]

>>I don't doubt that for a second ;-)  My point was rather that I suspect
>>there might be chemicals that float around in the atmosphere of dark-
>>rooms, that are not too good to consume.
>>
>>I'm probably just being over-cautious.  I don't know all that much about
>>chemistry, so I tend to be terrified of the stuff ;-)


Let me chime in here and set a mind or two at ease. I worked in a basement
darkroom for many years. The darkroom was in the basement of a retail
camera store and belonged to a photographic family that established their
business in 1890. I used many materials that are not used these days due to
the risks involved. For example, Mercuric based intensifiers, Cyanide based
products, and so on.

Everyone needs to remember that photographic materials are still chemicals,
and have their inherent risks. I think many people believe that just
because children have been processing for decade upon decade upon decade,
and because processing film and making prints was an activity children
could enjoy, the ides that it was perfectly safe became ingrained in us.

Please do not fret about processing film and do not be terrified. Use
caution, wear proper protective gear such as an apron and practice
cleanliness. Wash the hands before smoking or eating, leave food out of the
darkroom. Don't these things will make the experience fun. You can take
pride in a photograph that is well exposed and well printed. After God only
knows how many images I have printed, I still get a thrill to discover that
I actually remembered to remove the lens cap from my M3 before taking the
pictures.

My darkroom work was done in trays, 5 days a week, all day long. I have
printed tens of thousands of prints and made thousands of enlargements. No
problems from using chemicals yet.. assuming I can clear up the irritation
in the tail I seemed to have grown.

Finally, I am a member of several processing related mailing lists, and
some of the things I read amaze me. I see death in the future of several
people. I am constantly urging people not to just mix chemicals together,
or to substitute materials with a similar name. The results can be a real
disaster If you do branch out and try other processing materials, read the
MSDS for the chemicals you want to use, and if possible, seek advice about
the process you want to use.

So, go ahead and process film. In fact, I urge everyone to at the very
least, process their own negatives. If a lab screws up a print, it can be
redone. If they Boffo the negatives, you are out. Good luck to all.

Robert