[Leica] Advice needed: Should I set up a darkroom or not?

[jblack at ambio.net (John Black)]

> How many people are still printing their B&W using a wet darkroom? I
> understand the look of wet printed B&W is very different from the inkjet
> printed B&W, so any particular strong reasons to do wet prints any more?


I tried the digital route for B&W a few years ago and was unsatisfied with
the results. Now I freely admit I am used to the look of a well printed
silver halide wet darkroom print and that is my gold standard.  For this
reason, our grandchildren will be so used to inkjet prints that a
traditional wet print will "look funny" to them. Probably. I just keep the
negs as clean as possible and spot if I must. I still scan my B&W negs for
email transmission to friends and family, but for the real thing to hang on
the wall or give to someone else, it is still silver gelatin.


> The used enlarger must be fairly cheap now?


Some are

 Don't Leica make some B&W enlarger too?


Not any more but used ones may be found for sale.


 I know I will have to remove dust and all that by hand. I am thinking that
I can develop the film by hand as the Jobo probably isn't helping much there
but using the Jobo to develop the prints.


If you want the best acutance (percieved resolution and detail) you need to
develop by hand with a minimum of gentle agitation.


 Anyone has experience with that?

Sorry, I have never used a Jobo but it sounds like a fine instrument.


JB