Drying negatives in challenging conditions and other beginner questions

[The Dry Box]

1) Hi all, I am a beginner and will be moving from digital to film. I got most of my materials ready for b&w film development but am missing a crucial criteria; the only room where I can dry my negatives safety away from hazards such as dogs and annoying siblings is my room, but wind carries dust into the room and for this I do worry a little. As you can guess, it's not an air conditioned room.

I am thinking about investing in a al cheapo 2 meter vertical cabinet to hang my negatives in(which i would probably have to spray water in before I hung the negatives). As it is a ordinary enclosed type it will not be properly ventilated. Surely it will affect drying time and probably pose other risk I may not be aware of? Can I add something like thirsty hippo to speed up drying(lol?).

Or do anybody faces the same challenges as me, has other alternatives? Suggestions appreciated.

2) Secondly, I am interested in doing stand development with rodinal for fine art photography, but from what I know, the chemical is long exhuasted in sg market. Are they any alternatives like pyrocat that can be found? I am not so hot on the idea of making my own rodinal.

3) Ruby is out of changing bag till the second week of next month, where else can I buy one?

4) When storing my negatives in the dry cabinet, what is the recommended setting?

Much appreciated
gerald

[azzurri]

I usually dry my negatives overnight so as to minimise other people disturbing them. I basically dry them in a spare room/toilet and have had little problems so far.

Yes, there will still be dust particles here and there and that is why I got one of the most important buys I have made; the anti static brush. It really helps in removing the pesky dust specks without scratching the negatives.

For the changing bags, you can try getting it from here. Never bought stuff from them before but they do carry changing bags.

Regarding the storage of negatives, I just put them in a clear box and never bothered to place them in a dry box (tried it once and it made my whole dry box stink). I would not recommend you placing them together with your cameras; unless if you can tahan the smell.

Most importantly, congrats on coming over to film; you will enjoy it loads!

[clubgrit]

Maybe drill some holes for ventilation ?

If I remember correctly, while using the darkroom at Photographic Society of Singapore (PSS), they have something like a makeshift slim but tall closet (maybe 6ft), with hangers. On the floor of the closet is a toaster oven - (http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/d...aster_Oven.jpg - something like this - turned upwards to provide heat. Door is closed after hanging the damp negatives (excess liquid already shaken off, or squeegeed out) and starting the heater. Drying is fast and clean. I don't remember if there is ventilation, but might as well add some.

I just dry mine in the kitchen near the window, no aircon. Not much problem at all since I use a drying agent after washing, which is also anti-static. It's impossible I think not to have tiny harmless dust come in a normal home, but anti-static properties of the drying agent helps minimize these.

Originally Posted by The Dry Box 1) I am thinking about investing in a al cheapo 2 meter vertical cabinet to hang my negatives in(which i would probably have to spray water in before I hung the negatives). As it is a ordinary enclosed type it will not be properly ventilated. Surely it will affect drying time and probably pose other risk I may not be aware of? Can I add something like thirsty hippo to speed up drying(lol?). Or do anybody faces the same challenges as me, has other alternatives? Suggestions appreciated.

.

[ngebor]

or you can make your drying session looks like a romance, like what Trent Parke did...



sorry , just an intermezzo...
(photo is taken from : here)

[nordleadx]

i love his style. was thinking should bring my stuff to china.. everyday can develop

[clubgrit]

Cool guy

But be careful in the beach on a windy day ... reminds me when I threw caution to the wind and hang up Polaroid 665 negatives and prints to dry ... left to take more shots, and came back to some "sand art" ...



.

[Volks]

I have a Photoflex Changing Room to sell, it is more useful & comfortable than a changing bag. Selling at S$ 100.00, very new.

[The Dry Box]

Thx for all the advises.
For do cathay or ruby have stocks for anti-static brushes? I think this should be more widely available?

Thx.

[azzurri]

Cathay still carries them; they should cost under $30.