What Is a Portable Darkroom?
A portable darkroom is a temporary darkroom for darkroom processing.
Photographic development and film processes require a darkroom, a place in complete darkness. However, a portable darkroom is sometimes used as an alternative to a darkroom. Portable darkrooms can be installed at a lower cost than full-scale darkrooms.
No special equipment or facilities are required, and the environment is created with curtains or tent-like fabrics. To improve work efficiency, products equipped with UV yellow lights and casters for easy mobility are also available.
Products are available in a variety of sizes, from small products for microscopes to large equipment. Since they are easy to assemble, disassemble, and relocate, the most suitable form can be selected according to the installation space and purpose of use.
Uses of Portable Darkrooms
Portable darkrooms are used for purposes, such as developing photographs, processing motion picture film, and research and development.
1. Photo Development
Portable darkrooms are used for developing photographs. By exposing film or photographic paper in the darkroom, it is possible to adjust the clarity and color of the photograph.
Similarly, it is also used to make art prints. Negatives and digital images can be printed in the darkroom to produce crisp art prints.
2. Motion Picture Film Processing
Film development and editing are also necessary for film production. Portable Darkrooms are used as temporary locations for film processing and editing after filming.
3. Research and Development Related to Photography and Image Processing
Portable darkrooms are sometimes used for research and experiments related to photography and image processing. It is used for image processing in the development and evaluation of image processing algorithms and image analysis techniques.
It is also used for research on optical systems and the evaluation of sensors. The following are examples of research:
- Quality control and development of electronic devices
- Measurement environment development for medical physiological testing equipment, such as electroencephalographs, electromyographs, etc.
- Observation of fluorescence microscopes
Principle of Portable Darkroom
Portable darkrooms consist of shading material, frame, and working light.
1. Light-Shielding Material
In portable darkrooms, light shielding is used to prevent light leakage. The most common shading material is a black cloth or sheet. In most cases, the surface is made of polyester (flame retardant material) and the reverse side is made of urethane resin (rubber for light shielding).
These materials absorb light and minimize light leakage. Shade materials are attached to the walls and ceilings of darkrooms to prevent light from entering.
The light shielding rate is 100~99.99% complete light shielding in an illuminance of 500 lux or higher. It can also be used as a laser shading countermeasure product because of its ability to block light from lasers with output power as low as 30mW. By using light-shielding materials that are dust-proof and antistatic, the darkroom can be used in clean rooms.
2. Frame
Frames are used to support the structure of portable darkrooms. The frame consists of metal or plastic pipes or rods, and is generally attached to the walls or ceiling of the darkroom. This ensures that the shading material is stretched tightly and the shape of the darkroom is maintained.
Plastic-coated steel pipes and plastic joints are used. They are often easily assembled without special tools.
3. Work Lighting
Portable darkrooms require work lighting, but ordinary bright lights may adversely affect photographic development and other operations. Therefore, special darkroom lighting is used.
Darkroom lighting is equipped with filters to limit the wavelength of light, thereby minimizing the effect on photosensitive materials. Work lighting is installed in the workspace inside the darkroom to provide the necessary working brightness.
How to Select a Portable Darkroom
When selecting a portable darkroom, select one based on the purpose of use, size, light-shielding performance, and other factors.
1. Purpose of Use
The specifications and functions required for a portable darkroom may differ depending on the purpose of use. It is important to select a darkroom according to the specific work to be performed, such as photo development or processing of motion picture films.
2. Size
The size of a portable darkroom is determined by the constraints of the workspace and installation location. If a small, portable darkroom is needed, a folding or portable model can be selected.
3. Light-Shielding Performance
The most important factor required in a darkroom is light shielding performance. It is important to select a darkroom with sufficient light shielding performance by checking for light shielding materials and light leakage from the illuminated area.