Loving my M6

[Colin1974]

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I've been using the M6 for the past 10 months and it has really enhanced my skills.

I like the fact that you can take it and use it anywhere, as it runs without batteries.

For digital, I use a Sony A900 (a miniture tank of a camera), but since using the M6, I have been using prime lenses almost exclusively on the A900. My metering and focussing skills also feel more efficient, as does my confidence.

In my over-excitement, I did try to set up my tiny bathroom for darkroom work, using equipment donated to me by a friend and bought as a cheap job-lot: I've found out that it isn't going to happen in such a tight space unless I take a liking to panic attacks and lingering fumes!

Anyway, I look forward greatly to some chats and useful advice.

Thanks, Colin1974.

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[rpsawin]

Congrats and enjoy the journey. Darkroom work is extremely rewarding and you learn a great deal from it. You will also get better and more efficient as you do more.

[Colin1974]

Thanks for the post.

Due to space restrictions, it would be possible to set up a darkroom if I could use closed tanks for print development rather than open trays. This would free up some of the space and make it easier to set up the equipment, then wash it down and store it away after use.

Within all the trial and error, I was getting some very good results: I just need to find a way to organise the set-up within a very small space so that I move freely without any worries. The main problem was that I became sweaty and restless after about ten minutes, then the work became more and more exhausting. I really need safety advice, don't I?

Thanks for any help and advice.

 

Colin 1974.

[too old to care]

I do not know your space constraints, but I used to use my kitchen as the dark room. I would just wait until it is dark and then set up the trays on the kitchen sink and the enlarger on the stove. I hang the safe light off a cabinet door and work away.

 

My darkroom now is in my basement. I have it under the stairs. It is dark enough anytime of the day to use since my basement windows are covered over with cardboard. My only trouble is I do not have running water, so I drop the prints in a plastic tub filled with water and carry them upstairs to wash in the kitchen sink. A little troublesome, but it works.

 

Enjoy our M6, I bought mine new in the late 90's and still use it as my primary camera.

 

Wayne

[Susie]

Thanks for the post.

Due to space restrictions, it would be possible to set up a darkroom if I could use closed tanks for print development rather than open trays. This would free up some of the space and make it easier to set up the equipment, then wash it down and store it away after use.

 

 

Hi Colin,

 

For print development in a small space have a look at the Nova tanks: very easy to use and store. Any basic book on darkroom techniques will cover health and safety issues.

 

Susie

[Colin1974]

Thanks for all the advice, peeps. I'll certainly look into getting a Nova tank, as they are available without much trouble. Within 50 miles of Oxford, there are several suppliers where I can get advice and help. Second hand prices are very good.

I'll ponder this over the next few months and start saving my pennies.

All the best and thanks for making me welcome, Colin.